Tom Hanks’ Favorite Books, from WWII to Barcelona—Plus the One He’s Read Four Times and One He Says Will ‘Rip Your Heart Out’
From WWII battlefields to medieval Europe, the actor's list will surprise you
Key Takeaways
- Hanks says Rick Atkinson's WWII Liberation Trilogy will ‘rip your heart out.'
- Hanks has read 'A World Lit Only by Fire' four times and says it's a must for history lovers.
- Despite his WWII focus, Hanks also loves mystery and literary fiction set far from the battle.
If you love a good historical page-turner, you’re in great company—Tom Hanks is right there with you. The Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan star and host of several acclaimed historical documentaries is an avid reader of historical fiction, and his picks are more surprising than you might expect. Spoiler: They’re not all about WWII! Keep reading to discover the books Hanks can’t stop recommending —including one he’s read four times.
Tom Hanks’ favorite historical books
From the streets of Barcelona to 19th century Missouri, here are Hanks’ favorite historical books.
‘The Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Set in 1945 Barcelona, this novel follows Daniel, an antiquarian book dealer’s son who is working to overcome the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War and the death of his mother. One day he comes upon a mysterious book entitled The Shadow of the Wind by Julián Carax and finds solace within its pages. But when he sets out to find the author’s other works, Daniel is shocked to learn that people have been destroying Carax’s books. In fact, Daniel might have the last existing copy. What follows is a tale of mystery, adventure and faith.
What Tom Hanks thinks: “A friend of mine recommended [The] Shadow of the Wind to me, and I truly liked it.”
What readers are saying: “For readers who cherish The Name of the Rose, The Book Thief or The Night Circus, this novel offers that same intoxicating mix of mystery, melancholy, and magic. It’s a book to get lost in—a story about stories, where every page seems to murmur a secret of its own.”
‘An Army At Dawn’ by Rick Atkinson
The first book in Rick Atkinson’s nonfiction The Liberation Trilogy reveals how American and British armies fought the French in Morocco and Algeria from 1942 to 1943. Then, readers are taken to the American and British armies’ battle against Germans and Italians in Tunisia. Battle by battle, the war begins to be won. Filled with vivid details and in-depth research, this Pulitzer Prize-winning book is perfect for fans of the new documentary World War II with Tom Hanks.
What Tom Hanks thinks: “The Liberation Trilogy covers WWII in Africa and Europe, where the small details hold the DNA of the entire conflagration. The final pages will rip your heart out.”
What readers are saying: “Simply put, this is possibly the best WWII book I’ve ever read and easily ranks up there as one of the best history books I’ve ever read, right up there with The Armada by Garrett Mattingly. At the beginning of the book you aren’t too familiar with the North Africa Campaign, but by the end of the book you know it so intimately that you feel as though you were there.”
‘Stoner’ by John Williams
This bestselling novel follows William Stoner, a poor boy born in 19th-century Missouri who is sent to a local university to study agronomy. Once there, he falls in love with literature and decides to spend his life as a scholar. But as he becomes more established in society, William finds himself distancing himself from his family. It’s a moving tale that will leave readers pondering what matters and what doesn’t.
What Tom Hanks thinks: “One of the most fascinating things that you’ve ever come across.”
What readers are saying: “A brilliant, wonderfully written character study that will stay with me for a long time. This is really a beautifully written and conceived work of art; I don’t for one minute believe it’s not autobiographical in the best sense. It has to be.”
‘A World Lit Only by Fire’ by William Manchester
Another nonfiction book Hanks loves, written by acclaimed historian William Manchester, this tome transports readers to the Middle Ages. From heroic tales of knights to the barbarity of trial by ordeal, the book takes readers through the fall of an era to its epic rebirth. It’s a sweeping, richly detailed journey history lovers won’t want to miss.
What Tom Hanks thinks: “Try A World Lit Only by Fire by Wm Manchester. I’ve read it four times!”
What readers are saying: “I was mesmerized from beginning to end. William Manchester transports the reader to an era (lit only by fire) that is almost incomprehensible to our take-it-for-granted society. Yes, we get interesting sketches of the monarchs, popes, artists and explorers, but the real treat is simply learning what life was like in those days.”
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