Book Review: The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road by E.A. Hanks
When I first stumbled upon The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road, I didnβt know much about E.A. Hanks. However, the premise of a solo road trip to unearth family history piqued my curiosity immediately. There’s something about the open roadβthe promise of discovery wrapped in adventureβthat tugs at my heartstrings. Iβm always on the lookout for stories that delve into the complexities of family ties, and this memoir offers an intimate exploration into just that. Huge thanks to @gallerybooks and @simon.audio for gifting me a copy!
E.A. Hanks takes us on a journey thatβs not just physical but deeply emotional, tackling themes of family legacy, searching for answers, and the sometimes unexpected nature of those revelations. The narrative revolves around Hanks’s quest to understand the complications of her motherβs life, while also addressing her own place within that story. Itβs fascinating to note that while Hanks is the daughter of someone quite famous, her father remains on the periphery of this narrative. Instead, the memoir dazzles in its focus on her mother and the layered histories that shaped her life.
What I particularly loved about Hanksβs writing style is how it feels like a heartfelt conversation between friends. As a journalist, her ability to weave immersive narratives shines through; every chapter feels like Iβm sitting in the passenger seat, absorbing the landscape and emotions alongside her. She practices a frank honesty about not always uncovering the answers or the stories she yearned to find. Itβs refreshing to see vulnerability in memoir, a reminder that the search for truth can be both beautiful and complex.
One of the standout moments for me came when Hanks reflects, "Pain is so plentiful, if you go looking for it you’ll almost always find it. More often than not, it’s not from some grand, morbid event, but from a lifetime spent without much empathy…" This statement resonated profoundly; it encapsulates the essence of her journey. Itβs about the subtle bruises our stories leave, the empathyβor lack thereofβpassed down through generations.
Listening to the audiobook in tandem with reading the printed version added another layer to my experience. Hanksβs inflections infused her words with emotion, making the narrative feel even closer and more raw. Itβs a true gift to hear an author speak their truth, offering a dual experience that enhances understanding.
I wholeheartedly recommend The 10, regardless of whether you choose print or audio. Perfect for anyone who appreciates memoirs that blend the personal with the universal, this book invites readers to reflect on their own stories and the lineage that shaped them. Itβs a moving exploration of how the absence of stories and the webs of kinship can formative us, and ultimately, I found it a poignant reminder of our shared human experience.
In a world filled with curated lives and polished narratives, E.A. Hanks shines a light on the beauty of the unfinished storyβthe one paved with both questions and revelations. Whether you’re a memoir enthusiast or just looking for a book that invokes reflection on family, journeys, or the road less traveled, this is an enriching read that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
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