Meet Bob Friel: The Tale of Barefoot Bandit

On April 7, 2012, Kate and I had the honor of meeting author Bob Friel at a book signing at the Joint Base Lewis-McCord BX. Mr. Friel was there to promote his new book, "The Barefoot Bandit: The True Story of Colton Harris-Moore, New American Outlaw."

When I purchased my copy of his book, Mr. Friel promised that it was full of the flavor of Washington. Yes, he does deliver. He and his signficant other, Sandi, resided in Orcas, the largest of the San Juan Islands, during Colton Harris-Moore's crime spree. Mr. Friel knows and understands the people who live in this rural area -- whether they are the impoverished residents of central Camano Island or wealthy homeowners who only stay at their beachfront properties on weekends or during the summer. The amusing anecdotes and details he provides bring the San Juan Islands to life.

Bob Friel's book opens with a 17 year old boy breaking into a small plane hangar in Orcas. Although he has never had any flight instruction, he steals a 1999 Cessna 182 and flies it over the Cascades during a storm. After crash landing on a hillside in Mill Creek Ridge, he steps out of the plane and eludes the authorities. The swashbuckling adventures of Colton Harris-Moore, affectionately known as the Barefoot Bandit, have begun.

Mr. Friel discusses the bandit's childhood on Camano Island. Colton's entire clan was fond of going barefoot, which they attributed to being descended from the Sioux Indian tribe. His mother, Pam Kohler, drank heavily and was involved with a number of unsavory men. Colton grew up in poverty and lived with his mother in a run down, old trailer. Overall, I felt that Mr. Friel was sympathetic toward Ms. Kohler. I'm not sure if other writers would have been as kind to her as Mr. Friel was.

I was slightly disappointed that Mr. Friel's book did not include more about Colton's defense attorney, John Henry Browne. Mr. Browne is one of the best attorneys and most fascinating characters in Washington. According to the Seattle Times, Mr. Browne accepted Colton Harris-Moore's case for one dollar because he sincerely believed that Colton needed help. He claims to be on the verge of bankruptcy because he devoted so much time to Colton's case. Although the Barefoot Bandit was accused of 67 crimes, he was sentenced to only seven and a half years in prison. The court accepted this plea bargain after Mr. Browne described how Colton was abused and neglected as a child. While the court proceedings were taking place in Coupeville, Pam Kohler threatened to put Mr. Browne out of business. I would have liked to have known Mr. Friel's opinion about why Ms. Kohler was so angry at the man who did so much to help her son.

John Henry Browne is currently defending Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, the Fort Lewis soldier who is accused of murdering 17 civilians in Afghanistan. Mr. Browne is also writing an autobiography called "Music, Metaphysics, and Murderers." While we are waiting for his memoir to be published, Bob Friel's tale about the Barefoot Bandit is an excellent read. Try it and savor the flavor of Washington.