Some books are literary masterpieces, with cleverly crafted plot structures, thought / idea flows, and some others are full of words that you feel like have flown straight from the author’s heart to paper. And this book by Murakami definitely belongs to the latter camp.
In this book he shares his story, in a way that makes sense for him. Which is why this memoir is structured a little differently from most other memoirs.
You still get to know the person – Murakami (which is what you expect from any good memoir) but through his passion for running. It’s the lens of his choice through which he shows you his life. And of-course writing and his books are a big part of his life, so they feature here too, but they aren’t a big part of the book.
Which personally was fine with me, because the only reason I picked up the book was to read a ‘running’ memoir. And this was exactly that.
It really inspired me push past the obstacles and take the next step from brisk walking to regular running, which is kind of what I had hoped it would do.
Which is Why –
I recommend this book to authors, who might draw inspiration from his writing journey. But especially to folks who are considering taking up serious running. This book might just be the dose of inspiration they need to get started.
Oh and as it happens, this is the first book I have read by the author, which is kind of strange, because his fiction books have been on my TBR wishlist for years! But I guess it’s a good thing too. Because after having read this one, I now want to read ALL HIS BOOKS!
Get this book on Amazon US here.
Or get it here on Amazon India.
2 Other Memoirs I Recommend:
1. Bossypants by Tina Fey
2. Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
Haruki Murakami Book on Audible
I listened to this book on audio. It’s 4+ hours long, and I heard it at 1.5x speed, which meant I got through it in a single day between my workout, chores & errands.
And I personally really enjoyed this on audio. So I definitely recommend the format for this book.
If you sign up for Audible, then you can listen to this book for FREE during their FREE TRIAL, which might also include other perks (depending upon their current offers & your location).
That’s all from my end. I’d love to hear from you. Have you read this book? Did it inspire you to start walking / running?
Have you read other Haruki Murakami books? Which one do you recommend I start with?
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I like your 💡idea of listening to this memoir. That way it can be finished quickly. I haven’t ready any of Murakami’s work yet. But is it on my list.
Rajlakshmi recently posted…Queen of the night flower | Most expensive flower
This might be a good place to start. Because you get to the know the person behind the author persona. And yeah the audiobook is a great format for this one.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Girl, Wash Your Face – and then – Girl, Stop Apologizing!
I’ve just started reading this one. I’m making rather slow progress because the book rambles a little bit while my mind is on its own ramble :-). Only thrillers and fast paced books seem to hold my attention these days. One needs to slow down to fully enjoy this one and maybe this is what I need. Your review tells me to persevere.
Obsessivemom recently posted…In search of a perfect gift #WordsMatter
I understand. It is ramble-y in a way. But I needed that ramble to shut out the one in my mind, as I made excuses to NOT go for that walk/ run, if you know what I mean.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Girl, Wash Your Face – and then – Girl, Stop Apologizing!
Loved the zeal and passion with which Murakami practised running and writing. A communion of the two that gave his being more power. One of my favourite’s by Murakami.
Inspired me a great deal with my running.
Would love to hear the audible sometime.
https://natashamusing.com/2019/12/growing-microgreens-germinating-dreams-wordlesswednesday/
Natasha recently posted…Growing Microgreens, Germinating Dreams: #WordlessWednesday
The audiobook is really good. It was especially motivating to listen to as I started my daily brisk walking routine.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…Girl, Wash Your Face – and then – Girl, Stop Apologizing!
This was the first book of his that I read as well and it’s among my prized possessions of all time. Although I haven’t started running, it inspired me to look at the creative process and determination through a whole new lens.
So glad you enjoyed it too!
That is awesome, Shy! Have you read anything else by him? Anything that you recommend?
Shanaya Tales recently posted…What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – The Haruki Murakami Memoir
This sounds like an incredible book and a unique way of writing a memoir. I haven’t yet read Murakami but you make me want to. But , first let me complete the pile of books I have on my shelf and in my kindle. 🙂 Oh yes, I love both walking and running.
Rachna Parmar recently posted…How I lost 9 Pounds in 8 Weeks and Kept It Off
Haha yes definitely. And I think you will enjoy this one, Rachna. Give it a shot!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – The Haruki Murakami Memoir
I have been meaning to get a Murakami book since I read so much about him from so many blogger friends. But, I haven’t been able to do it, as yet. Maybe someday I will! Esp this one, on running. I fantasize about running, but with a weak lower back and neck, I don’t think that’s going to happen. Well, reading the book might either inspire me to take it up or at least help me enjoy the activity vicariously! 🙂
Shilpa Gupte recently posted…‘Man and wife’ in Zentangle.
Yes, and yes! This will either inspire you to tackle the roadblocks and take up running (or brisk walking at-least) OR it will enable you to live a runners life vicariously. 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – The Haruki Murakami Memoir
Oh my this sounds interesting and I have been mulling over taking up running just 2 days ago. Maybe this is a sign and I should first get this book and then see. By the way the Jenny Lawson book did nothing for me – I just couldnt read it despite all its hype. Have you reviewed it? Would love to read it to see what i have missed out on.
Shalzmojo recently posted…#WordsMatter: Damn those inner critics to seven circles of hell
This is a good book to read especially if you are considering taking up long distance running.
Which Jenny Lawson book? She has written a few. I have only read Furiously Happy.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – The Haruki Murakami Memoir