Where to Start Reading Haruki Murakami (5 Books) 

I really recommend Murakamis "After Dark" it's not talked about as much but I really enjoyed reading it 😄

Read Kafka On The Shore and amazed by the dreamlike quality. It was beautifully written and I felt I was part of the story, some of it not making much sense, just like a dream, floating above and looking down . I liked the fact that it was here, there and everywhere but connected up by the characters and locations. I liked that there was no explanation of why things happened and also the interrelationships of the characters in what seemed like parallel dimensions. It is truly incredible how his mind works to be able to come up with this work of genius. All I can figure out is that it has to do with various dimensions all interwoven. Great if we could all talk to cats and animals.

I am currently reading Norwegian Wood and loving it. Although sometimes it becomes too depressing and make me more depressed than I am, his rhetorical detailed magical description of mundane events keeps me glued to the book.

I am really glad I found this video!! I began by reading the 1Q84 saga, then "What I talk about when I talk about running", then "Kafka on the Shore" and I've recently started "Norwegian Wood". So nothing as coherent as you suggested weirdness-wise. I read 1Q84 when I was in a reading slump and kind of picked it up by accident at 17. Ever since, I keep coming back to Murakami once the idea of reading loses its appeal because of everyday life. He has such a way of romanticizing daily life, and his vagueness enchanted me because it depicts some darker sides of life with a sort of poetic yet brutal realism. As a 22 y/o woman though I'm afraid it took me years to realize his way of depicting women was problematic, but oh well, it is an incredibly common thing in culture anyway. When I was younger I kind of assumed I had to accept the position these powerful male authors assigned to my gender and I even felt privileged to be "smart enough to be the exception" (fitting that whole "I'm not like other girls" trope, "When male authors write that they aren't REALLY sexist" etc., deconstructing patriarchal norms takes a while). Wherever I am, city, country, age, his books feel like home, probably because of the recurring themes and tropes, and his style is just so clean, sharp, concise. Nothing superfluous. I love it. Like a way darker bookish version of Miyazaki.

My first book of his was actually „Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his Years of Pilgrimage“ - AND OMG, I basically could FEEEL and TOUCH colors through his book. So visual, so beautiful. The next one I read was „Kafka on the Shore“ - surely my favourite book of his. Next I read „The Wind-up bird chronically“ and puh, that one was bizarre but I really loved it. I‘m currently reading Norwegian Woods and I have no idea why it takes me so long to read this book. It‘s interesting but I find it not es magical as the others.

Just finished Kafka on the Shore - I must say wow! It’s magical and yet real and full of compassion. Thanks for recommending and introducing this author. Now onto the others.

You said it all, Murakami writes like comfort food , perfect ! I hope you may visit Hokkaido someday , it s really spectacular 😊

I know it’s probably a bit of an unpopular opinion, but my Murakami favorite so far is: south of the border west of the sun. Loved it! I think in this book he is on it’s peak when it comes to melancholy/nostalgia…

I love his books, Kafka on the Shore was the first one for me, it's crazy and the characters are endearing, I remember crying when I finished. Then I continued with 1Q84 and that book really blews my mind, everything make sense at the end and left me with a fullness feeling. I truly love Murakami.

I used to live in Hokkaido once. I wanted to see and stay Dolphin Hotel appeared on "Dance Dance Dance", and even googled Dolphin Hotel "いるかホテル" in Sapporo, Hokkaido. I now know that the Dolphin Hotel exists only in Murakami's novel. However, sometimes I feel like I'm staying in Dolphin Hotel at nights. :)

South of the border, west of the sun was my first Murakami novel. I was amazed by the way he could connect the characters and how you learned more and more about the main character in just 100 pages. After that it came Kafka on the shore and Norwegian Wood, Murakami is just amazing.

I wish you’d had this video out when I was trying to figure out what to read on my way to Japan! I didn’t end up choosing a Murakami book, but this is helpful for next time!

Loved your views and opinions of Murakami books. Have read several but need to read the 2 I haven't read. I love the diverse aspects of them.

Kafka on the shore, I love it. One of my favourites.

Definitely gonna be checking out the wind up bird chronicle ! Definitely sounded interesting in the beginning! Amazing vid !

I just started reading the Wind-Up Bird Chronicle after taking a hiatus off reading and I’m as hooked as I was when I read some of his other books. I enjoy how Murakami writes the mundane or everyday happenings, as if they’re more special than they actually are. I do agree that Hear the Wind Sing/Pinball 1973 aren’t essential but since I read them before reading A Wild Sheep Chase I felt like I got more context to the protagonist and the Rat’s relationship. I have never been as eager to turn pages as I have when I read Kafka on the Shore and Norwegian Wood is the one book I’ve read that (almost) made me tear up. Damn I love Haruki Murakami’s works.

