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Excellent book! I love his writing! Sometimes reminded me of his film "That Thing You Do!" which, if you haven't seen it, you need to see it!
The short stories in this collection were varied running the gamut from script to scifi to contemporary--all with a unique voice and a brilliant story line. This is one of only two collections of short stories in which I loved every story within. Highly recommended!
The short stories in this collection were varied running the gamut from script to scifi to contemporary--all with a unique voice and a brilliant story line. This is one of only two collections of short stories in which I loved every story within. Highly recommended!
Tom Hank’s can write, witty, funny, charming short stories
Oh, Tom Hanks! I went to see him speak about this book about a year ago and I have only now gotten the chance to read this wonderful collection of stories. And much like seeing him in person, these stories offer a bit of humor, a bit of outlandish storytelling, and a whole lot of love.
Some stories here connected, like the group of friends who go to the moon or set a bowling record, or the old-fashioned newspaper man who updates his small town about the happenstances of being in a small town. And some stories are all on their own, like two war veterans calling each other on Christmas Eve or a European immigrant attempting to make his way in America. What brings each story together is a single object: a typewriter. Now, many know of Tom Hanks and his love for a typewriter. That love is shown in these stories as a typewriter makes either a big or a small appearance in every story, bringing them all together through a machine that brings forth stories of it's own making. It all makes me want to get a typewriter now, to know what it is like to write a story that is created by sharp strokes and precise typing. For Tom Hanks' writing, probably crafted on a typewriter since that seems about right with him, is about bringing people together. His stories, though vastly different and filled with loving and hateful, perfect and imperfect characters, are all brought together by love. Each story is character driven, filled with rich backgrounds and intriguing moments that are both outlandish and yet entirely believable. In reading, it is clear that each story is from the heart, one poured out on a typewriter. For in our how many words a minute world, these stories remind us to slow down and take each letter and each word at a steady time.
I have a great deal of hope for having more stories from Tom Hanks, for I feel like he has a great many inside of him. Ones that are brought to life on a typewriter and ingrained with a humanity only a humble man such as Tom Hanks can create.
Some stories here connected, like the group of friends who go to the moon or set a bowling record, or the old-fashioned newspaper man who updates his small town about the happenstances of being in a small town. And some stories are all on their own, like two war veterans calling each other on Christmas Eve or a European immigrant attempting to make his way in America. What brings each story together is a single object: a typewriter. Now, many know of Tom Hanks and his love for a typewriter. That love is shown in these stories as a typewriter makes either a big or a small appearance in every story, bringing them all together through a machine that brings forth stories of it's own making. It all makes me want to get a typewriter now, to know what it is like to write a story that is created by sharp strokes and precise typing. For Tom Hanks' writing, probably crafted on a typewriter since that seems about right with him, is about bringing people together. His stories, though vastly different and filled with loving and hateful, perfect and imperfect characters, are all brought together by love. Each story is character driven, filled with rich backgrounds and intriguing moments that are both outlandish and yet entirely believable. In reading, it is clear that each story is from the heart, one poured out on a typewriter. For in our how many words a minute world, these stories remind us to slow down and take each letter and each word at a steady time.
I have a great deal of hope for having more stories from Tom Hanks, for I feel like he has a great many inside of him. Ones that are brought to life on a typewriter and ingrained with a humanity only a humble man such as Tom Hanks can create.
These stories were written with the soul of Tom Hanks. Normally, I love reading short stories but they can sometimes be bland or too far fetched. However, I could hear Tom Hank’s voice while reading this book. His quirky humour blended in with the nostalgic aspect of each story. Personally, I love periodical elements and pieces used in such a modern way.
Thoroughly engaging collection of stories from Mr. Hanks. Some Telegraph their ending, others not so much, all are an enjoyable read. And for me, most offered a unique opportunity to place myself in shoes of protagonist(s) to think about handling similar scenarios, an exercise I quite enjoyed.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
I wanted to like this - as I like Tom Hanks - and the reviews on the jacket were great. However, the stories are mostly about boring people doing boring things. DNF.
funny
relaxing
fast-paced