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A review by seaglasspoet
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami, Haruki Murakami
3.0
"What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" is a very introspective book, set entirely within the mind of Haruki Maruakami as he develops a steady narrative regarding his philosophies on running, writing, and personal identity.
I have never read anything by Murakami before, though a few of his books have found their way onto my shelves, and it was very interesting being introduced to his work through what is labelled a memoir, but feels more like a personal running journal. I do intend to add some of his works of fiction to my reading list after this experience, if only to compare the styles of his creative work to the style of his non-fiction.
I enjoyed his voice, and the way he crafted his meditations to take a form that (in my mind) mirrors the beat and rhythm of running. I also appreciated the solitude of this book, for even though there are people mentioned, this book is centered on Murakami and how he fills the needs associated with his own interior and physical life. His adherence to meeting those needs, despite outside pressure from others to follow other paths, is emphasized throughout the book as something essential.
While not a life changing piece of writing, or a time consuming one, "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" is an insightful and interesting book. The way Murakami describes his connection with both the act of running and the art/practice of writing can be applied to the pursuit of any activity you love and want to devote yourself and your time to.
I have never read anything by Murakami before, though a few of his books have found their way onto my shelves, and it was very interesting being introduced to his work through what is labelled a memoir, but feels more like a personal running journal. I do intend to add some of his works of fiction to my reading list after this experience, if only to compare the styles of his creative work to the style of his non-fiction.
I enjoyed his voice, and the way he crafted his meditations to take a form that (in my mind) mirrors the beat and rhythm of running. I also appreciated the solitude of this book, for even though there are people mentioned, this book is centered on Murakami and how he fills the needs associated with his own interior and physical life. His adherence to meeting those needs, despite outside pressure from others to follow other paths, is emphasized throughout the book as something essential.
While not a life changing piece of writing, or a time consuming one, "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" is an insightful and interesting book. The way Murakami describes his connection with both the act of running and the art/practice of writing can be applied to the pursuit of any activity you love and want to devote yourself and your time to.