Thank you for this encouraging and very helpful video.

Thank you so much for this Haruki Murakami guide! Much needed!

I love Murakami ❤ thank you for this video!

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World will always have a place in my heart. Something about the unicorn skulls haunted me, and the underground scenes remind me of The Descent (horror film). Although Killing Commendatore was, like you said, a big ole pile of Murakami tropes, I still love it. Recently made a Lego creation inspired by the houses on the mountain.

My new favorite channel ❤ BINGE WATCHING ALL YOUR VIDEOS!!

He is my favourite author~. I encountered this channel through a review video of Klara and The Sun, and checked some of other videos. I just got curious why there are quite a few videos on Japanese literature in this channel. But It seems interesting, so i’m gonna watch them:) subscribed!

Kafka on the Shore was my first (and only) introduction to Murakami. I was sometimes extremely puzzled (and maybe a bit frustrated by not understanding the surrealism - if that sounds logical), but always fascinated. I found the book a beautiful kaleidoscope (or indeed puzzle) of colourful images and spaces and symbols and ideas. You make the comparison to comfort food, which I find very apt. If you put it like that, I would also, in that vein, like to mention Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, which I read with a lot of real pleasure, composed as it is of beautiful and witty prose, also with a wonderful sense of space (and atmosphere), although she attains that sense by slightly other means, I think. Her writing style is of course very different - but since I am not a very analytical reader (or a literary critic), I would not know how to describe the difference. It is more a feeling than anything else, which I am trying to describe. Sorry for my ramble.

I have read 2 of 5 ( Kafka on the shore and Norwegian wood). I also read “Sputnik sweetheart” and “Birthday Girl”. I like his literature, his style, and imagination...thank you for reviewing his books. For me, Kafka on the shore and Norwegian wood are best💓

Great video!! loved it, thanks for the recs, cant wait to start reading Murakami

Your videos are the reviews I needed without thinking I needed them 😊

I came across this video whilst looking for some reviews of Murakami work. I’ve recently read Kafka On The Shore and was blown away. I’ve never read a book that brought out such joy in me in a way I’ve never experienced. I thought the way you explained his work is really on point and whilst I’ve only read one book of his I feel you explained them perfectly. Thank you and have subscribed to your channel!

I love your videos, your clarity and positivity are a real tonic...and you've introduced me to Murakami for which I'm truly grateful...and Japan is on my travel itinerary for 2023....all thanks to you 👍

I really enjoy your videos, thanks for doing this. I read Norwegian Wood in February and really enjoyed it. I'm not typically a magical realism guy but have since read his first four novellas/novels and can't quite explain why I enjoy his books so much. But somehow I keep wanting to read more. Wind Up Bird is probably next for me, especially after watching your video, but I'm also eager to dive into 1Q84. BTW I really liked Pinball 1973 even though it's an early work and unpolished. Dance Dance Dance is probably my favorite after Norwegian Wood.

I have read Norwegian Wood and Kafka on the Shore. I agree with your feedback and insights on them. I'll be moderating a book discussion on Kafka on the Shore this weekend and your video has helped me gather more interesting points about Haruki Murakami. Thank you!

Despite having forgotten details, lol, you do absolutely nail the key points. I think you conveyed fairly well why you like the books - you call it a sense of space, I would call it a 'vibe'. Murakami and other major Japanese writers meticulously convey settings and allow them to breathe, and it results in a certain quality of immersion that can be hard to find to the same extent elsewhere. The mountain town in Snow Country and the Setagaya back alleys in Wind-Up Bird are practically characters in themselves. You also do a good job of hitting the most salient points about the books, in terms of their themes, tone, difficulties, and likely overall impression on the reader. We also share the same Murakami favorites. Reading Sheep Chase and Wind-Up Bird back-to-back over the course of several blustery, darkening autumn weeks in my mid-twenties are some of my most evocative, fondest memories.

I've just finished my first Murakami book, A Wild Sheep Chase, and came here to decide my next read. When describing the space of Japanese literature, you described exactly how it felt reading this book. Looking forward to my next pick, Norwegian Wood (:

Wow! Really enjoyed this! Thanks. Kafka on the Shore is my favorite Murakami so far. Will check out your recommendations.

Don't worry about the details you may have forgotten--you have me eager to read Haruki Murakami's novels.

