Preview
  • What I Talk about When I Talk about Running

  • A Memoir
  • By: Haruki Murakami
  • Narrated by: Ray Porter
  • Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (4,670 ratings)

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What I Talk about When I Talk about Running

By: Haruki Murakami
Narrated by: Ray Porter
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Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of Kafka on the Shore comes this rich and revelatory memoir about writing and running, and the integral impact both have made on his life. Equal parts training log, travelogue, and reminiscence, this revealing memoir covers Murakami's four-month preparation for the 2005 New York City Marathon.

Settings range from Tokyo, where he once shared the course with an Olympian, to the Charles River in Boston, among young women who outpace him.

Through this marvelous lens of sport emerges a cornucopia of memories and insights: the eureka moment when he decided to become a writer, his triumphs and disappointments, his passion for vintage LPs, and the experience, after age 50, of having seen his race times improve and then fall back.

Translated by Philip Gabriel.

©2007 Haruki Murakami (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Murakami crafts a charming little volume notable for its good-natured and intimate tone....An early section recounting Murakami's transition from nightclub owner to novelist offers a particularly vivid picture of an artist soaring into flight for the first time." ( Publishers Weekly)
"A brilliant meditation on how his running and writing nurture and sustain each other....With sparse, engaging prose....Murakami shares his runner's high." ( Sports Illustrated)
"Provides a fascinating portrait of Murakami's working mind and how he works his magic on the page." ( The Plain Dealer)

Featured Article: 40+ Inspirational Quotes for When You Need Some Words of Reassurance


When life gets tough or self-doubt strikes, a few words of inspiration can make an incredible difference. And who better to turn to for words of inspiration than gifted authors? In this collection of quotes from noted novelists, poets, and memoirists, you'll find the right words to lift your spirits and keep you shining. From a variety of celebrated authors, these quotes will inspire you to follow your dreams, face your fears, do what's right, and believe in yourself.

What listeners say about What I Talk about When I Talk about Running

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A lovely homage to the running muse.

A great listen, especially while out for a run. If you are a runner or aspire to be one, the author's experience is that of many of us who choose to run, swim or bike and we'll stated throughout. This is one I can see myself replaying for sure.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

If you enjoy casual fitness routine or running or pursue any fitness casually then you willEnjoy it

Love around the world perspective and the story telling or letters wrote by the author.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Check it out

I heard of this writer/book through listening to What Makes Olga Run? Which that booked stemmed from learning about Olga from another book I was listening to. Anyone into running should check this out.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great performance

A performance that brought life to the words and words that will make you feel things.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I like to the book itself, as well as the voice.

I like to the book itself, as well as the voice. It's my pleasure to read together with the voice.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Thought Provoking

The writing was absolutely gorgeous. It really got me thinking about my own experiences with running. I would definitely recommend it.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Good

I liked it. It was good. I didn’t like the end, how he said, “Runners run to overcome pain.” I run to lose weight.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Thank you!

I like nonfiction Murakami. Next is underground. I can’t wait for the 1 credit tomorrow!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

got me through a 27mi run

this was my 3rd time through and it was still just as good, if not better

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

If you are a runner, you will enjoy this book

What did you love best about What I Talk about When I Talk about Running?

Fantastic stories that I could relate to.

What did you like best about this story?

Applicable life lessons

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh and smile throughout.

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2 people found this helpful