Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks – A Surprising Collection of Stories Worth Reading
🎬 Introduction: More Than Just an Actor
When you think of Tom Hanks, you likely picture him on the big screen in films like Forrest Gump, Cast Away, or Saving Private Ryan. But in Uncommon Type, Hanks proves he’s just as compelling on the page as he is on screen.
Published in 2017, Uncommon Type is a charming and thoughtful collection of 17 short stories, all loosely connected by one common thread: a typewriter—a subtle nod to Hanks’s real-life passion for these vintage machines. But don’t be fooled; this isn’t a gimmick. It’s a literary debut that surprises, delights, and entertains.
Whether you’re a fan of Hanks or just love well-written short stories, this book deserves a place on your reading list.
📖 What Uncommon Type Is About
At its core, Uncommon Type is a celebration of ordinary people in extraordinary (and sometimes wonderfully mundane) situations. The stories are diverse—ranging from time travel and space exploration to heartfelt tales of friendship and personal growth.
Each story stands alone, yet they all reflect Hanks’s characteristic warmth, wit, and eye for human emotion. Some are lighthearted and funny; others are quiet, contemplative, and touching.
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:
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A WWII veteran reflects on life after the war.
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A bowling team unexpectedly stumbles into fame.
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A young man finds himself traveling through time via a typewriter.
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Friends navigate the ups and downs of modern relationships and career choices.
And yes, each story includes a typewriter in some form—sometimes central to the plot, other times just sitting quietly in the background.
💡 Why You Should Read Uncommon Type
✅ 1. It’s Tom Hanks—but not as you know him
While many celebrity-authored books rely on fame, Uncommon Type stands on its own. Hanks’s writing is genuine, observant, and full of heart, showing his deep understanding of human nature.
✅ 2. It’s perfect for busy readers
Each story is short and satisfying, making it ideal for reading in quick bursts—during your commute, lunch break, or before bed.
✅ 3. A diverse mix of tone and topic
Some stories will make you laugh, others will leave you reflective. This emotional variety keeps the book feeling fresh all the way through.
✅ 4. A nod to nostalgia
With Hanks’s love for typewriters woven throughout, the book is a love letter to the past, filled with analog charm and human connection.
✍️ Writing Style: Warm, Witty, and Observational
Hanks’s prose is clean, descriptive, and character-focused. He doesn’t try too hard to be literary or overly clever. Instead, he lets the characters and situations speak for themselves—a refreshing approach that makes the stories feel sincere and accessible.
Fans of authors like Nick Hornby, Anne Tyler, or David Sedaris will feel right at home.
🧳 The Perfect Read For…
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Train or plane rides
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Short reading sessions
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Fans of slice-of-life fiction
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Anyone curious to see a new side of Tom Hanks
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Readers who enjoy uplifting yet realistic storytelling
📝 Uncommon Type Book Review
Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks is a delightful collection of 17 short stories that showcase the actor’s hidden talent for writing. With heart, humor, and nostalgia, each story invites readers into a unique world where everyday life becomes quietly extraordinary.
A must-read for fans of short fiction, literary debuts, and those who believe everyday stories can still leave a lasting impact.
✅ Final Thoughts
Tom Hanks’s Uncommon Type is a warm, accessible, and surprisingly skillful debut that proves storytelling doesn’t always need dramatic twists or grand reveals. Sometimes, the beauty is in the small, quiet moments—and Hanks captures them with grace.
Whether you’re reading it because you love Tom Hanks or because you’re a fan of good old-fashioned storytelling, this book is well worth your time.