Kafka on the shore is still the best book I've ever read! Just bought the wind up bird chronicle today cause the over is so beautiful. Excited to read it. I hope I love it even more. Admittedly Kafka is a slow start. Around page 200 it becomes the best journey I've been on

This was just the video I was looking for! Yes I am totally that reader who loves the idea of Murakami, but have yet to start the journey. I've had Wind Up Bird Chronicle on my TBR shelf for years. I started reading years ago, gave me the strangest dreams so DNF'd it after 20 pages, and never went back LOL. But funnily enough, I remember every single detail that I have read so far, so clear in my head. I know his books will have an impact on me, just need to take that first step and you have helped with this immensely. Thank you and look forward to watching more of your videos!

I loved your insight on these books! Thank you!

Great video! another of his works that I enjoyed: the colorless life of tsukuru tazaki :)!

My first murakami book was the killing of commendatore and I loved it. Mainly because I’m into painting and classical music but the supernatural/surrealist side of the book was even better and I’ve been seeking something like that ever since

This was great thank you! I had read A Wild Sheep Chase a little while ago and quite enjoyed it, but didn't really know where to start (or continue) with Murakami, and now I do. Plus your enthusiasm is quite contagious, think I'll go for Norwegian Wood next then the Wind-Up. Be well :)

i have read multiple murakami's book including dance dance dance, a wild sheep chase, norewigian wood, and just started reading kafka on the shore and prepare to read 1q84. his books are just so fascinating and interesting and never get bored reading them over and over again.

Wow, I watched a movie called "DRIVE MY CAR" 2021 and realized it was from Murakami's "Men without Women" ( 7 short stories). Excellent movie! Loved your talk on this author. I did read Kafta on the Shore 5 years ago. It was everything you said and better. I felt like I was reading several timelines all at once with that feeling you have when you walk through a museum enjoying each work of art imaging the story. Thank you!

I read most of the books you mentioned so I’m happy with my choice . I didn’t read yet Norwegian wood and the What I talked… so now I’m curious about the latter one. Thank you for your discussion and no worries I forgot things about the book after I just finish a book; it’s quite normal if you read a lot of books

Excellent! Those are the books I would suggest for a new Murakami reader as well. Now, "Killing Commenda..." is so far my favorite after the "What I talk about when I talk about Running". I'm looking forward to the translation for his new book expected in April 2023, well in Japanese. Good job, thank you.

I read Kafka on the Shore in highschool, we were given a list of novels to choose from to do a project on and I was intrigued by the Japanese author name, Kafka in the title since we'd read some Kafka stories earlier and I liked them a lot, and the fact that it was the only one on the list I didn't recognize/had never heard of before... and oh I loved it so much, I was shocked it was on the list and approved for highschoolers to read because it... is definitely weird... but I was so happy I chose it knowing so little. I haven't read any Murakami since but I've always been meaning to, I do still have my project on a flashdrive somewhere, I digitally made some really cool design-y posters based on it, and I've always wanted to reread it.

My first Murakami book is Kafka on the Shore- I loved it, especially the whacky details that made no sense. My favorite thing about Kafka in that book is the detail, I remember between the chapters about Kafka and the old dude, he would mention a certain detail, like this type of metal that was mentioned in the files in the first couple chapters, and then mentioned the type of metal again in the following chapter with Kafka when they were at the bus stop when he met his “sister”. I loved trying to find the details he repeated between both perspectives. The parallelism in that book is insane and the level of crazy is astronomical and that’s why i like it so much. Murakami kept me on my toes the entire book, and I didn’t know what to expect the next chapter.

such a fast sub this review was amazing! thank you :)

My first book of his was the short story collection Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman and while I feel like I didn't "understand" many of the stories in there I also feel like that wasn't necessary and that there was something weird and intriguing in them that kept me coming back for more. Now I just started 1Q84 and Kafka on the Shore is on my shelf waiting to be read. So my journey into his catalogue is still at a very early stage, but I'm already so invested in this author, it's crazy.

I've started with The wind-up bird and I fell in love instantly. My fav is Hard boiled wonderland and I'm also loving Killing commendatore, very engaging.

i love haruki murakami books. norwegian wood was my first ever haruki murakami book i read, it was sooooooo beautiful

The very first book that I read written by murakami is Kafka on the shore, I didn’t know how to feel about it at first. It was hard for me to get into it but as I keep on reading it, I am starting to quite like this book because I like the build up of the story. It is quite confusing at first and I’m still getting there and I do agree that it is a very slow book. I didn’t stop there, I got the Norwegian wood book because I have heard about this book a lot. I was actually meant to get the Norwegian wood but I couldn’t find it in any bookstores near me but I do not regret getting the Kafka on the shore.

