Has anybody read books by Haruki Murakami? Along with Kerouac, he is one of my favorite authors. He's ultra-popular in Japan and quickly gaining worldwide attention. Murakami has a unique writing style of fiction that is easy to read, but has many hidden layers of depth. Some of the subjects of his writing include metaphysial sheep, little green monsters, vanishing elephants, and deep wells. His main characters are often about 30 years old and who do not fit into regular society, but soon find themselves surrounded by interesting characters. I love reading Murakami books because you never know what's coming next. Anyhow, if you're looking for some new reading material, check him out. I've gotten a lot of good reading advice from BNA, so I'm trying to return the favor.
Posts: 24 | Location: Milwaukee, WI USA | Registered: 04 May 2004
i picked up Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, but i only got about half-way through it. there's two story lines that seem so disconnected so far that i couldn't keep myself interested. maybe i should give it another try...
Love Murakami His writing style is so different from other stuff that is out there. The English translations are also awesome - he speaks fluent English apparently, so makes sure the books are translated correctly. Hard Boiled was the first book of his that I read - I liked the combination of fantasy and sci-fi. If you have ever been to Tokyo, you'll probably get more out of the book because you recognize all the place names. Liz
OMG! I love Murakami! He is one of my fave authors. I read all of this books. His last book was okay, but he is terrific! Terrific! Raid your nearest library and check out every book at once!
Aside from David Mitchell he is my favourite all time writer. Hard Boiled Wonderland is possibly the greatest book I have read (though The Stranger by Camus comes a close second).
Everytime I go to Japan I read one of his books. Last trip I read Sputnik Sweetheart which wasnt as good as some of the others. Dance, Dance, Dance was also brilliant.
I have heard that he has been tipped to win the Nobel Prize for Literature sometime in the future.
I havent read Kafka on the Shore as yet but will take it with me to Japan next week
His writing style is so different from other stuff that is out there. The English translations are also awesome - he speaks fluent English apparently, so makes sure the books are translated correctly. 
