Uncommon Type: Some Stories

If you read this collection of short stories in order to find out behind the scenes gossip about the many movies in which Tom Hanks has acted, or the celebrities he has known,or secret insights into the mind of one of our most successful actors, you will be disappointed. There is nothing in this collection which will change your perception of Tom Hanks one bit – the stories match his screen persona like a tuxedo tailored for Oscar night.

Most of the stories are harmless, pleasant tales of the sort that would have filled out the now-defunct "Ladies Home Journal" or "Women's Home Companion"- easy-going stories about rather stereiotypically decent people, which meander along to a mostly happy ending. I liked the coming of age twist in "Visit to Mars"', and the delightfully quirky" Ålan Bean plus Four."

Hanks is obviously doing his best to write good stories. Some of these are certainly based on research and experiences linked to his movies, all have workmanlike structure. But I'm pretty sure this collection would not have gotten published if not for Hanks' celebrity status.

Hearing Tom Hanks as guest host on NPR's "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" in early 2017 was a revelation. Lightning dry, irreverant wit! So I expected nonstop hiccup inducing humor here - and there are laughs aplenty. There is also good writing, and some plots and characters which Mr. Hanks could develop into fine stage plays or even films (i.e., "Alan Beam Plus Four" which get make me laugh to hiccuping). Some of these are even written as short screenplays. Hanks displays his intelligence and wide ranging interests from technology to history and the human cost of war. He happens to collect typewriters, which turn up here in supporting roles and seem to outperform more modern means of preserving text. Are we meant to match ourselves to particular models? Well, I liked "These Are the Meditations of My Heart," and not just because it features the sea-foam green Hermes of my college days.

Some stories are freestanding gems. As a collection, they aim beyond entertainment. Let's call them parables which celebrate humanity. Hanks sees no reason anyone should fail, nor does he condone affectation. He likes a middle way of humility + hard work + positivity despite challenges. Read this volume without expectations, don't rush it. There are examples of redemption through courage and generosity ("Go See Costas"), of our contentment / added value when we perform any worthwhile activity to the best of ability, and of our rewards gained through opportunities taken without exploitation of other people.

Another takeaway: the person who wrote these stories is likeable, reliable and wise. We all wonder why actors take specific roles (for the paycheck or honest interest?) I can see why Hanks became Captain Miller, James Donovan, Forrest Gump and Michael Sullivan.

Uncommon Type is a collection of short stories that capture all facts of life. From the energetic Anna (she features in multiple stories!) to the loving husband and father, Virgil, seemingly engrossed in normal, everyday life like being home in time for Christmas and keeping up the magic of Santa Claus for his children. But at night, when the house has gone quiet, he calls his friend, the one he was in the army with, and from their conversation and the following memories, we perceive hidden depths and the horrors of war – and how that what they lived through in The Ardennes as soldiers during WWII has had a major impact on their lives. Touching and wonderful.

Some stories are so detailed, that you find yourself lost and lose interest at all, preventing you from taking on to the tale being told. Some just are not getting through. Some change for the good by opening up a new layer that gives a whole new perspective to the tale at hand. Although this is a work of fiction, you can still feel the actor’s life shining through and sometimes wonder, is this fiction or could this have happened for real? Some stories did not grasp me, some let me down – some were enjoyable and for me, a few stood out, the touching ‘Christmas Eve 1953,’ and ‘These are the Meditations of My Heart,’ – the old typewriter as a symbol to life itself.

I was going to give this one four stars because, you know, short stories (which are always a mix between GREAT and OKAY I GUESS), but the audio of the last story absolutely deserves its own star. As wonderful as Tom Hanks is -- and he is the wonderfulest -- he's not an audiobook narrator, so some of the pacing/cadence was a little odd. The last story, Stay With Us, is performed by a full cast with music and sound effects and everything, so it was by far my favorite story.

This is the first time I've read a short story collection that "recycled" (for lack of a better word) the same characters in multiple stories, and I found myself confused at first but ultimately enjoying hearing about Anna and Steve Wong and MDash multiple times. (Steve Is Perfect gave me SO MUCH ANXIETY! But in a this-book-is-amazing way.) The reporter annoyed me a little bit in his recurring stories, but I still liked how he sort of kept the book flowing.

