E.A. Hanks Reflects on Road Trip to Discover Her Mother’s Mysteries

LOS ANGELES, CA — In March 2019, E.A. Hanks, a 36-year-old writer and contributor for Vanity Fair and The New York Times, embarked on a solo road trip in her 2017 Ford Transit, affectionately named “Minnie.” The journey retraced a significant route she and her mother took in 1996 along Interstate 10, stretching from California to Florida. This trip culminated in her new book, The 10, released this week by Simon & Schuster.

Accompanying Hanks were vibrant memories of her late mother and her mother’s cryptic poetry and diaries, which offer glimpses into a complicated woman struggling with addiction and mental health issues. The narrative explores Hanks’s quest to understand her mother—who died of cancer in 2002—while revealing layers of her own identity.

“Traveling through iconic Southern landscapes, from White Sands National Park to New Orleans, helped me confront long-held questions about my past and discover further mysteries,” Hanks shared in an interview with Vanity Fair.

Reflecting on the motivations behind her road trip, Hanks explained, “When my mother passed away, my brother and I were left to sift through our childhood home. Years later, in 2017, while rummaging through the stored remnants of our past, I found my mother’s journal that revealed a horrific family secret. This led me to re-pitch my original idea of exploring the political landscapes of the Interstate 10, but with a personal and deeper touch. I realized I had to incorporate my own story into it to make it resonate.”

Hanks recounted her trepidation upon discovering the disturbing accounts within her mother’s writings, including an accusation of her grandfather committing unspeakable crimes. “I questioned how much truth was in those vivid recollections. My mother often lived in her own world, but I believed there was always a kernel of truth hidden among her tales,” she noted.

Despite her mother’s struggles with addiction and abuse, Hanks expressed a sense of compassion towards her. “It’s crucial to balance the narrative—highlighting both the dark and the redemptive qualities of her life. My mother’s journey was complex, and while it had a profound impact on me, it’s essential to recognize her humanity,” Hanks said.

She reflected on her childhood experiences, often participating in her mother’s recovery through 12-step programs. “At that time, I believed everyone had a similar upbringing. I now realize how isolating that experience was,” Hanks admitted.

On the unexpected gifts of her upbringing, Hanks stated, “The uncertainty taught me to embrace change. While many fear it, I’ve learned to find comfort in the unknown, which has been helpful on my long road trip journey.”

When asked about her father’s reaction to her book, Hanks affirmed that her father, the acclaimed actor Tom Hanks, showed support throughout the writing process. “He has always encouraged my work, understanding the need for honesty about my mother’s complex nature. He even read early drafts and affirmed I captured her truth well,” she said.

As she takes a moment to engage in her own identity and the challenges that come with amplified fame, Hanks commented, “My existence and experiences weren’t solely defined by my father’s fame. I navigated my own complexities, much like anyone else, needing to find my footing in a world where perceptions were often clouded by celebrity status.”

Looking forward, Hanks mentioned her desire to continue writing without the pressures of expectations. “As I enter my 40s, I aim to savor new experiences and relationships. For now, the focus is on writing and enjoying every moment,” she added.