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Apr 09, 20181_Great_Book rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed the idea of weaving a typewriter into each and every story in this collection. That is the only thing tying the stories together thematically. After I read this I saw the book translated into French, and learned that Hanks is on a worldwide mission to keep the culture of the typewriter alive amongst those who feel that it is truly helpful to the act of writing, putting a thought through a machine to the tangible object of paper. I grew up with the culture of the typewriter and thoroughly enjoyed this - especially the story of the typewriter repairman who won't sell his jewels to just anyone - he basically chooses the person to match one of his machines. If you have never used a typewriter, may this help to describe the process of active creation in a different era. There was a book out recently on Hemingway's lost stories, and there are photos of his original typed manuscripts, complete with manual edits and strikethroughs so you could imagine the thought process during the act of writing. I also recommend that book.