What's Next? discussion

Love Murakami novels - the writing; the offbeat characters and relationships; the blend of real and mystical; and the unique way he captures the rhythm and atmosphere of living in Japan. This is the 4th (and final) book in the Rat series, which are also some of his earliest works. Not all of his novels are strong from start to finish, including this one (at 3.5 stars). After a strong start - and nice transition from The Wild Sheep Chase - the story digresses too long in the middle and then rushes the ending. However, if you're a fan, the series is still worth reading.

My favorites are The Wind Up Bird Chronicle; Kafka on the Shore; and Norwegian Wood. For first-time readers, South of the Border, West of the Sun is small commitment (less than 200 pgs) and good intro.

Time for me to get back to Murakami!

I am of course very interested in the Rat series, but I think I'll read something a bit 'lighter' first, likely the short story collection Men without Women.