I can already tell that this is going to be one of those recommend-to-everyone books... I had the audiobook on hold for weeks at my library, but it was so worth the wait.

Also: I want my typewriter back. :(

I didn't buy the Hanks book through the store, but, instead, checked it out of my local library. Overall, I liked it very much and think Tom is a talented writer who should definitely keep writing. I liked the running motif of the typewriter through many of the stories, all of whom were very different and from what I understand, he had been writing these stories since 2014. There was only one story I couldn't get through and that was the one written in the style of a movie script. I did some digging and found that Hanks has a huge collection of typewriters and promotes the use of the typewritten note in his daily life. That appeals to me very much since I am a rubber stamper (make hand made greeting cards) and through my cards, try to keep alive the art of the handwritten note. So, I appreciate that Hanks is also trying to keep the art of the hand-typed note alive. He and his collection of typewriters are featured in a very interesting documentary I recently viewed called "California Typewriter. But, where his book is concerned, I liked it very much and look forward to reading more of Hanks stories...

I have to admit that I have had the hots for Tom Hanks since I first laid eyes on him in Bosom Buddies. That notwithstanding, I don't think anyone would dispute the fact that he is a wonderful actor as well as a multi-faceted human being. Case in point - the fabulous World War II Museum in New Orleans is a result of his handiwork. I listened to this book on Audible, because somehow I knew it would not be the same without his marvelous voice and I was right. Some of the stories are sweet, some are sad, and some are hilarious. You sort of feel like you invited him over and he is relating these stories to you as you are both kicked back with your shoes off sharing a pizza. Spoiler alert - I will bet good money there is a typewriter in his house - I feel like he has had a love affair with one! All in all a very enjoyable book!

Tom Hank’s short story anthology is an interesting read and this uneven but overall a well together collection of tales which all feature a typewriter in some capacity within the narrative.

As with most short story collection, it is a hit and miss affair but overall, it is well thought out collection. Like Hanks, the short stories unfold at their own pace and narrative that make some of the stories a true stand out whilst others left me a little flat. The one feather in his hat is that the tales within are all very well written and it really comes down to taste and what each person finds enjoyable. For instance, I loved the down to earth snapshot in the day of the life of some of the characters and for me, this is where the book shines above all others. The science fiction stores left me feeling a bit flat but this may have to do with that I am not a big reader of this genre so it might be down to preference rather than quality of writing.

As stated above, his work is well accomplished and I am sure the intended audience will devour this book. The book does have something for everyone and like most anthologies, it is best read in one’s own time. He gives a lot of food for thought and I liked that I would read a story, think about it and then proceed with another book. Finish that book and start reading the next short. There is a lot of food for thought found within these pages. It looks like Tom Hanks may have a new career emerging and would be very interested to see where he takes this talent. I would be more than happy to explore his writing further and would be interested to see what he would do with a story in novel length.
A Horror/Thriller Novel with a Difference

Uncommon Type is a collection of short stories. While I liked a couple of them, the rest just didn't hold my interest - they sorta fell flat. I kept thinking about how badly I needed to vacuum my carpet. Meh. So why did I give it three stars and not two? Hank Fiset. After every three stories Hanks gives us little nuggets called "Our Town Today with Hank Fiset" - stories told by reporter Hank Fiset of the Tri-Cities Daily News/Herald. These are gems that make you think, make you remember, and make you smile. If the whole book was about Hank Fiset I never woulda thought about vacuuming.

Oh - and the side of awwwww I gave Uncommon Type? Every story begins with a photo of an old typewriter, most of the stories feature typewriters in them at one point or another, and in real life Tom Hanks collects antique typewriters. Awwwww.

Tom Hanks has written some incredibly good short stories here. The sceneries are vivid, the attention to detail is first class, and the stories house a wide cast of well rounded and beautifully developed characters.

If there was a downside to *Uncommon Type*, it’s that it is a collection of short stories, and I found myself wanting more. I Ionged to remain immersed in some of these canvas and see what the next episodes would bring along for the characters in play.

That’s not to be seen as a criticism in anyway; but the highest of compliments. I doff my cap to anyone who is able to write investable characters that I lament leaving behind. And to do that in the space of twenty pages, or so, takes a rare talent indeed. Well done Mr Hanks!

