Book Review: Murakami ‘What I talk about when ... - Couch to 5K

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Book Review: Murakami ‘What I talk about when I talk about running’

ktsok profile image
ktsokGraduate
14 Replies

I am an admirer of Murakami, I like writing and this is Murakami writing about running, so I was predisposed to like this - and I did. The blurb describes it as ‘part travelogue, training log, and reminiscence.’ It is short book, 180 pages long, using a series of essays from 2005 - 2006 when he was training for the 2005 New York City marathon. Within these essays he tells of other running experiences, including how he got started running (and writing), the hardship of marathons and training for them, interweaving these with autobiographical detail and reflecting on the relationship between running and his creative process. I have put a few excerpts in the image for a flavour of his style.

He started running in 1982 when he was 33 years old. He made the switch from 60 cigarettes a day jazz bar owner to professional writer and needed to find a way to keep physically fit once he was sitting at a desk all day. He started running and has been running ever since. He runs 6 miles, 6 days a week, more or less, and runs a marathon each year - or a triathlon, or ultra! His first race, though, was a 5k...

Long-distance running isn’t perhaps the goal (yet!) of most of us on this forum, but this book isn’t set up to be an inspirational story, or a dramatic one, or a ‘how to’ guide.

One of the things I love about Murakami is his lack of judgement. He states things very simply and I find reading him is like taking a drink of cool water. I found it to be a quiet, contemplative book and will be reading it again, because there is more to discover.

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ktsok
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14 Replies
Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate

I was talking about Murukamo yesterday evening with a friend, wondering which of his books to read next...

ktsok profile image
ktsokGraduate in reply to Couchpotato2

Serendipity 🙂

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

I don’t know this guy... I need this book... thanks

ktsok profile image
ktsokGraduate in reply to UnfitNoMore

Did you read it UNM?

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply to ktsok

Not yet 😂

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

I really enjoyed this book and have recommended to quite a few folk.

ktsok profile image
ktsokGraduate in reply to Millsie-J

Oh great! Glad you enjoyed it... 😊

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Thanks for that. I like a running book. No Run Intended is the polar opposite of your more serious read there, but such a laugh 😁. Great short read for a fledgling runner

I liked Scott Jurek Eat and Run 🙂

ktsok profile image
ktsokGraduate in reply to misswobble

I have ordered Eat and Run. It’s next on the list...

Will look out for No Run Intended, thanks.

Born to Run was very good, lots of thought-provoking ideas in there about how we are designed for running, barefoot running, and so on.

Phoenix_flames21 profile image
Phoenix_flames21Graduate

Just downloaded it, thanks the recommendation

lilyb2014 profile image
lilyb2014

Must give this a go, if i can keep my eyes open long enough. I fall asleep before my head hits the pillow on run days! Thanks for recommending👍😊

ktsok profile image
ktsokGraduate in reply to lilyb2014

No worries. Love it when that instant sleep comes...

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate

Think we need more book reviews on this forum- audible makes a nice change from pumping tunes, esp when you feel like a long, slow run.

Loved Killing Commendatore so have now added this one to my wish list, thanks for the recommendation!

ktsok profile image
ktsokGraduate in reply to Sarararara

I haven’t read that Murakami, will add it to the list! Yes, I’d love to see more reviews. I have never tried listening to a book whilst running but have been enjoying podcasts, so it might make an interesting change...

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