T-Hanks… famous actor, director, producer, voice of Woody, most importantly star of one of my favorite movies You’ve Got Mail. Add author to the list and you’ve got book #13.

Book Read: Uncommon Type: Some Stories
Author: Tom Hanks
Number of Books Read: 13

Not going to lie, it took me about a week to read this book. At first, I thought it was because collections of fictional short stories may not be my thing, and it may be best to read one at a time rather than straight through. But at points, it seemed to be this particular collection of short stories. (I did love JoJo Moye’s Paris for One).

Hanks has shorter stories, longer stories, more serious stories, funnier stories. Some kept me turning the page. Some, the people annoyed me and I just wanted them to end. They were just bad. But I made my way through all 17 of them.

A common theme in all of these stories? A typewriter is somehow involved and most have a picture of a type writer before the story begins. 

Some of my favorites:

• Imagine you can enter a hotel room and time travel back to specific places and times, like the World Fair in New York City circa 1939 up to 6 times. A billionaire may look at things a little differently after that trip. 
• Steve Wong and his path to ESPN stardom with so many perfect 300 games despite only wanting to bowl for fun.
• A young woman, with a new found independence, buys a toy typewriter, leading to a purchase that changes her life

Some of my non-favorites (most of the 17):

• The weird newspaper clippings that showed up occasionally. They made no sense.
• Four friends travel to the moon. (Sounds practical, right?)
• A teenager finds out too much about his dad’s life after his surf board attacks him.
• A new actor’s first glimpse into a press tour and being the co-star to an actress who needs no introduction.

Some of these stories are heartwarming and surprising. Some felt like page fillers.

If Tom Hanks writes another book, I’m sure I’ll read it because hey, it’s Tom Hanks! But unless you like short stories, this one might not be for you. I’m going to stick with You’ve Got Mail.

Next Read: Rosie Colored Glasses by Brianna Wolfson