Helpful Score: 1
Tom Hanks an author..who knew?! Normally I don't read short stories but made an exception for this book. The writing was very good. The length of each story prevented developing any one character in depth, but went far enough to relate to them. However, the most interesting quirk was the appearance of a typewriter in each story. Hanks collects typewriters and in each story one of them made an appearance, either briefly or for the whole length of the tale. Curiosity kept me reading to the end.., D.
Tom Hanks obviously is multi-talented but I didn't realize his talents extended into the written word. This was a very good selection of stories from Hanks that were for the most part uplifting and joyful. Hanks is a collector of typewriters and these 17 stories are joined together by them; the stories usually contain a mention of typewriters and they are joined together by photos of old typewriters. I really enjoyed most of these with a few exceptions. They range from stories of love and divorce to even a couple of science fiction tales. I especially enjoyed The Past Is Important to Us where a millionaire is able to afford time travel back to 1939 where he visits the 1939 World's fair and meets long lost love. Christmas Eve 1953 was another favorite about a man enjoying Christmas eve with his family until he is called by an old war buddy which brings back the horrors endured during WWII. Then there's Steve Wong Is Perfect about a young man who bowls six perfect games in a row.
I could go on about others in the volume but I'll just say that probably 90% of these were real gems. They reminded me of stories from an earlier age that could have been written by O. Henry or Damon Runyon.
I first heard about this book on the CBS Morning show which interviewed Hanks and his love for typewriters. I put this book on my wishlist at the time and was not disappointed!
I could go on about others in the volume but I'll just say that probably 90% of these were real gems. They reminded me of stories from an earlier age that could have been written by O. Henry or Damon Runyon.
I first heard about this book on the CBS Morning show which interviewed Hanks and his love for typewriters. I put this book on my wishlist at the time and was not disappointed!