Awesome video!! Read Kafka On the Shore and went all in. Purchased all of his books. Short stories are hit or miss. Pre-ordered his new book coming out in April. Murakami is awesome!!!

Omg i can relate so much when u said u cant remember much abt the novel 😂 the addicting weirdness in his books makes me feel like im daydreaming about something... idk how to put it but u get that feeling of just waking up from a long dream after reading a few chapters but cant really explain it!! and thats probably why i like his books so much

I love Murakami so much because of how he manages to interweave both the large scale backdrops and the interpersonal, intimate settings of protagonists that would look grey and unremarkable at first glance. Examples are the Japanese invasion of Manchuria which is discussed in the Wind up Bird Chronicles, or the student protests in the 1960s. While this is all in the background, the forefront is the intimate journeys his protagonists go through, and like you said. The feeling you get as though the book is alive. the background noise, the birds chirping, the sky above, it feels like you're there in person, and while you may not end up identifying with the protagonists, you do feel like this is all happening to you.

I too adore that what I talk about when I talk about running book! Especially the descriptions of nature and actually running

such a great video. thank you. very helpful.

I'm a french viewer and I don't know how but the way you speak help me to improve my english ! Most of the times, I need subtitles to understand english well but with you, it's not necessary. You have a huge potentiel for podcast haha Have a nice day !

Good, on running, is my next HZ, thanks.

Wonderful videos, probably the best one among the three videos I saw for the same subject. I am not new to Mukukami, already read Kafka on the shore, Norwegian woods and 1Q84 (this one on audio). And you describe it well, by humbly accepting not done a justice on explaining those, but probably no one can. The short description will never summaries the feeling you get after or while reading Murukami. Now I will start with The wind up bird chronicles, thanks to you. If you want to read 1Q84, I would recommend go for audio version, as it’s pretty long but I can say it’s worth it !

Years ago, I tried to start reading Haruki Murakami with 1Q84. Whoo, that did not go well. I have read a lot of other books since then, and a lot more with magical/surreal elements. But I have always been hesitant about which book to try from Murakami again. And, because of some of the reasons you mentioned, wondered whether it was really worth it. This video is very informative. I think I will start with the Wind Up Bird Chronicle. I really like the way you talk about books and literature.

Kafkaesque turns me off. But because of you I will put one on my TBR. Oh!! Didn’t realize that he wrote What I Talk About. It’s been on my TBR for ages! I like your description of “space” and I get that. Gentle and easy.

Fully agreed when you mention Kafka on the shore and wind up bird chronicle. Both are my first and second Murakami book that I read. Its feel intimidating to read thick book, but after I read it, it's feel really fun, i think I just fall in love with Murakami writing 👌👌 Luckily I read Wind up bird chronicle on my native language translation (Bahasa Indonesia) and it's including the missing part of the English translation. And I feel completed after I finish read it Those 2 title is had a good portion of surealisme

Characters, HZ's characters always feel so real and somehow they form an image in your head, yet I never remember him giving descriptions of them, Joyce also could do this. My favourite so far was After Dark,

I started, by chance, with Wind Up Bird and loved it. I also loved Kafka on the Shore and Wild Sheep Chase. Thanks for the overview. It was calm and thoughtful, and even if you can’t recall all the character names, it doesn’t matter. I’m not sure where to go next. Yes, he’s not too hot with female characters, but not awful. I’m also intrigued by another author you mention, Kobe Abbé(?), because I like weird stuff. I want a Murakami bingo sheet! Thanks for this.

Thanks for the video! Was looking into getting into Murakami and wasn't sure where to start.

1Q84 was my first and I was hooked! (Kafka was my second so I guess I love the deep end). Great video

Recently, I've been starting to miss Murakami's writing. I've read almost all of his books, and as problematic as they could be at times, they gave me comfort in a time when I needed it. And from the very first book I read of his, After Dark, he enchanted me. I still remember reading 1Q84 in January this year, and how the book was there for me as my life started to unfold before me. His writing had helped through the time, because it discussed themes that were related to what was going on in my life. It was also the first 1000+ page book that I finished. Now, I'm starting to yearn for his magical realism again, for his sparse poeticism, for his style. And ever since finishing Killing Commendatore, I've been yearning to read something like it-or, even better, to wind back time and experience it all again. But, sadly, I don't usually reread books. There was just something about Killing Commendatore that captured me; the same way 1Q84 did. Killing Commendatore had a chapter about the main character's sister that really touched me, and the rest had this sort of "emotional atmosphere," I guess, that really resonated with me. Some might complain about how Murakami portrays depression, but in my own reading his stories have always spoke to me. Which might be why I loved Norwegian Wood so much. Enough of my rambling: I'm honestly just wishing there is a new Murakami book I can read at the moment

I actually think you did a great job in this video, despite the fact that you says “I don’t remember” a lot. I can totally understand that. I read two or three years ago, and I can barely remember any detail from it now. But I remember I loved it when I finished the book. My friend gave me two years ago and I haven’t read it because the length of the book terrifies me a little. But recently I want to start reading it. Your recommendation tells me it’s probably a good idea to start reading it. I’ve also read and I liked it a lot but I don’t remember why I liked it LOL. My memory sucks. But reading books isn’t about remembering everything from the book after, isn’t it? I guess books influence me in unconscious ways.

