2011/12 What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

[Daniel]

I was in the bookstore the other day and just happened to read a few passages from the book out of interest. One of the things the book does is make comparisons between writing and running. I won't give too much away but I will say that anyone interested in becoming a writer will enjoy his revelations on his early successes as a writer and his comparisons of writing with running.

Just a hint about what these comparisons might be--just as running is labor and involves the development of necessary muscles, so writing also involves the development of muscles...or something like that.

Has anyone else out there read the book?

[Gabriel]

Hi Daniel,

Yes I've read the book and enjoyed it very much! There was a great line in there somewhere about pain... I forget what it was I'll have to look up! :P

I was also surprised to find Murakami listens to Gorillaz while running, seeing as he is mainly a classical/jazz type of guy.

[Aloha]

Thanks, guys, for the insight into the book. I have a feeling that he would make a comparison to running. I used to be a runner myself, so I would appreciate the comparison. I know that when I'm exercising, it's much better to play upbeat music, the kind that gets your blood boiling. I love classical myself, but I also enjoy rock and pop. When I want to feel the angst, I play the common falling in love, falling out of love, hating you type of music. LOL

[Ian]

Here is one of my favourite Gorillaz songs (feat. Yukimi Nagnano from Little Dragon) ("To Binge" off "Plastic Beach"):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMnrFi...

[Gabriel]

Aloha wrote: "Thanks, guys, for the insight into the book. I have a feeling that he would make a comparison to running. I used to be a runner myself, so I would appreciate the comparison. I know that when I'm..."

I listen to this band called God Is A Astronaut. Perfect for running, trust me!

Ian, I've seen that song performed by Gorillaz live! It was fantastic!

[Ian]

Unfortunately, I was too lazy to go and see Gorillaz and Little Dragon when they toured here, to my eternal regret.

[Gabriel]

Nevermind, always plenty of good acts to see!

[Erdem]

With a single sentence, it is a great book/a must-read. I strongly encourage everyone to read thi book

[M.L.]

I'm reading it now, really enjoying it. Thanks for mentioning it - I had been trying to decide which one to read next so opted for this one and then The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle - but now thinking of reading Hear the Wind Sing since it was his first novel.

[Daniel]

In another lifetime perhaps Murakami could have been a guru. I'm writing and working out more lately because of his book.

[Erdem]

Flash Beagle wrote: "I'm reading it now, really enjoying it. Thanks for mentioning it - I had been trying to decide which one to read next so opted for this one and then The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle - but ..."
In fact, choosing "A wild sheep chase" as the next makes senses. There is not particular reason but it really motivates people to read more Murakami and nobody can say it is not a useful incentive to indulge yourself.

[Gabriel]

Remember that Dance, Dance, Dance is the sequel to A Wild Sheep Chase! I'd say go with The Wind Up Bird Chronicle but hey everyone has their favorite Murakami book.

[M.L.]

I just finished it - yes, agree, would definitely recommend it (would like to re-read it too; really enjoyed it). He makes the solitary pursuits of writing and running very immediate and social - feel like you're right there. I've only read one other Murakami, 1Q84, but seems that his view on enduring, not giving up, is infused in his characters and story - even though things get grim there is still a positive feeling, his focus is not on hopelessness, and that was one of the things I liked.

I think having read his memoir will definitely add to the enjoyment of reading more of his novels. The ultra marathon, 62 miles, where he talks about passing through an unseen barrier - I wonder if that led to 1Q84, the alternate world (fun to speculate anyway). I'm inspired to write more too:) and in a fresh sort of way. Very impressed by all he does and how he does it.