What I Talk about When I Talk about Running

A Memoir

By: Haruki Murakami

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins

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)

I enjoyed this book.

Would you try another book from Haruki Murakami and/or Ray Porter?

Yes

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was fine, not anything that is going to change my life but a short, easy, enjoyable read.

Any additional comments?

I was honestly expecting a little more from this book. But it was enjoyable and fast to get through. I thought combining his passion for running with a memoir about writing was very intriguing. I'm not a runner now but I used to be and I also like to dream of being a writer..someday. Unfortunately both subjects were talked about in very superficial ways. I still enjoyed it. I would still recommend it if you are a fan of the authors but it left a lot to be desired.

Well it got me back into running

I wasn't much of a fan of this at all. It inspired me a little bit and the narrator was great so I didn't feel like it was a waste of my time. There are a few interesting nuggets here and there but more like random thoughts compiled together.

Better if you know his previous works?

Perhaps if you've read Mr. Murakami's previous works this would be of greater interest to you but, as someone who has not, I was unmoved by this book. I finished about 2-3 weeks ago and I recall few moments of epiphany or inspiration nor have I referred to it in any of my conversations recently. The writing is eloquent and introspective but, in the end, too personal to offer many insights to this reader who is unfamiliar with his novels.

Having said that, I only got this because a friend of mine who admires this author's previous books really enjoyed it. We are both running/exercising enthusiasts and writers of one ilk or another so hopefully I've offered some insights that are helpful as you consider this selection.

So much more than I expected

I already know the worst day of my life. It is the day that Haruki Murakami does one of two things; dies, or stops writing.

Even something that I had absolutely no interest in, he can write about it in such a fascinating, emotionally profound way, that I'm instantly engaged.

Buy it, read it, you'll enjoy it.

Good, but repetitive...

Simple ideas expressed clearly the first time and confusingly thereafter... worth reading for inspiration and advice!

Helps understand your runner spouse :)

This book helped me understand my wife who is an avid runner. It was interesting to hear why they do it (or at least one or some of the reasons). It may even have motivated me enough to start running.

Nice little book

I've never been a fan of Murakami and purchased this book only because it talks about running. Nevertheless, many times while the listening to it, I catch myself thinking of a person I know, who isn't crazy about this theme, but would appreciate the book. So, I would recommend this book to anyone as a good and thought provoking read.

Murakami's musings are about more than running...

The brilliance you expect from Murakami brought to life with a genuine narration. Feels like a friend opening up to you and setting the stage for a life-changing deeply personal conversation.

How you run is how you write and how you live.

bad reading

the reader of this book puts emphasis on all the wrong words and really takes away from the writing

best book on running. Will inspire and is easy to

great book on running is easy to get through because it doesn't just drone on about running like some books on the topic.