—Tristan Sherwin, author of *Love: Expressed*

(For those who are wondering; my personal favourites in this collection would be the stories entitled, *A Special Weekend* and *The Past Is Important To Us*.)

I've discovered how you really spell the word talented, it's T-O-M H-A-N-K-S! This was such an enjoyable book of short stories, yes there were a couple that weren't as good, but they were still well written. I like stories that I think about after I've finished them, that happened with so many of the short stories in here. I had a couple that I would label as my favorites, and find myself thinking about them during the day long after finishing them. This book is like taking a trip back in time, to a simpler place when life was not so hurried and people were kinder to one another. A time that has seemed to vanished in the past nowadays.
It was a big surprise to me to discover just how multi-talented Tom Hanks really is. His writing is better than some other authors that I've read, his descriptions are vivid and came to life in my imagination. Yes, I would definitely recommend reading this book.

So I'm browsing through the book section and spot the 3 word sticker that inspires the book lover - "Signed First Edition". Notice the title, then the author. Tom Hanks? The Tom Hanks? He writes too?!

Quite well as a matter of fact. A collection of stories that are quite enjoyable. Interesting thread is based on his hobby of collecting old typewriters - you know, those things before word processing and computers. Each story has a photo of one of the oldies and each story has mention of one - sometimes a fleeting reference, other times a central role.

Did notice an error in the story written like a screenplay. It references a an old car, a beater that expires upon arrival to their destination. They refer to a blown oil pump but 10 pages later when the hunky mechanic arrives he shows up with a rebuilt fuel pump that he installs to get it running.

Well, done, Tom. Look forward to your next effort. A novel, perhaps?

This is the kind of book that stays with you. Stray words and phrases reverberating in moments of joy and warmth. Mr. Hanks places a typewriter in every story. The machine will play a central or very peripheral tole but always always the typewriter grounds the tale. Beyond that all bets are off. Characters are goofy or brilliant or elderly or so very very young. There is a WW2 vet’s Christmas Eve with his wife awaiting a phone call. There is a futuristic love struck multi billionaire genius in love and reliving a day in the past. There is a Bulgarian immigrant literally fresh off the boat. And there is a guy who I envision as being Tom Hanks in another life, the one without the acting. And so many many more. You will befriend, fall in love with, and simply want to stay with these people. Enjoy the prose. And not for nothing. Tom Hanks has a great voice. Listen to this! Buy it to keep. You will want to listen again.

I first must tell you that I have never really ever took the time to listen to an audiobook, mainly because my mind will wander. But... I saw the book "Uncommon Type" on audio and since I love Tom Hank's voice I knew I had to listen to this. Well, bravo! I loved it! I loved the stories about M-Dash, Anna, and the bowling god Steve Wong. Christmas Eve made me cry. And I now have "Our town today with Hank Fiset" a permanent fixture in my mental vocabulary dictionary. I knew that The Past Is Important To Us wasn't going to end well, but I kept hoping. A Month on Greene Street left me wishing for a proper finish to it even though it was just a month in time. And Stay With Us made me melancholy for a time when I ran barefoot over dirt roads. And also made me sad because the audio ended. Thanks so much for this. I think it needs to win a prize if for no other reason than it touches my heart and woke my imagination to places and people that I will not soon forget.

... and “out there”, “on the edge”, maybe even a bit disordered view of people and relationships ... not an enjoyable read; interesting when not too weird but can be quite weird; has some oddly funny and even loving, though usually very bitter-sweet, stories though not well developed into stories; more like telling of events not always even finished. Raises concerns, or maybe actually explains, how Mr Hanks can so brilliantly get into the varying minds of his movie characters!!! ... not all that unusual for most “geniuses” in any profession. He remains in my eyes a very gifted actor who most often chooses wonderful roles not at all like these characters.

I expected these stories to just be okay. And to be honest, the first one was a little hard to get through and I still question its placement at the top.

But you know what? There are some truly beautiful and funny stories in this book that are every bit as charming as Mr. Hanks himself. The war vet who gets a phone call on Christmas Eve, the time traveler who just wants a bit more (what else?) time, the Bulgarian immigrant who sees New York for the first time, the young actress who learns how to make it in New York. Hanks surprised me and he’s a damn good writer.

