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

Light a Penny Candle

Maeve Binchy's novel explores the enduring friendship between an English girl and an Irish girl who meet during World War II and the subsequent entwining of their families over the following decades.

The Shadow of the Wind

Carlos Ruiz Zafón crafts a labyrinthine tale of post-war Barcelona, where a young boy discovers a forgotten book that leads him into the heart of a deep, dark mystery that stretches back into the shadows of the city's past.

Lenin's Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire

David Remnick's Pulitzer Prize-winning account of the fall of the Soviet Union, as witnessed through the events leading up to and following the collapse, providing deep insights into Russian society and politics.

1939: The Lost World of the Fair

David Gelernter brings to life the 1939 New York World's Fair, capturing its optimism and the technological wonders presented, set against the backdrop of a world on the brink of war.

A Gentleman in Moscow

Amor Towles tells the story of Count Alexander Rostov, who is sentenced to house arrest in a luxury hotel across from the Kremlin, where he lives through decades of tumultuous Russian history.
Also recommended by:
Bill Gates 

Mila 18

Leon Uris's novel based on the true story of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, portraying the Jewish resistance in Poland during World War II as they stand up against the Nazi regime.

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.
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!