Dive into the literary world of Tom Hanks, Actor & Filmmaker.

Tom Hanks is one of Hollywood's most beloved and versatile actors, whose career spans decades with roles that have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide. Born in 1956 in Concord, California, Hanks rose to fame in the 1980s with starring roles in films like "Big" and "Splash." Over the years, he has portrayed a wide array of characters, from the lovable Forrest Gump to the heroic Captain Miller in "Saving Private Ryan." His performances have earned him numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor. Hanks is also known for his voice role as Woody in the "Toy Story" series, further cementing his place in cinematic history.

Reading non-fiction is the only way I can escape my brain.❞ — Tom Hanks

Aside from his acting career, Tom Hanks is an enthusiastic reader and has a particular fondness for historical non-fiction and narratives that delve deep into the American experience. His love for reading has also influenced his venture into writing; Hanks has published a collection of short stories, "Uncommon Type," where he explores various themes through the common thread of typewriters—another of his passions. His reading habits enrich his understanding of characters and settings, influencing his craft and storytelling abilities.

Tom Hanks' Favorite Books

Last Updated: May 2024

Hue 1968: A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam

Mark Bowden delivers a gripping account of the Tet Offensive's pivotal Battle of Hue, where American forces faced a brutal and unexpected confrontation that marked a significant turning point in the Vietnam War.

Midnight In Europe

In this historical spy novel by Alan Furst, a Spanish lawyer recruited by the anti-Fascist coalition embarks on a dangerous mission across Europe to secure arms for the Spanish Civil War as World War II looms on the horizon.

In Cold Blood

Truman Capote's pioneering work of the non-fiction novel genre, meticulously detailing the brutal murder of a family in Kansas in 1959 and the subsequent investigation and trial of the killers.

Crime and Punishment

Fyodor Dostoevsky's intense psychological novel follows the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student in St. Petersburg who formulates and executes a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker.
Also recommended by:
Woody Harrelson  Jordan Peterson 

An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943

Rick Atkinson offers a comprehensive and gripping account of the North African campaign in World War II, examining both the strategic importance of the campaign and the human experiences of the soldiers.

The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger's classic novel depicts a few days in the life of Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager navigating his way through the challenges of adulthood in New York City.
Also recommended by:
Tupac Shakur 
Do you have a suggestion for someone who should be featured on our site? Reach out to us today, and we'll make every effort to include them soon!