The Oscar-winning actor, Tom Hanks in his debut collection of short stories ‘Uncommon Type’ has put together 17 stories. The collection, which came out in 2017, is an ode to everyday life in various parts of America. It includes stories of a reporter struggling to fit into the digital age, a newly-divorced mom with three kids in a new neighbourhood, a billionaire and his assistant and many more.
As an author, Tom Hanks has bought together a multitude of characters, occasionally repetitive, with a plethora of emotions – from desire to melancholy and humour to unwanted angst. Hanks isn’t an accomplished writer yet but his stories are rooted in everyday life, which make them relatable. Some of the stories are outright funny while a few others are sentimental. It’s a mixed bag, with something for everyone, and no defined genre or theme linking the 17 short stories.
The stories move through different decades — 1940s, 1950s, 1970s, 2000s, 2027 — and shows us an America that has changed through these years. To enjoy some of the stories, you may require some degree of familiarity with the geography and popular culture of the country. These are stories a leisure read, at times going back and forth to help you find a new perspective. Pick this one up, Tom Hanks won’t disappoint you.