Audiobooks read by Tom Hanks
Many people are switching from paperbacks to audiobooks—one of the reasons being that their favorite celebrities often read them. In fact, Tom Hanks is one of the most famous celebrity narrators so let’s explore which books he narrates.
Who is Tom Hanks?
Tom Hanks is a highly accomplished Hollywood actor. He studied at renowned institutions, such as California State University. Having moved to New York in his 20s, he launched his movie career with a horror flick called "He Knows You're Alone."
In particular, he had several memorable roles in the 1990s. For instance, he captivated audiences by playing the drunken manager of a baseball team in "A League of Their Own." His portrayal of a widowed man in "Sleepless in Seattle" was just as impressive.
Hanks also delivered Oscar-winning performances in "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump." He and Spencer Tracy are the only two stars to win back-to-back academy awards for best actor in a leading role.
This award-winning icon earned more Oscar nominations for several more dramatic performances, including his role in:
- "Saving Private Ryan"
- "Cast Away"
- "Apollo 13"
- "Road to Perdition"
- "The Green Mile"
Hanks is also famous for lending his voice to the cowboy Woody in "Toy Story." Plus, he showcased his versatility with performances in a range of genres, including mystery and comedy. Two of his most popular movies in the 2000s include "Catch Me If You Can" and "The Da Vinci Code."
Besides his illustrious acting career, Tom Hanks has narrated many audiobooks too.
Audiobooks narrated by Tom Hanks
Here are the audiobooks read by Tom Hanks.
“The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett
"The Dutch House" is a New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize finalist by Ann Patchett. It's a fascinating story about the Conroys – a family who goes from rags to riches.
Spanning more than 50 years, the novel revolves around siblings Maeve and Danny as they encounter family drama and struggle with codependency. The book was nominated for the 2020 Audie Awards.
Tom Hanks is the ideal narrator for the story as he strikes a balance between deep emotion, cynicism, and humor.
“Uncommon Type: Some Stories” by Tom Hanks
"Uncommon Type" is a series that features several characters.
The most famous story focuses on an Eastern European immigrant who travels to New York after his country is ravaged by civil war. He's passionate about sports and wants to monetize his love of bowling.
To succeed, he pulls one sleight-of-hand trick after another until he becomes a celebrity. His new life is enjoyable, but the man soon starts questioning whether his rise to fame has ruined the things he really loves.
There are many other memorable characters in these short stories. For example, one of the tales centers on a flamboyant billionaire and his assistant. They go to America to discover romance and learn the true meaning of life.
Tom Hanks is both the writer and narrator of these adventures. He delivers a heartwarming and cerebral performance. Other voice actors accompany his narration, including Cecily Strong, Wilmer Valderrama, and Holland Taylor.
“I Am A Pole (And So Can You)” by Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert wrote "I Am A Pole (And So Can You)” to tell a story about a fictional pole who finds purpose in life. The title is a wordplay on Colbert's first release – "I Am America (And So Can You)."
The author asserts himself as a satire master. You can easily miss a joke or two if you don't pay attention, but Tom Hanks is here to prevent this.
His tone grips you from the first second and complements Colbert's storytelling to keep you entertained throughout the audiobook.
“Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip” by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns
"Horatio's Drive: America's First Road Trip" by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns is a companion volume to a PBS documentary about a road trip. However, it doesn't describe just any road trip – it recounts the first and most astonishing car journey across the U.S.
There were just around 150 miles of paved roads in the country at the time and few people had seen an automobile before. This didn't stop the titular character from driving his 20-horsepower four-wheeler from California to New York.
This 31-year-old bet a large amount of money he would reach his destination in one piece. He's accompanied on his journey by his trusted mechanic, Sewall Crocker, and a dog named Bud.
Tom Hanks makes this glorious account even more mesmerizing with his narration. His pacing is exceptional, and his delivery accurately captures Horatio's daring spirit.
“The War” by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns
This book by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns examines the impact of World War II on 40 average Americans. The authors describe their journeys from the U.S. across the globe.
The characters participate in momentous events that dictate the outcome of the war. Their individual experiences play a major role in the conflict and have a profound effect on their lives.
Tom Hanks lends his voice to the audiobook, along with Ken Burns, Rebecca Holtz, and Josh Lucas.
Try Speechify
Speechify is a top-rated text to speech platform that turns articles, emails, social media posts, and more into speech.
Besides standard voices, the app has many languages and accents to choose from, including Gwyneth Paltrow's voice. It's immersive and can turn even the most boring news article into a thrilling podcast.
Try Speechify for free to witness Gwyneth Paltrow's voice yourself.
FAQ
Who is the best audiobook narrator?
It's hard to say which audiobook narrator is the best. There are numerous exceptional narrators, like Meryl Streep, Jim Dale, Tom Hanks, and Stephen Fry.
Is Matthew McConaughey's book on Audible?
Matthew McConaughey's "Greenlights" can be found on Audible.
When was the last time Tom Hanks narrated a book?
The most recent book narrated by Tom Hanks is "Dutch House."
What is the most popular audiobook on Audible?
As of now, the most popular audiobook on Audible is "It Starts with Us" by Colleen Hoover.
Is 'The Girl on the Train' on Audible?
Audible has the audiobook of "The Girl on the Train."
How does an audiobook work?
The principle behind audiobooks is simple – a real person or AI-generated voice narrates a paperback to turn it into a downloadable mp3 format.
