Dana

I listened to this - where else? - over the course of a few runs. The standout quality was the manner in which its stream-of-consciousness style perfectly mimicked the rhythm my own thoughts take when running - focusing on one subject for a while, then segueing smoothly into the next, and generally circling around a few different themes. Murakami's analogy of the mind as the sky and thoughts as clouds that pass through was beautiful and apt.

Content wise, the author's main thread of the centrality of running to his identity and lifestyle was totally relatable for me. The evocative language made me laugh out loud a few times when Murakami discussed the mental agony of long runs, and the efficiency and succinctness of the writing was a pleasure. Ray Porter was a very good narrator, and his wryness was particularly effective.

I doubt that I would have enjoyed this book so much if I'd read it as a non-runner. But it was a lovely introduction to Murakami's work, and I will definitely be reading/downloading more by this running author.