What I Talk About When I Talk About Running vs. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a memoir by Haruki Murakami where he talks about two things that define a big part of his life: running and writing. Murakami didn’t always plan on being a novelist. He was running a jazz bar in his twenties when, while watching a baseball game, he suddenly thought, “I could write a novel.” He gave it a shot, it worked out, and he eventually sold his bar to focus on writing full-time. But sitting at a desk all day, smoking and not moving much, wasn’t doing his health any good. That’s when he picked up running. For Murakami, running is more than just exercise—it’s part of his routine and, in a way, a metaphor for writing. Both take endurance. Both are long hauls where you push yourself day after day, even when you don’t feel like it. The book follows him as he trains for marathons, competes in triathlons, and grapples with the slow decline of his physical abilities as he ages. He talks a lot about acceptance—accepting getting older, accept...
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
In a Tokyo suburb, a young man named Toru Okada searches for his wife’s missing cat—and then for his wife as well—in a netherworld beneath the city’s placid surface. As these searches intersect, he encounters a bizarre group of allies and antagonists. Gripping, prophetic, and suffused with comedy and menace, this is one of Haruki Murakami’s most acclaimed and beloved novels.
Reviews
Reviewed on 2/28/2024
I read this book when I first started running long distance. I was living in Chiang Mai and I'd go this huge park a couple of times a week and just run loops around the lake. At the end of my run I'd grab a milk tea and a banana bread from a local coffee shop and just read a few pages. Great memories of many chill evenings, running and reading about running.
Reviews
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
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| Easy read | 1 | |
| Motivating | 1 | |
| Peaceful | 1 |
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| No cons yet, would you like to add one? | ||
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| Murakami at his best | 1 | |
| Long, captivating read | 1 |
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| They cut out some chapters in the English translation | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is a memoir that provides insights into Murakami's personal life and his thoughts on running and writing. It's an easy read, motivating, and peaceful, making it accessible for new readers who are interested in understanding the author's life and mindset. On the other hand, 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle' is a novel that delves into a complex, surreal story set in Tokyo, showcasing Murakami's signature style of blending the mundane with the mysterious. This novel is gripping and long, offering a deep dive into Murakami's narrative style. However, some chapters were cut out in the English translation, which might affect the reading experience. If you're new to Murakami and prefer a lighter, more personal read, 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' might be better. If you're ready to explore a more complex and surreal story, 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle' could be a great choice.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is considered more motivating, especially for individuals interested in running or personal development. The book shares Murakami's personal journey, his dedication to running, and how it intertwines with his writing, offering a sense of inspiration and motivation. 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle,' while gripping and captivating, is a complex novel that delves into deeper, often darker themes and does not have the same motivational focus as Murakami's memoir.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is better suited for readers looking for a peaceful and easy read. The memoir style of the book, combined with Murakami's reflections on running and life, makes it a serene and motivating read. In contrast, 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle' is a more complex and intricate novel, requiring more focus and engagement from the reader.
Yes, 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle' provides a better introduction to Haruki Murakami's fiction. This novel showcases Murakami's unique narrative style, blending the mundane with the surreal, and introduces readers to the kind of complex, layered stories he is known for. While 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' offers insight into Murakami's personal life and thoughts, it is a memoir and doesn't represent his fictional storytelling.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is a memoir by Haruki Murakami that explores the intertwined themes of running and writing. Murakami shares his journey from running a jazz bar to becoming a novelist, detailing how running became a crucial part of his life and a metaphor for his writing process. The book reflects on endurance, acceptance of aging, and the highs and lows of both running and writing.
Pros of 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' include its easy readability, motivating content, and the peaceful tone of Murakami's writing. There are no cons listed for this book, indicating that readers generally find it to be a positive experience.
Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author known for his unique blend of magical realism, surrealism, and themes of loneliness and existentialism. He gained international fame with novels such as 'Norwegian Wood' and 'Kafka on the Shore.' In 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,' he shares personal insights into his life as a writer and runner.
The writing style of 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is straightforward and conversational, as if Murakami is sharing his thoughts over coffee. He often includes personal anecdotes and reflections, making the narrative relatable and engaging for readers.
In 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,' memorable moments include Murakami's experiences training for marathons, his reflections on aging and acceptance, and the simple joys of running, such as the satisfaction of finishing a race and enjoying a cold beer afterward. His vivid descriptions of running the original marathon route in Greece also stand out.
'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle' by Haruki Murakami is about a young man named Toru Okada who searches for his wife’s missing cat—and then for his wife as well—in a netherworld beneath the city’s placid surface. As these searches intersect, he encounters a bizarre group of allies and antagonists. The novel is gripping, prophetic, and suffused with comedy and menace.
Pros of 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle' include that it showcases Murakami at his best and is a long, captivating read. However, a con is that some chapters were cut out in the English translation.
