'A Wild Sheep Chase' is considered a good starting point for new Murakami readers due to its accessibility and recognition, including the 1982 Noma Literary Newcomer's Prize. It combines elements of mystery and magical realism, making it easier for new readers to engage with Murakami's unique style. In contrast, 'After the Quake' is a collection of short stories that delve into deep and mysterious themes, which may be more appreciated by those already familiar with Murakami's work.

Both 'A Wild Sheep Chase' and 'After the Quake' offer surreal reading experiences, but in different ways. 'A Wild Sheep Chase' provides a surreal journey through a narrative that includes a mystical sheep and a protagonist's quest, blending magical realism with philosophical undertones. 'After the Quake', on the other hand, is a collection of short stories that explore surreal themes through various bizarre characters and situations, such as a giant talking frog. Therefore, while both books are surreal, 'A Wild Sheep Chase' does so through a single continuous storyline, whereas 'After the Quake' does so through multiple short stories.

'After the Quake' is a collection of six short stories by Haruki Murakami. The stories revolve around characters dealing with the aftermath of the Kobe earthquake. An electronics salesman who has been deserted by his wife agrees to deliver an enigmatic package; a man who believes he is the son of God pursues a stranger who may be his human father; and a mild-mannered collection agent receives a visit from a giant talking frog who enlists his help in saving Tokyo from destruction. These stories explore the deep and mysterious intersection of the human and the inhuman.

'After the Quake' is authored by Haruki Murakami, a renowned Japanese writer known for his unique blend of surrealism, magical realism, and contemporary themes. He is one of the most visionary writers at work today.

The main themes in 'After the Quake' include human vulnerability, the impact of natural disasters, existentialism, and the intersection between the human and the inhuman. Murakami explores how these events shape the characters' lives and their perceptions of reality.

'After the Quake' belongs to the genres of literary fiction and magical realism. The stories often contain surreal and fantastical elements that blur the lines between reality and imagination.

'A Wild Sheep Chase' by Haruki Murakami is a surreal and captivating novel that combines elements of mystery, magical realism, and postmodernist twists. The story follows a nameless, chain-smoking protagonist who embarks on a quest to find a mystical sheep with a star-shaped birthmark. This sheep holds the secret power behind a dying political and economic leader known as 'The Boss.' Joined by his enigmatic girlfriend with supernaturally perceptive ears, the protagonist's journey takes him from Tokyo to the remote regions of Hokkaido, encountering bizarre characters and unraveling deep, philosophical mysteries along the way.

Pros of 'A Wild Sheep Chase' include its accessibility compared to some of Murakami's other works, making it a good starting point for new Murakami readers. Additionally, the novel was recognized with the 1982 Noma Literary Newcomer's Prize. There are currently no user-generated cons listed for this book.

'A Wild Sheep Chase' was recognized with the 1982 Noma Literary Newcomer's Prize.