Book 209: Catch Me If You Can by Frank W. Abagnale

I just finished this book. It was 277 pages and I read it in a few hours while recovering from a stomach bug. 

Truth be told, I loved the Tom Hanks/Leonardo DiCaprio/Christopher Walken movie version of this book. But for once, I wasn’t disappointed when I picked up the book after seeing a movie, or vice versa.

For those of you that don’t know the story already, Frank Abagnale was one of America’s most successful check forgers. He made millions by forging and cashing thousands of checks around the world. He impersonated an airline pilot, a doctor, and a state prosecutor. And he did it all before he turned 21.

While the book doesn’t provide an ending to the story, it does provide much more detail about how the illustrious conman got away with his scam for so long. He kept moving, using the banking system to cover his tracks while he was on his way to his next destination… and target. Over and over again, he repeated his scam and refined it, with nothing but confidence and research on his side.

Things have changed quite a bit since the 1960s due in part to Abagnale’s criminal endeavors. He helped uncover weaknesses in the banking system that allowed him to succeed in cashing two and a half million dollars worth of fraudulent checks in five years’ time. 

A fascinating tale - though I don’t know how much of it was accurate. Seemed like an awful lot to remember. 

Hiatus: OVER.

Good morning/afternoon/evening, whenever you are reading this!

An odd coincidence got me thinking that it's time to get started again on this whole book blogging project. (Don't worry, I've been reading all along and keeping track of the books I've read...)

For anyone who thinks 2020 is bad, let me tell you: my 2019 was worse. My personal life got completely turned upside down, and I have questioned just about every life choice I've ever made. Except for reading. 

Books have been a constant companion for me throughout my life. I wasn't always the most ardent reader, but I've always been in the middle of a book or two since I was able to read. Books and their authors provide me with all of the stuff my parents didn't (or couldn't) teach me.

Life has not been easy. Some days I just want to quit everything and go live in a hut in the jungle by myself. And I really shouldn't complain, because so many others have such bigger difficulties.

Anyway, here's to another 200 books and another 12 years. May we continue on this journey together, our love of books uniting this global community as we confront our daily uncertainties and challenges.

Shout out to my eastern European audience - I'm very glad to have your support.

Love, Es

Book 200: A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio

I LOVE MIRNA VALERIO. She is the bomb.

For my 200th book, I'm featuring A Beautiful Work in Progress, a book about a woman that doesn't give a rat's ass that she is technically obese. She is a mother. She is a writer. She is a teacher. She is African American. And she is an accomplished marathoner.

Mirna Valerio does not play. She trains every day and has run everything from a plain old 5K to an ultramarathon (anything over 26.2 miles). She is known as "The Mirnavator" on the trails and among her social media followers.

Although there were many wonderful stories within this memoir, the chapter that is most memorable is the one in which she paid homage to her own body. Mirna talks about each feature of her body and how each contributes to her success on the trail. I think I was so taken with this chapter because most women just hate their bodies, even those who have perfect ones. After reading this chapter, I had a serious conversation with myself about how I feel about my body.

As women, we need to support one another and stop beating ourselves up. This book changed my life. I encourage you to pick up a copy, especially if you are a woman. The Mirnavator is inspiring. She is on Instagram and shares many aspects of her life as a marathon runner. Go to https://www.instagram.com/themirnavator/.