I’m glad I stuck with this book; it was really wonderful.

A series of short stories with a common thread running through them. Watch some of them carefully or you will miss the thread. I enjoyed all the stories but my favorites were the three that had Anna, MDash, Steven Wong, and the narrator in them. I liked these characters and their friendship. My other favorites where with Hank Fiset. He is a reporter who takes on a variety of topics, such as coffee shops, places from his past, New York, and the press room. I liked his style. Tom Hanks is a clever writer. I will read him again, especially if it has the narrator and company in it.

We checked the audio version of this book out from the library before a long drive. I had high expectations. To be honest, I was looking forward to listening with giddy anticipation. Who doesn’t love Tom Hanks?! Outstanding actor with a gift for telling a story. But the story wasn’t good. We made it to disc 2, I think. The first story wasn’t bad. The second one was ok. I think it was the droning diatribe about every detail in a monotonous press junket that left us both feeling drained and bored. ... my husband just read what I wrote and said, yep that’s accurate. I would not recommend.

OK, I borrowed this from the library, but I did read it! I'm glad I did, at last, something Tom Hanks has done is merely average. (Smile). Love him as an actor, comedian, producer, but as a writer, he's quirky, but not excellent. I consider him to be one of, if not the best, American actor ever.

It seems he has a thing for typewriters. Each chapter begins with a photo of a different kind of typewriter which plays into the short story. I can hear his voice narrating these stories, a dry sense of humor, good enough to read, but not so great you need to buy or own the book (just my opinion folks).

I purchased Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks at Target. All opinions are my own. ????If you are a short story person this is your book. It is a collection of short stories that are full of emotion. There is a common link in the stories which took me three or four to notice. Although the stories themselves are not to related to one another. The book begins and ends with the same set of characters in different parts if life. So there is a methos to the madness. Probably because I read every character in the voice of Forrest Gump and would have to remind myself Tom Hanks not Forrest. Haha!

What a hoot. I enjoy reading short stories, but none as much as these. The eccentric characters are exactly what would have expected from this author. After the first few stories, the true genius of the author begins to show through the “uncommon” themes, as suggested by the title. These stories are not for everyone, however; some might find them boring, or they just might not understand them. For me, the book was a true joy to read.

Yes, I bought it because Tom Hanks wrote it, but I read more literary fiction than popular fiction so my standards for writing are high. Tom Hanks delivers. Not every story held up to the others, but overall, Hanks displays an engaging writing style, characters that are interesting and (for the most part) engaging plotlines. I'd read his second book, if he writes one.

So I was expecting short stories but a typewriter theme was unexpected. And delightful. Yes I have used one many times but don't own one at the moment. Woven through the stories - sometimes background and other times the main theme. Many different times and places. Some stories return. Many stories are very poignant regardless of the time period. As a first published attempt at fiction kudos to Hanks.

I love short stories and I love Tom Hanks so put them together and you might have one of my favorite things ever. My favorite was Alan Bean Plus Four about a trip to space, had the same characters as the very first story that I also loved and found hilarious while making me angry. All of them spotlighted a typewriter at some point and I liked the visuals. Tom Hanks can write! He’s amazing.

Eh. I went into this book with great gusto. I listened to it on Audible, and I can say that the best part was him reading it. Some of the stories weren't bad, and I would say they were quite good. But even as an actor, I think he could use some work on writing dialog. It was poor. He used certain phrases that didn't seem to fit the characters. I lost interest about halfway through when I decided I could not take his reuse of characters in a story about building a homemade rocket and orbiting the moon. It was pretty ridiculous and not well done. I'm giving it 3 stars because his voice was great and there were a few stories at the beginning that were decent. Don't quit your day job Tom ;) But nice try.

Unlike some… I didn’t purchase this book because Tom Hanks was a great actor. I bought it… because Tom Hanks has continually been one of the most entertaining… intelligent… humorous… story telling… guests on the TV talk show circuit. He has always been… in my opinion… a raconteur’s… raconteur! Every time I see him scheduled on a talk show I have gone out of my way to watch his segment… and I have never been disappointed. I figured… how could a great TV storyteller… not hit a homerun… in a book of short stories. Sadly… I feel he fouled a few off… and then struck out.

