What I Talk About When I Talk About Running vs. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
by Haruki Murakami. In this book, Murakami shares his thoughts and experiences about running and writing. He talks about how he started running in his 30s and how it became a big part of his life. Running helps him think and gives him ideas for his writing. The book is like a diary where Murakami writes about his runs, the races he joins, and how running affects his life and work. He also talks about getting older and how that changes his running. The book is not just for runners but for anyone who enjoys a good story about trying hard and not giving up.
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.
Top Reviews
@misty-rose-bison-45
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.
| 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 book by Haruki Murakami where he shares his thoughts and experiences about running and writing. The book details how Murakami started running in his 30s and how it became a significant part of his life. It serves as a diary where he writes about his runs, the races he participates in, and the impact of running on his life and work. The book also touches on themes of aging and perseverance, making it appealing not just to runners but to anyone who enjoys stories about determination and personal growth.
Pros of 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' include it being an easy read, motivating, and peaceful. There are no reported cons at this time.
Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author known for his works of fiction and non-fiction. He has written several bestsellers, including 'Norwegian Wood,' 'Kafka on the Shore,' and '1Q84.' His writing often blends elements of magical realism, surrealism, and existentialism, making his works unique and widely acclaimed. In addition to being an accomplished writer, Murakami is also an avid runner, which he discusses in his memoir 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.'
'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.
