Read 4/2024 and left in Panzano

Did you know that Tom Hanks was also a writer? I had not known until I found this gem in a used book store. Uncommon Type contains 17 short stories that can be read on their own. Some are loosely connected through their protagonists and all of them feature a typewriter in some capacity or other. There is the unlikely relationship between a high-energy woman and a laid-back man, there is time traveling, there is the kid growing up after his parents separated, there are war veterans, there is the immigrant to the United States, there is a couple that owns a roadside motel in a deserted area of land, and so much more.

All of the stories provide slices of life that take you in almost instantly and make you turn the pages. I loved the writing, I loved the characters and I loved the plots of the stories. After each story I found myself hoping it would not end so soon and continue just a little more. This, however, does not subtract from the quality of the reading experience. Rather, it makes you wonder and stay in the world that was created in the stories a little longer. I really found myself rooting for some of the characters and have grown quite fond of them. I am really glad that I found this book. 5 stars. ( )

Not only is Mr. Hanks a wonderful actor and director, but he is an excellent storyteller as well. Nicely written variety of stories. ( )

Tom Hanks is easily one of the most favored film and screen artists we have, so it was a delight to find that his creativity extends to prose. The stories are varied and interesting, unique in such subtle ways. His ear for dialog, understandably, is perfectly pitched. But it's the characters that really resound. he obviously has an understanding of the human condition, and you can see it in his screen work. But he is also patient enough, and skilled enough with the word, to demonstrate those characters on the page and over a narrative.

Highly Recommended!!!!!
5 bones!!!!! ( )

COULD NOT PUT DOWN!!!! SO enjoyable and funny and witty. Tom Hanks has a future in storytelling

"Beautiful Faking" used to describe a movie set!.

"Their skins show all the different colors of human nature" describing a crowd ( )