Exceptional Books discussion

Fiona, I just checked out these book and they really do look great!

Among his books, I've read only Norwegian Wood. I gave it a 2-star rate but yes, I think it could be classified as exceptional. He was able to depict the sad and morose reality of the Japanese way of life and thinking in a very vivid way. I did learn a lot about culture and life from his book ... that's what makes it exceptional. The movie, btw, makes it more alive too.

Yzobelle wrote: "Among his books, I've read only Norwegian Wood. I gave it a 2-star rate but yes, I think it could be classified as exceptional. He was able to depict the sad and morose reality of the Japanese wa..."

I didn't know there was a movie, I'll have to check that out as well. Thanks :)

Kafka On the Shore is on the 1001 Books list, so on that merit alone I think he was a good choice to be in this group :)

I just started reading After Dark. and its pretty good. But it's not one of those books you can listen to with half an ear. It definitely demands your full attention

I agree. I'll let you know what I think of the story when I'm done.

I have read 3 of those so far. I loved Kafka on the shore the most but After Dark and Wind- up Bird were okay.

FREEBIRD wrote: "I've read quite a bit by him and he is so amazing. He is able to make you realize you're reading a book, but make you feel like you're inside a painting."

Nice description. You are right!

Out of all these I've only read Kafka on the Shore and I was amazed. It immediately became one of my favorite books. It's so deep and complex and it completely sucks you in. It's one of those books that should be read more than once because each time you read it you pick up something new.

I just got Kafka on the Shore out of the library and am looking forward to reading it.

I have Wind-Up Bird Chronicle on my bookshelf. I probably won't get to it for about six months, but based on what you guys have said it should be a very enlightening read!

Ok everyone, I just finished reading "After Dark" and you're going to have to help me with this one. I guess my comment is "WHAT!?"

Was this the wrong book to start with? What did I miss? I was crusing along with this book and it stopped, I felt like I fell off a cliff. Did I miss something? What is the significance of this book?

I think I should read the "Kafka" book because that seems to be the book he's most famous for. But the After dark novel..Well whatever he was trying to convey, was completely lost on me.

Fiona wrote: "A lot of people felt that with After Dark but I kind of liked that open-ended-ness. It is like a glimpse into this world and when it ends it is still living - it is still happening but you just can..."

Thanks Fiona, it sounds like I just picked the wrong one to start with. I'll try the others.

I've not read any Murakami, but I wonder if some of people not getting him is cultural. The concept of time as linear is really a Judeo-Christian concept. Eastern philosophy doesn't regard time that way- time is circular, cyclical. Where you "start" a circle is where it "ends"- if you think about how you draw a circle.

I'm planning to read Murakami after I finish up with David Mitchell. I'm afraid that if I read Murakami, I won't like Mitchell as much anymore.

I'm reading Kafka on the Shore, I'm not quite sure about the point the author is trying to make with this book but it's been entertaining in a weird kind of way.

I've read Dance, Dance, Dance and After Dark, both of which I liked. I don't think it's cultural, more that stream-of-consciousness is his style.

I think Underground is a fantastic book. It's non-fiction, it covers the sarin gas attacks from 1995, which was a significant year for Japan, since both the sarin gas attacks and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake happened that year. It shaped a lot of ways of thought. The book is interviews of people who were on the subway when the attacks happened, and while it is a very heart wrenching book, it's also a very interesting one.

Fiona, I totally agree. I read Kafka on the Shore and was blown away. You make a really good point - when you finish one of his books it is like waking up from a dream.

I have just recently been turned on to Murakami, and just started IQ84. I love the style of writing.

My favorites are Wind Up Bird Chronicle and Kafka on the Shore. I haven't read 1Q84 yet.

Leonard wrote: "My favorites are Wind Up Bird Chronicle and Kafka on the Shore. I haven't read 1Q84 yet."
I am enjoying it, but it is very long. Hope I don't die of old age before I finish it, cuz I have a whole stack of books to read.

I just read 1Q84, my first by him and I'm not sure what to think. I sure did feel like I was in a dreamworld. Not sure if I will pick up another.

I read "A Wild Sheep Chase" first and still find it the most accessible.

When in any bookstore, there are certain authors I always look for. One day in a certain chain bookstore, unable to find any Murakami, I was asked if I was finding everything I was looking for. I asked after Murakami and was told that they don't keep his books on the shelves because they are stolen too often. I wondered how many authors this "no shelving" policy applied to and the fellow said, "Oh, just Murakami."
Go figure.