On the whole… his short stories just don’t hit the mark. Most stories where you’re gearing up for the surprise… (whether… happy… sad… mysterious… shocking or educational) ending… that is the hallmark… of the whole short story culture itself… simply disappoint. Perhaps my favorite story was “Christmas Eve 1953”… which takes you from… almost a “Father Knows Best”… 1950’s feeling of a beautiful loving family… into an understanding… of the horrific human tragedies of war. Perhaps the most disappointing… and just plain ludicrous…. Was “Alan Bean Plus Four”.

I suppose I can try to console myself… with the fact that I didn’t make this purchase… because I was blinded by the light of Hollywood-tinsel-town- stardom… but made the decision on the author’s verbal story telling talents… but even though… that may help massage my ego… it still left my reading appetite unfulfilled… and my wallet a little thinner.

Caveat emptor.

This collection of stories by Tom Hanks does not disappoint. Hanks has real talent as a writer and reminds me of Saul Bellow, J.D. Sailnger and James Thurber. Christmas Eve 1953 and Steve Wong is Perfect were just fantastic. A must read if you like Hanks or want a book to take to the beach with you this summer.

Ok I know many may disagree but I did not care for this one at all. Not badly written, just bland and lacking intrigue. I just couldn't get in to any of the stories. So disappointing because I so very much wanted to like this book. I got about halfway through the book when I called it quits. Just couldn't do it. ?

Okay, this may have been a self-published effort had it not been Tom Hanks, but Mr. Hanks offers up bits of characters with whom the reader can often feel a part of. I love authors who can transport readers back to life in a child’s mind. One of his stories achieves this while illuminating the adult past, present, and future of that child’s world.

Tom Hanks will never let you down, but the packaging might. This came crammed at the top of a box with another product and was jammed against one of the box flaps so that it damaged the book's binding and bent a few pages. Even if it weren't a gift I would be annoyed. That said, I am exchanging it and expect things will work out and I'll have a nice book in the end.

These are the type of stories you want to read out loud. They are fun and make you smile, and you want to share them with others. Tom Hanks’ love for typewriters is contagious. My favorite story was “These Are The Meditations Of My Heart,” which makes me want to go out an buy an old typewriter.

I really enjoyed reading this collection of short stories. Each one was very different but I love how they all had something to do with a typewriter! Just a little twist! Tom Hanks really is that good. I recommend picking this up for and easy fun read!

These are beautiful stories. They are clean and nice – exactly what I would have expected of Tom Hanks. They are well written, in a number of voices and with a couple of recurring characters and a variety of genres, including a SF story. Everyone should read them (I wish that I had bought the physical book to pass around). And I guess written on various typewriters.

Tom Hanks' writing style is simple and direct. He has an eye for detail and an ear for dialog. His character development is subtle and often had me wondering 'where is he going with this?' Too often though, the answer was 'nowhere'. With few exceptions the endings left me wondering what the point of the story was. Sometimes there is no resolution, because there was no conflict in the first place. As 'slice of life pieces' some are well written but he seems to have a talent for picking the wrong slice to write about. Sad, because otherwise his writing is so accessible. At the end of the book I felt sad for would-be authors who also write well but whose work will never find space on bookstore shelves because they don't have household names.

I don’t usually like books with collected short stories. And I’ll admit that I only read this because it was written by Tom Hanks. But I enjoyed every single story. They were all just a little slice of life, and I couldn’t help but wonder how he came up with all of those stories about so many different types of people.

I was disappointed because I really wanted to like this book, as Tom is one of my favourite actors and I was excited about having the opportunity to review it. What I got was a collection of short stories, with an old fashioned feel about them. Unfortunately they didn’t hold my interest and I struggled to finish the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

This book of “meh” short stories reminded me of Tom Hanks’ movie “Larry Crowne” from a few years back. You thought because it was from Tom Hanks, it had to be good, right? You were looking forward to something with wit and depth, right? Well, keep looking. These stories are not really horrible, they are just, well, quite ordinary. No standouts, a couple of clunkers, a little bit of nostalgia, some weird semi-sci-fi and time travel stuff, but nothing that grabs you or keeps you turning the page. I kept hoping for some oomph or spark, maybe even an original chuckle or two, but there really is none. Like his “Larry Crowne” movie, it had an interesting premise but falls short. Glad you tried your hand at this, Tom, but maybe it’s just not your thing.

