Faker by Gordon Corman - Chapter 1-3

Introduction

• Audiobook narrated by Christopher Gebauer.
• Story follows Trey and his father Parker Whitfield II, a con artist.
• Trey is Parker Whitfield III, and their identities change often due to the nature of their work.

Chapter 1

Key Characters

• Lord Gladstone (Ernie): A rented Great Dane used in a con scheme.
• Trey and Dad (Parker Whitfield II): Con artists targeting wealthy people with a fake show dog investment.
• Mr. McAvoy: Wealthy investor and father of Trey's roommate, Rudy.

Plot Summary

• Trey and his father use a rented Great Dane, posing him as a champion show dog.
• Mr. McAvoy is convinced to buy a share in the dog, unaware it's a scam.
• Trey's father is skilled at manipulating wealthy individuals.
• The family constantly changes identity to avoid detection.
• Trey's father believes that taking money from the wealthy is justified.

Chapter 2

Key Characters

• Ariana: Trey's younger sister.

Plot Summary

• The family's lifestyle is unstable due to their fraudulent activities.
• Trey recalls a childhood memory where his father extracted him from school to evade the police.
• Trey's father has always been upfront about their illegal activities.
• The family values staying together over societal norms.
• Trey's role is crucial in introducing his father to potential marks.

Chapter 3

Key Characters

• Rudy: Trey's roommate and friend at Spielman School.

Plot Summary

• Trey's popularity at school is increasing, partly due to his jokester persona.
• His father suddenly alerts him with the code word "Houdini", signaling trouble.
• Trey faces the imminent departure from school, leaving behind friendships.
• He struggles with the emotional impact of leaving Rudy and his friends.
• The reality of his father's cons impacting his relationships hits hard.

Themes

• Family vs. Morality: Trey's loyalty to his father versus the moral implications of their actions.
• Identity and Deception: Constant identity changes and living a life of deception.
• Wealth and Ethics: Justifying cons by targeting the wealthy.

Analysis

• The story provides insight into the complexities of growing up in a con-artist family.
• Trey's internal conflict between loyalty and morality is a central theme.
• The narrative explores the consequences of living a life built on lies, especially in relationships.