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3.38 AVERAGE
3.38 AVERAGE
I'm not one for short stories. But if America's Dad decided to write short stories, I had to read it. Tom Hanks and his typewriter sure can fill your heart. And just like magic they all tie together. Dads really can do everything
Tom Hanks is a storyteller. Not cutting edge or challenging but wonderfully rich and satisfying. And if you get the audiobook it is a double treat hearing the author tell his own stories.
Usually I am not a short story fan. Most are either too short to establish an emotional connection with the characters or don't have satisfying endings. This collection though hit it out of the park. I started to wish that all the stories were full blown novels because I fell in love with each and everyone of them. I would definitely recommend the audio book on this one. Tom Hanks' voice is like listening to an old friend or cuddling up in a warm blanket on a cold day. Check this one out!
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Kirk, as his defensive stance, pulled out book after book, reading like he was a chain-smoker with a carton of menthols.”
I liked this collection, but I don’t think the gimmick works all that well. The gimmick is, there is a typewriter somewhere in every story, kind of like “Where’s Waldo” for vintage nerds.
If you’re familiar with Tom Hanks’ oeuvre, then you kind of know what’s in store, and in many ways it feels like his “greatest hits.” To me, that’s not a bad thing. Love me some Hanx.
There are many stand out stories in here.
The first, “Three Exhausting Weeks” is a great story about a whirlwind relationship with a person that is “too much.” It ends amicably, and loved it for that. Also connects to the last story, “Steve Wong Is Perfect,” which is my favorite story of the bunch.
“Welcome to Mars” is not a space story, but I really liked it a lot. “Alan Bean Plus Four” is the space story, and I really liked it a lot.
“The Past is Important to Us” is a fantastic time travel story that becomes a horror story.
I think the best story is “Go See Kostas, about an immigrant from Bulgaria coming to America. Hanx captures a beautiful vision of what immigration was like in nicer times.
All in all, I dig it. Will reread my favorites.
I liked this collection, but I don’t think the gimmick works all that well. The gimmick is, there is a typewriter somewhere in every story, kind of like “Where’s Waldo” for vintage nerds.
If you’re familiar with Tom Hanks’ oeuvre, then you kind of know what’s in store, and in many ways it feels like his “greatest hits.” To me, that’s not a bad thing. Love me some Hanx.
There are many stand out stories in here.
The first, “Three Exhausting Weeks” is a great story about a whirlwind relationship with a person that is “too much.” It ends amicably, and loved it for that. Also connects to the last story, “Steve Wong Is Perfect,” which is my favorite story of the bunch.
“Welcome to Mars” is not a space story, but I really liked it a lot. “Alan Bean Plus Four” is the space story, and I really liked it a lot.
“The Past is Important to Us” is a fantastic time travel story that becomes a horror story.
I think the best story is “Go See Kostas, about an immigrant from Bulgaria coming to America. Hanx captures a beautiful vision of what immigration was like in nicer times.
All in all, I dig it. Will reread my favorites.
Some were good, some were just OK, which is how I feel about all the short story collections I read. I have yet to find a collection where I love every story. If you know of a perfect one, let me know.
Five stars might be dramatic but I just love Tom Hanks and I really loved this collection of stories.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My favorites were “The Past is Important to Us,” “Go See Costas,” “Welcome to Mars” and “A Month on Greene Street.” The rest were meh.
These stories are superbly written, often hilarious, and always fun. There are no major twists and turns, no shock, no cohesive thread between them besides the mention or featuring of a typewriter.
It’s a good read, but don’t expect cliffhangers or huge epiphanies- which is nice sometimes.
Tom Hanks is a great actor, super funny, and apparently a skillful writer.
I hate him.
It’s a good read, but don’t expect cliffhangers or huge epiphanies- which is nice sometimes.
Tom Hanks is a great actor, super funny, and apparently a skillful writer.
I hate him.
short stories written by tom Hanks. Every story contained a typewriter!