Catch Me If You Can discussion

Catch Me if You Can is one of the great crime novels of our generation, written by Frank Abagnale (with assistance from Stan Redding). The novel details the life of Frank Abagnale, who was one of the most famous con artists and check swindlers of the 20th century. It is written in the first person and describes how he cashed $2.5 million worth of bad checks. Throughout his charade, he assumed many different identities as well as various jobs, such as pretending to be a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, a teacher, and an attorney.
The story starts off with a 16 year old Frank growing up in Bronxville New York. After the traumatic divorce of his parents, young Frank ran away from home. After giving a shot at the straight and narrow, he soon realized that working, as a stock boy would not cover his living expenses. After altering the age and name of his license, he started writing bad checks to supplement his income. Soon Frank realized that this was not the life he wanted for himself. A line that hits home with readers comes in the first part of the book, “I didn’t want to just survive, I wanted to live”. To achieve this goal, he set his sights on larger schemes. He acquired a Pilot’s uniform and a Pan-American Identification badge, and then began creating and cashing large quantities of fake Pan-American payroll checks.
Abagnale details his life, and experiences living in different places. His stories about living in Louisiana, and his time living in Atlanta make the reader feel that they are with him throughout every chapter of his life. This helps give a personal feel to the autobiography. You almost feel like you are living this luxurious life on the run.
The autobiography details multiple escapes from federal agents, as well as escapes from federal custody. Frank was eventually apprehended, while living in France and then served approximately five years in prison—six months in France, six months in Sweden, and four years in the United States. Abagnale describes his time in French, Swedish and American prisons as very different experiences. The details about his time in French prison are especially detailed and dark. The chapters are so descriptive, that the reader feels that they have spent time in the French Perpingan prison. The book ends with an epilogue telling the story of Frank Abagnale's final capture and the story of his rehabilitation, which resulted in the creation of his security firm. The novel is thrilling and captivating.
The novel stands up as one of the greats in the Autobiographical genre. It is a great read for anyone interested in the genres of crime, suspense or autobiography. The team of Abagnale and Redding effortlessly take the reader on a wild ride through a worldwide, crime filled escapade. This is an excellent novel for anyone looking for a thrilling read and an interest in crime stories.