Title: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
Author: Haruki Murakami
First published October 15, 2007
188 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780307269195 (ISBN10: 0307269191)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is not just a book about running, but a memoir of self-reflection and self-discovery. After selling his jazz bar to focus on writing, Murakami finds solace and inspiration in running.
He takes us on a journey through his training for the 2005 New York City Marathon, sharing anecdotes from his past and present, and his perspectives on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. This memoir is a blend of a training log, travelogue, and personal musings, revealing how running has influenced his writing and his life.
With his signature wit and introspection, Murakami invites us to join him on this candid and insightful exploration of the human experience. Whether you’re an athlete or a reader, this book will leave you inspired and enlightened.
About the Author
Meet Murakami Haruki, a contemporary Japanese writer and translator who has gained immense popularity for his work. His writing is often described as both easily accessible and profoundly complex.
You can even find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/harukimuraka…
Interestingly, Murakami has been heavily influenced by Western culture since childhood, particularly Western music and literature. He devoured books by American writers like Kurt Vonnegut and Richard Brautigan and is often set apart from other Japanese writers due to his distinctive Western influences.
After studying drama at Waseda University in Tokyo, Murakami met his wife, Yoko. He worked at a record store – a job that inspired the character of Toru Watanabe in his novel.
Following the completion of his studies, he and his wife opened a coffeehouse in Kokubunji, Tokyo, which also served as a jazz bar in the evening.
Murakami’s novels often center around themes and titles inspired by classical music. For instance, his books 1Q84 (after Rossini’s opera), Träumerei (after a piano piece by Robert Schumann usually known in English as Dreaming), and Don Giovanni (a character in Mozart’s opera) all derive their names from classical music.
Some of his other novels take their titles from popular songs, like Norwegian Wood (after The Dells’ song, although many assume it was titled after the tune), Dance Dance Dance (after The Beatles’ song), and Sweetheart, Sweetheart (the first part being the title of a song by Nat King Cole).
Editoral Review
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami is a memoir that explores the author’s passion for long-distance running and the ways in which it has shaped his life and perspective. Murakami is a globally recognized author who has published numerous works of fiction, including Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and 1Q84.
Known for his unique style and surrealism, Murakami’s memoir offers a rare glimpse into his personal life and creative process. At its core, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is an ode to the transformative power of physical activity and the ways in which it can improve mental clarity, focus, and discipline.
In this book, Murakami reflects on his own experiences as a marathon runner, exploring the joys and challenges of long-distance running and the ways in which it has contributed to his success as a writer. He also delves into his personal history, discussing his upbringing, early career, and the various life events that have influenced his writing and outlook on life.
Despite its focus on running, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is not just a memoir for runners. Instead, it offers broader insights into the human condition, exploring themes such as perseverance, self-discipline, creativity, and the importance of finding balance in life.
Murakami’s reflections on the writing process are particularly fascinating, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at his literary inspirations, habits, and techniques. One of the strengths of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is its clarity and honesty.
Murakami writes in a simple, straightforward style that is accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, and his observations about running and life are engaging and insightful. His self-reflection is also refreshing, as he openly discusses his own limitations, insecurities, and failures.
However, the book may not be for everyone. Murakami’s style and voice may not resonate with some readers, and those who are not interested in running or the writing process may find the memoir to be unengaging.
Moreover, the book lacks a clear narrative structure, which may frustrate readers who prefer more conventional memoirs. Overall, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a well-written and thought-provoking memoir that is ultimately uplifting and inspiring.
Whether you’re an avid runner or simply looking for a unique perspective on life, this book is sure to offer insights and encouragement. Those who are fans of Murakami’s fiction will also find much to appreciate in this candid and insightful memoir.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
