In a candid revelation, EA Hanks, the daughter of acclaimed actor Tom Hanks, shares her tumultuous childhood experiences marked by deprivation and violence in her new memoir, **The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road**.

The book, which was released on April 8, 2025, provides an intimate look into her life growing up in a family that was once part of Hollywood’s elite but faced significant struggles behind closed doors.

EA Hanks, whose full name is Elizabeth Anne Hanks, was born to Tom Hanks and his first wife, Susan Dillingham.

The couple met in the 1970s while they were both theater students at Sacramento State University.

They had two children together: EA and her older brother Colin, who is now 47 years old.

However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1985, leading to a fragmented family life for the children.

In her memoir, EA reflects on her childhood, stating, “I am a kid from the first non-famous marriage.

” After the divorce, she and her brother moved with their mother to Sacramento, where they faced a challenging upbringing.

She recalls that her early memories of Los Angeles are few, overshadowed by the confusion and instability that followed her parents’ split.

One of the pivotal moments in EA’s life was a six-month road trip she took with her mother when she was just 14 years old.

They traveled along Interstate 10, from Los Angeles to Florida, during a time when EA was grappling with the complexities of adolescence and family dynamics.

In an excerpt from her memoir published by **People** magazine, she describes how her mother’s emotional struggles often manifested in physical violence.

As EA recounts, “One night her emotional violence became physical violence,” leading her to move back to Los Angeles in the middle of seventh grade.

This journey across America was not just a physical relocation but also a metaphor for the upheaval and search for stability in her life.

EA’s memoir also touches on her mother’s mental health issues, which she believes contributed to the chaotic environment of her childhood.

Although Susan was never formally diagnosed, EA suspects that she suffered from bipolar disorder, characterized by episodes of extreme paranoia and delusion.

This instability had a profound impact on EA and her brother, as they navigated their formative years amidst their mother’s struggles.

In her reflections, EA notes the deteriorating conditions of their home life: “The backyard became so full of dog that you couldn’t walk around it.

The house stank of smoke, and the fridge was bare or full of expired food more often than not.

” These vivid descriptions paint a picture of a household in crisis, where love was often overshadowed by neglect and turmoil.

Tragically, Susan Hanks passed away from lung cancer in 2002, a loss that left a lasting mark on EA.

In her memoir, she recalls receiving a call from her mother during her senior year of high school, in which Susan expressed her dire health condition.

This moment encapsulates the complex emotions of love, loss, and unresolved issues that permeated their relationship.

Through her writing, EA Hanks aims to shed light on the realities of growing up in a family that, despite its outward success, struggled with deep-seated issues.

Her story is not just a personal narrative but also a reflection on the broader themes of family, mental health, and the quest for understanding and acceptance.

**The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road** is more than just a recounting of EA Hanks’ childhood; it is a poignant exploration of the complexities of family life and the scars that can linger long after the events have passed.

As she navigates her past, EA offers readers a chance to reflect on their own experiences and the importance of addressing mental health and familial relationships.

In sharing her story, EA Hanks hopes to foster a greater understanding of the challenges many face in silence, reminding us that even those who seem to have it all can be battling their own demons.

Her memoir is a testament to resilience and the enduring search for love and acceptance, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of fame, family, and personal growth.

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