Anyone who is a fan of Haruki Murakami’s books (e.g., The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Kafka on the Shore), has been anxiously awaiting the English translation of his new book, IQ84. To bide my time, I decided to speed through his short non-fiction book, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running while I waited.
Murakami’s novels can best be described as bizarre and intense (in the best way possible!), but this running memoir is a straightforward chronicling of his thoughts during the months leading up to the New York City Marathon in 2005. Previously unbeknownst to me, he is a dedicated long-distance runner, completing at least one marathon a year for the last 25 years or so, and quite a number of triathlons as well. Especially inspiring were his descriptions of how his success as a writer is intricately linked to the physical and mental discipline that running requires of him — which I see reflected in every runner I know. An intensely private author, this book offers precious insights into the philosophies that guide his life.
If you’re a runner, and especially if you’re a runner who likes Murakami, you’ll enjoy this simple, short memoir.
Now, if you’ll excuse me while I begin the 924 pages of IQ84 — it might be a while before you hear from me again.
I LOVE Murakami… I haven’t read this What I Talk About When I Talk About Running – do you think a *non*-runner who loves Murakami would like it?! I’m looking forward to tucking into 1Q84 too – I’ve not read any Japanese fiction for ages and could do with disappearing into something like that!
@Frau Dietz: Honestly, I think it would be a little less interesting if you’re not crazy about running. But, that being said, it’s pretty short, so you could always take the chance if you’re a huge Murakami fan. :)
I feel like there is this intrinsic link between metalsmithing and distance running as well. So interesting!