Tom Hanks’ 11 Favorite Books of all Time

It’s no secret that Tom Hanks is one of the most beloved actors in the world. From unforgettable performances to box office hits that stand the test of time, Hanks has built a career that few can rival. But what many people don’t realize is that when he’s not on set, he’s often buried in a book.

And not just casually reading—Hanks is a serious reader.

If you take a look at his Goodreads activity, you’ll find that he’s recommended dozens of books across multiple genres. From literary classics to modern masterpieces, his taste is as impressive as his filmography. So naturally, we had to take a closer look.

Here are 11 of Tom Hanks’s favorite books—and trust me, this is a list every reader will want to steal from.

Tom Hanks’s 11 Favorite Books

1. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
3. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky  
4. The Martian by Andy Weir
5. The Hobbit by J.R R. Tolkien
6. Bossypants by Tina Fey
7. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles 
8. In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson
9. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
10. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
11. The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

A Reading List That Has Everything

One thing that immediately stands out about Hanks’s list is just how diverse it is. This isn’t someone sticking to one genre or playing it safe. Instead, you get a little bit of everything—history, science fiction, literary fiction, memoirs, and timeless classics.

And honestly, that’s what makes this list so compelling.

You’ve got deeply thought-provoking nonfiction like Sapiens, which explores the entire history of humankind in a way that completely changes how you view the world. Then you jump into something like The Martian, which is fast-paced, funny, and packed with science that somehow never feels overwhelming.

That kind of range tells you everything you need to know about Hanks as a reader—he’s curious, open-minded, and always looking for a great story.

The Classics Still Hit

If you love classic literature, Hanks has you covered.

Books like The Catcher in the Rye and Crime and Punishment are staples for a reason. They’ve been read for generations, and yet they still manage to resonate with modern readers. There’s something timeless about Holden Caulfield’s angst and Raskolnikov’s moral struggles that keeps pulling people back in.

And then there’s The Hobbit.

It’s almost impossible to talk about great books without bringing up Tolkien’s work. Whether you’re a lifelong fantasy fan or someone just dipping your toes into the genre, The Hobbit is one of those must-read novels. It’s adventurous, imaginative, and surprisingly emotional for such a compact story.

There’s a reason it continues to show up on “best books of all time” lists—and seeing it here just reinforces that.

Modern Favorites That Live Up to the Hype

While the classics are great, it’s refreshing to see that Hanks isn’t stuck in the past.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is one of the standout modern picks on this list. It’s beautifully written, character-driven, and the kind of novel that quietly stays with you long after you finish it. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on one of the best literary novels of the past decade.

Then you have The Martian by Andy Weir, which is basically the definition of a page-turner. Even if science fiction isn’t usually your thing, this book has a way of pulling you in. The humor, the tension, and the sheer ingenuity of the story make it nearly impossible to put down.

And let’s not overlook The Shadow of the Wind. It’s one of those books that feels like a love letter to literature itself. Mysterious, atmospheric, and completely immersive—it’s the kind of novel that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place.

A Few Unexpected Picks

What really makes this list interesting are the surprises.

Bossypants by Tina Fey adds a comedic touch that balances out the heavier titles. It’s witty, sharp, and genuinely funny—proving that Hanks appreciates humor just as much as he does deep, introspective writing.

In Cold Blood and In the Garden of Beasts show a darker, more historical side to his reading taste. Both books dive into real-life events with gripping detail, and neither one is an easy read. But they’re powerful, thought-provoking, and incredibly well-written.

And then there’s The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin—a book that remains just as relevant today as when it was first published. It’s short, but it packs a punch, offering insight and perspective that sticks with you.

Something for Every Reader

What I love most about this list is that it truly has something for everyone.

If you’re into classics, you’ve got multiple options. If you prefer modern fiction, there are standout choices there too. Want something educational? Go with Sapiens. Looking for something fast-paced? The Martian has you covered.

It’s rare to see a list that feels this balanced.

And honestly, it makes sense. As an actor, Hanks has to understand different perspectives, personalities, and worlds. Reading widely is one of the best ways to do that, and this list reflects it perfectly.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, this is a seriously impressive lineup.

Tom Hanks clearly knows how to pick a good book, and this list proves it. The mix of classics and contemporary hits, heavy topics and lighter reads, makes it one of the most well-rounded celebrity reading lists out there.

I especially loved seeing The Hobbit, The Catcher in the Rye, A Gentleman in Moscow, and The Martian all in one place. That’s a combination you don’t see every day—and it works.

If you’re looking to upgrade your reading list, you really can’t go wrong with any of these picks.

Now I’m curious—how many of these have you read? And which one are you picking up next?

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