E.A. Hanks Unveils Her Turbulent Childhood in New Memoir
E.A. Hanks, daughter of Tom Hanks, shares her tumultuous childhood in her memoir, detailing her complex relationship with her mother and the impact of her parents’ divorce. With humorous and poignant reflections, she captures moments of confusion, violence, and love, revealing insights into her upbringing and her mother’s mental health struggles. The memoir is set to be released on April 8.
E.A. Hanks, daughter of Tom Hanks, unveils her rollercoaster childhood in her memoir, “The 10: A Memoir of Family And The Open Road.” This literary ride dives into her rocky relationship with her mother and how her parents’ split in 1985 impacted her growing up. She hilariously remarks, “I am a kid from the First (non-famous) Marriage,” reminiscing that the only time she remembers seeing her parents together was at her and her brother Colin’s graduations.
Originally from Burbank, E.A. recounts being swept six hours away to Sacramento post-divorce. Her charming description of her childhood home boasts, “I lived in a white house with columns, a backyard with a pool,” and that typical ‘childhood joy’ of horse pictures on every wall— oh to be young again, surrounded by such equine enthusiasm! However, the good times didn’t trot along forever as her mother’s mental health spiralled out of control.
As the household turned into a horror movie of neglect, she quipped about the disarray, “The backyard became so full of dog s—t that you couldn’t walk around it.” Yikes! The smell of smoke and expired food became part of her daily life. Then, one wild night turned her world upside down as her mom’s emotional turmoil escalated to physical violence, leading E.A. to Los Angeles during her seventh grade year.
After this shift, her visiting rights were switched, until one fateful trip across America in a clunky Winnebago at age 14 marked a journey filled with nostalgia and heavy conversations—so much so that it would eventually lead to her writing a memoir. She mused, “My senior year of high school, she called to say she was dying.” Talk about a cliffhanger!
E.A. attributes her mother’s challenges to undiagnosed bipolar disorder, with episodes as wild as a college theatre drama. Speaking of drama, her parents met at a theatre course in the mid-‘70s, welcomed Colin in 1977, and wed shortly after—before the happiness sadly fizzled out. After their divorce in 1987, E.A.’s mum took primary custody while Tom went on to happily marry Rita Wilson in 1988, launching further sibling adventures for E.A. and Colin.
If you want to chuckle and sob, E.A.’s “The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road” rolls out on April 8. It’s an absolute must-read for anyone who’s ever had a family, which is basically everyone. Grab your tissues and your laughing gear!
E.A. Hanks’ memoir delves into the chaotic and colourful tapestry of her childhood influenced by her parents’ divorce. Despite the confusion, violence, and challenges, she pens a heartfelt yet humorous account of growing up under unusual circumstances. Her journey from Sacramento to a profound understanding of her mother’s struggles ultimately shapes an insightful narrative worth a read. You might need a box of tissues… or just some popcorn, because this can get melodramatic and hilarious!
Original Source: pagesix.com