These are beautiful stories. They are clean and nice – exactly what I would have expected of Tom Hanks. They are well written, in a number of voices and with a couple of recurring characters and a variety of genres, including a SF story. Everyone should read them (I wish that I had bought the physical book to pass around). And I guess written on various typewriters.

Tom Hanks' writing style is simple and direct. He has an eye for detail and an ear for dialog. His character development is subtle and often had me wondering 'where is he going with this?' Too often though, the answer was 'nowhere'. With few exceptions the endings left me wondering what the point of the story was. Sometimes there is no resolution, because there was no conflict in the first place. As 'slice of life pieces' some are well written but he seems to have a talent for picking the wrong slice to write about. Sad, because otherwise his writing is so accessible. At the end of the book I felt sad for would-be authors who also write well but whose work will never find space on bookstore shelves because they don't have household names.

I don’t usually like books with collected short stories. And I’ll admit that I only read this because it was written by Tom Hanks. But I enjoyed every single story. They were all just a little slice of life, and I couldn’t help but wonder how he came up with all of those stories about so many different types of people.

First of all, i like Tom Hanks. I had already watched the documentary of his about typewriters and it was well done! Now to discover that this is his first book....a collection of short stories, all containing some reference to a typewriter. Very well written! I was quite smitten....couldnt wait to read the next story.

I was disappointed because I really wanted to like this book, as Tom is one of my favourite actors and I was excited about having the opportunity to review it. What I got was a collection of short stories, with an old fashioned feel about them. Unfortunately they didn’t hold my interest and I struggled to finish the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

This book of “meh” short stories reminded me of Tom Hanks’ movie “Larry Crowne” from a few years back. You thought because it was from Tom Hanks, it had to be good, right? You were looking forward to something with wit and depth, right? Well, keep looking. These stories are not really horrible, they are just, well, quite ordinary. No standouts, a couple of clunkers, a little bit of nostalgia, some weird semi-sci-fi and time travel stuff, but nothing that grabs you or keeps you turning the page. I kept hoping for some oomph or spark, maybe even an original chuckle or two, but there really is none. Like his “Larry Crowne” movie, it had an interesting premise but falls short. Glad you tried your hand at this, Tom, but maybe it’s just not your thing.

Each story has a uniqueness and character all it's own. Add to that the variety of typeface used and it's a winner. I love that several of the "characters" return several times to reveal a new aspect to their tale. You'll love this book!

Hanks crams so much surface detail into his stories it's like he's packing a suitcase for a long trip, but then he never goes anywhere. For me, the stories seem to wade in the shallows, barely registering a blip on the emotional screen. But all that surface detail does lend great verisimilitude - the apartment he describes in Who's Who? I have BEEN in that apartment.

I could just hear Tom Hanks' voice all the way through this. I really enjoy him as an actor and now I've met him as an author. His stories were upbeat and it was neat the way he tied them together with the typewriters.

Unexpectly wonderful. I picked it up because he's a local boy and I love him as an actor.
I stayed with it because his writing style is wonderful to read and his stories are a bit quirky, but not too quirky.

If I ever write a book of short stories, I'm certainly gonna try to make the best impression with the opening one. Hanks' opener was the literary equivalent of watching paint dry. Did they get any better?

I feel bad because I REALLY wanted to like this book, but it was just boring for me. I decided to listen to it since Tom Hanks narrated it, but it didn't help. I made it to the end of disc 4 (out of 8) before I realized that at some point, I quit hearing the story and the sound was just background music to whatever else I was doing. That's when I decided to turn it off.

Stories are simple. Writing is simple. I wanted to love this collection because I really like Tom Hanks but it is not happening. It is obvious that this is his first attempt at writing. Not sure if he wasn't who he is this would have been published.

Tom Hanks does a wonderful job of reading his own work. Unfortunately, the stories just aren't very interesting. I would not recommend this book but would love to hear him read someone else's writing.

I feel bad because I REALLY wanted to like this book, but it was just boring for me. I decided to listen to it since Tom Hanks narrated it, but it didn't help. I made it to the end of disc 4 (out of 8) before I realized that at some point, I quit hearing the story and the sound was just background music to whatever else I was doing. That's when I decided to turn it off.

