Title: Catch Me if You Can 293 pages, 1980, adapted in 2002 Author: Frank W. Abagnale (With Stan Redding) Brief Summary: A thrilling page-turner about one of the most effective con-artists in history. He passed millions of dollars in bad checks (called "paper-hanging"), posed as an airline pilot (though he never actually flew a plane), stood in for a full year as the chief doctor at an emergency room, passed the Louisiana bar exam (he really did) & practiced law, and taught at a major university----all before it was legal for him to drink.
The most compelling thing about this book is the fact that Abagnale had a moral code. He never cheated a person (except one prostitute), always sticking it to the banks and major corporations. In his film adaptation, Spielberg says it is a story of what divorce does to a kid. This is true; the boy "acted up" in such creative and effective ways! In his best film since Indiana Jones, Spielberg made the mistake of overplaying that hand and placing the emphasis on the relationship between Frank and FBI agent Carl Hanratty Jr. The rest of the book is dedicated to detailing Mr. Abagnale's almost obscene level of charm and influence. Next to Abagnale's personality, the chase and stand-in paternal relationship pales.
Thoughts on Appeal: Fast-paced, light read with heavy elements. Not too much sex or violence, though Abagnale does talk about the former a lot.
Who I Would Recommend This To: Recommended to fans of crime (non)fiction, thrillers, suspense, and anyone longing for a good yarn well-written. Reminded me a bit of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind in that way.
Bried Summary: The Marshalls seemed to be a perfect family from Toms River, New Jersey. In 1984, they were living the American dream of affluence. Rob Marshall was a businessman and a member of the country club. His wife Maria Marshall was gorgeous and a perfect mom to their three sons. One night, Rob, with his wounded and bloody head, reported that Maria had been murdered. His sons had a blind faith in their father, believing he didn’t take the life of their mother. Later, the readers learn the disturbing facts about the real story of the adultery, gambling, drugs and murder which expose Rob’s masquerade.
Comments on Appeal: Rob Marshall’s teenage sons battle with whether or not to believe in their father’s guilt or innocence. This domestic crime book was a heartbreaking and a suspenseful read. There were some unexpected twists.
Who Would I Recommend This To: Those who like reading Fannie Weinstein (Please Don’t Kill Mommy), Derek Armstrong (Drew Peterson Exposed), Ann Rule (Dead by Sunset: perfect husband, perfect Killer) and Carlton Smith (Dying for Daddy).
Title: Catch Me if You Can
ReplyDelete293 pages, 1980, adapted in 2002
Author: Frank W. Abagnale (With Stan Redding)
Brief Summary:
A thrilling page-turner about one of the most effective con-artists in history. He passed millions of dollars in bad checks (called "paper-hanging"), posed as an airline pilot (though he never actually flew a plane), stood in for a full year as the chief doctor at an emergency room, passed the Louisiana bar exam (he really did) & practiced law, and taught at a major university----all before it was legal for him to drink.
The most compelling thing about this book is the fact that Abagnale had a moral code. He never cheated a person (except one prostitute), always sticking it to the banks and major corporations. In his film adaptation, Spielberg says it is a story of what divorce does to a kid. This is true; the boy "acted up" in such creative and effective ways! In his best film since Indiana Jones, Spielberg made the mistake of overplaying that hand and placing the emphasis on the relationship between Frank and FBI agent Carl Hanratty Jr. The rest of the book is dedicated to detailing Mr. Abagnale's almost obscene level of charm and influence. Next to Abagnale's personality, the chase and stand-in paternal relationship pales.
Thoughts on Appeal:
Fast-paced, light read with heavy elements. Not too much sex or violence, though Abagnale does talk about the former a lot.
Who I Would Recommend This To:
Recommended to fans of crime (non)fiction, thrillers, suspense, and anyone longing for a good yarn well-written. Reminded me a bit of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind in that way.
Title: Blind Faith
ReplyDeleteAuthos: Joe McGinnis
Bried Summary: The Marshalls seemed to be a perfect family from Toms River, New Jersey. In 1984, they were living the American dream of affluence. Rob Marshall was a businessman and a member of the country club. His wife Maria Marshall was gorgeous and a perfect mom to their three sons. One night, Rob, with his wounded and bloody head, reported that Maria had been murdered. His sons had a blind faith in their father, believing he didn’t take the life of their mother. Later, the readers learn the disturbing facts about the real story of the adultery, gambling, drugs and murder which expose Rob’s masquerade.
Comments on Appeal: Rob Marshall’s teenage sons battle with whether or not to believe in their father’s guilt or innocence. This domestic crime book was a heartbreaking and a suspenseful read. There were some unexpected twists.
Who Would I Recommend This To: Those who like reading Fannie Weinstein (Please Don’t Kill Mommy), Derek Armstrong (Drew Peterson Exposed), Ann Rule (Dead by Sunset: perfect husband, perfect Killer) and Carlton Smith (Dying for Daddy).