Honestly, I had never heard of this author up until a month or so ago when I noted that Marg who blogs at the Intrepid Reader and co-hosts the weekly Library Loot meme borrowed one of this author's books from her library, Norwegian Wood. The title and cover art are what first grabbed my attention and when I looked into the book and read the blurb, I was intrigued. Marg mentioned she was reading the book for a Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge, so I googled that and came upon a gorgeous blog entirely dedicated to a Haruki Murakami Reading Challenge, which is hosted by a reader named tanabata. I poked around and learned more about the author, his works and his popularity first in his native country Japan and now around the world. So in my personal quest to become a more varied reader, I decided to take on this reading challenge! There are various levels of commitment to the challenge from reading one book to Murakami's entire booklist!
I am joining at the one book level, just to see how it goes. If I like it, I may bump myself up and read more Murakami books.
Now to decide which book to read.... my library has six of his works, but not Norwegian Wood, which I am leaning towards. I did find it at a neighboring library.. hmm decisions, decisions....
Have you read any of Haruki Murakami's works?
If so, what book do you recommend?
**** CHALLENGE MET DECEMBER 31, 2011 ****
(phew! that was cutting it close!)
Ohh I love Murakami, but Norwegian Wood (which is probably is best known book) is my least fav. My favs are A Wild Sheep Chase and Dance, Dance, Dance. The two are connected. After that it's probably Hard Boiled Wonderland and then Wind Up Bird Chronicle.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it's not fiction you should give his book 'Underground' a read. It's about the Sarin gas attack on the Japanese underground and is just chilling and heartbreaking yet ultimately so positive. Amazing.
I... *blushes* haven't heard of Haruki Murakami. I look forward to hearing what book you chose and how you find it :)
ReplyDeleteSayuri! I was SO hoping there would be someone who reads my blog who read Murakami! Thank you SO much for your recommendations. You know, when I was reading reviews for Norwegian Wood, so many people obviously rated it highly, but there were several reviews that said the exact same thing as you! It is clearly his most popular book, but not really representative of his best writing. Interesting, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteMy library has a few of those you mention in different formats (ebook, audiobook), including a hardcopy ofA Wild Sheep Chase, so perhaps I'll start with that title.
I admit I'm also curious about his memoir, What I talk about when I talk about running, which my library has as well.
I'll keep Underground in mind. Sounds like a tough read.
orannia, I'll be sure to let you know about my first Murakami reading experience. On goodreads at a minimum. :)
I honestly have never heard of Haruki Murakami at all! I am excited to see that he's work really caught your attention and I am really excited to see what you think! I hope to see at least a short review on one of the books when you finish it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you found out about the challenge. I am starting with Norwegian Wood because I was told that was his most accessible novel.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
Deanna, I have to get into the habit of at least writing a few lines worth of a review/opinion on the books I read on goodreads.
ReplyDeleteMarg, thanks! I hope I like his work. I guess you haven't read Norwegian Wood yet, then?
Not yet. I tend to read by due dates so everything that I am borrowing now will be read in a few weeks time
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way, Marg. And that's after I've renewed the book the maximum number of times allowed!
ReplyDeleteThe exception is for popular new releases. The lending period for those are only 2 weeks, and if someone has a hold on it while I have it out, I can't renew it. So the pressure is usually on to read those books within two weeks of borrowing them.