As a librarian, I love reading the latest books. Tom Hanks’ first novel is out and follows the story of many characters’ role in making this fictional movie. Literally, you learn how a film is created from the initial idea to the audience’s final reaction.  The story has many life lessons that apply to real life too.  I thought I’d share a few from the author’s experiences, maybe these seem familiar?

The Right Partner

Finding the right partner in life will lift you up, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. The characters have extensive backstories that are varied. From surviving abuse and war to fulfilling your creative dreams. The thread tying them together is the passion to enjoy life and finding their partner for success, (however that’s defined.) Whether it’s a career, spouse, or creative channel to express yourself, find the right partner to get you there.

Strength

The author brings to life each character from their childhood to their interaction together as adults. All of these characters have a solid inner strength and “will” to go on.  When you read fiction like this, you experience these lives first hand. Reading about others’ stories of strength, you realize you have it as well. Inner strength is tested all the time. Some call it “the grind,” grit, or just plain tenacity.  The lesson learned, is we all have something heavy we carry and don’t necessarily share. Consistently strong people grow from those rough life experiences and flourish.

Fate

Call it fate or divine intervention, but things do happen for a reason. It might be to protect you and direct you to a different life path. Fate is there for you to help. What the author does in this story is intertwines each person’s experiences into one successful finished film. Will we all be successful or happy?  How do you define success or happiness? It depends, just like in life…it all depends on you, your choices and attitude.

Finally, I’d recommend the novel to help understand human nature, but also the realities of war, trauma, relationships, and yes, movie making. I’m a diehard movie fan. I love the happenstance method Hanks shows the reader surrounding the filmmaking process. Hollywood is a crazy business and so is life. I’m looking forward to his next novel.

Happy Reading!