Stories are simple. Writing is simple. I wanted to love this collection because I really like Tom Hanks but it is not happening. It is obvious that this is his first attempt at writing. Not sure if he wasn't who he is this would have been published.

Tom Hanks does a wonderful job of reading his own work. Unfortunately, the stories just aren't very interesting. I would not recommend this book but would love to hear him read someone else's writing.

When I think about Tom Hanks, I love his role in "Saving Private Ryan" as the Captain, and how he pulls off "Forrest Gump" better than people can imagine, or even how he has us laughing to tears in "Turner and Hooch." So, being such a big name, an incredible actor who has some directing ability, it would likely fit the bill that he’d likely charm his fans with some short stories, right? “Uncommon Type” will answer that question for his fans. I think that Tom Hanks CAN write, yes. When you grab the attention of bestseller, Carl Hiaasen, you’ve achieved something, no doubt about it. But that doesn’t mean that his head and mind aren’t in the gutter either.

I think my favorite story out of the bunch was about a WWII veteran on Christmas Eve, and his thoughtful pondering of service past, and memories treasured. Hanks starts off the collection with the story of an affair between two friends, and it really leaves little to the imagination. There’s a story in there of a divorced woman in a new neighborhood. There are stories that involve sons finding out more about their parents then they realized. And then you have your typical newspaper reporter.

The common ground in all of this happens to typewriters. All of the stories involve typewriters, which sometimes keeps it interesting.

So, as far as common ground including typewriters, it really wasn’t enough to win me over for the next Tom Hanks bestseller. I felt like the man’s head was nothing short of in the gutter, and he just wrote different stories to try and make sense out of it. Some people will love it, and some just won’t be into it. I wish I was more into it, just like Steve Martin and Carl Hiaasen. I’m also glad that I inter-library borrowed this one, and didn’t waste my own dime on it.

As a huge Tom Hanks fan, I was very excited about his first collection of short stories. Tom writes very well, but the guy that resides in my mind is not the real man. He is a Hollywood image, created by my brain and the media, derived from fairly family-friendly movies like "A League of their Own" and "Castaway", "Sully". Tom Hanks the writer is talented, but there was just too much R-rated material in this book for me to continue past the third story. So do take my review with a grain of salt. Firstly, I didn't finish the book. Secondly, my bias is based on a Hollywood illusion that doesn't truly exist. Some have compared Hanks to a modern-day Jimmy Stewart, and indeed that's how I've always seen him. This is not who he is. Tom is his own man. Hence, my deluded self is disappointed. Knowing what I know now, I'd take a pass on this collection.

I absolutely love Tom Hanks as an actor, but good grief, he should stick to acting. I wanted to like this so badly, but alas, it was not meant to be. I’m thankful I checked this out from the library and didn’t pay money for it.

I'm not a fan of short stories. I love to read and get lost in a story and I find with short stories, they aren't deep or long enough. But I like Tom Hanks so thought I'd check it out.

I wanted to like this book but I didn't. There were 17 stories and I enjoyed maybe three of them. The rest I found uninteresting and/or boring. I found myself starting a story and then skipping it because it was boring to get to the next one ... and then doing the same again and again.

Sorry, Tom!

I love Tom Hanks in movies, but 'You've Got Mail,' this is NOT. I was hoping for typical witty Tom Hanks, but instead found sexual innuendo and foul language common to R rated movies. I have asked for a refund because half way into the second story, I had enough.

A terrible piece of crap, yikes. I got this for free and feel bad that somebody paid for it.

I honestly believe Tom Hanks is massively overrated; sure Forest Gump was awesome and his character was charming and sweet (even if entirely unrealistic), but otherwise he should've stuck to silly comedies where his extremely limited range wasn't an issue.

These stories, well... they really highlight just how dull and unimaginative he really is. Don't waste money on this, your kids will wonder why you've wasted their time.

a sorry,, rambling collection of unconnected short stories with no coherent themes. maybe worth 25 cents. too sorry to even pass on to a thrift store. If I couldn't return it, I would just pitch in in the trash. I can't imagine why my wife bought this for me. Shows you what a name can get done. If he can get this published, anybody can get anything published!