(No spoilers) I've read The Wild Sheep Chase recently, which was my first encounter with Haruki. And yes, there are a lot of issues to pick on. But eventually the book captures your attention and literally talks you into keeping on reading it. The ending was a bit of a disappointment after such intriguing episodes in that secluded mansion. In general - I don't regret reading it at all. It was really atmospheric. I travelled to Hokkaido with great pleasure within the pages of the book. Started the Norwegian Wood, seem to like the beginning more.

Thanks for the recommendations

I agree, Wind Up Bird Chronicle is my favorite and Wild Sheep Chase is my #2.

Couple of years ago I read 1q84. I wasn’t that much into reading and had very little experience and the weirdness of the it kinda shocked me but I definitely loved it

So glad I found your channel, agree totally on the books of Murakami you talk about there. Although after just finishing the 1Q84 triology( who’s revues haven’t been so great) I must say Murakami is definitely my favourite author❣️❣️❣️ I loved the 1Q84 triology. I also like you find Japanese literature at the top of my list. I have been fascinated about Japan, and Japanese culture since childhood. And as you say, I find COMFORT there. As if I came home to the familiar, to home! (I’m Swedish) But 15 years ago I started travelling to Asia, and as I now near my retirement, after COVID, that is where I’m heading back to. I would like to mention two books I love and will reread over and over again. Mo Hayders “ TOKYO” The devil of Nanking, and Anne Berry’s “ The hungry ghosts” as my tip to you.... perhaps you’ve already read them?😍 Anyway, thank you for what you do SO WELL♥️♥️♥️

SUCH A JOY to find this video. I remember getting all these favorites and their characters confused but recall being obsessed with the rat and the sheepman. You didn't mention Dance Dance Dance understandably as it is a sequel to Wild Sheep Chase. It gives some closure and more clarity and resolves any sheepman mysticism so a reader can just move on and enjoy less surreal characters. Hard-Boiled Wonderland is more memorable and has some shocking twists. 1Q84 is perhaps more spy or crime novel and pretty dark. I guess what I'm saying is that in these later books we might begin with an everyman protagonist but realize all his characters are singular or unique and know strange truths. They no longer need to be a sheepman to haunt a reader.

Great video, I'm reading Dance Dance Dance and was looking for where to turn next

i really enjoy watching your reviews because you explain things very eloquently and because i have read a couple of books that you have recommended and loved them. could you make a video talking about the korean and argentinian literature that you recommend please? i'd be very interested in watching that!!

I’m only just starting my second Murakami novel, “Kafka on the Shore”, and I managed to read six chapters and the intro in a single evening last night. I can’t wait to get back into it. My first Murakami novel was “Norwegian Wood”, which I read last year. I read it on the suggestion of a mutual on Instagram who is a huge fan of Murakami’s work. There’s a scene in the novel where Toru and Midori are at a hospital visiting her dying father, and if I remember correctly there’s a part where Midori leaves the room for a little while and Toru feeds her father some cucumber. It made me a bit weepy because it brought me back to memories of my mom’s final months in 2020 when she was in the final stages of Alzheimer’s and couldn’t even chew, much less feed herself. And I’d be at her bedside feeding her purées or oatmeal or helping her sip on juice or milk and she’d lock eyes with me. If you’ve ever had to be a caregiver to a sick or dying parent, you relate really strongly to that scene. Also: for both “Norwegian Wood” as well as “Kafka on the Shore” so far, I tend to go for reading music. The former, I’d have a lot of Beatles music and similar playing. So far for “Kafka” it’s been Duke Ellington and other jazz artists, but that could change the further I get into it. I have “1Q84” in my collection as well, and my guess is when I get to that it’ll be ‘80s alternative with some Prince thrown in…or it could be something completely different.

Great breakdown. HM did me wonders.

Needed this video

I haven't read much Japanese literature but I have been watching Japanese movies (anime and live action) and manga since I was a child. Next year I want to dive in to Murakami and read more Kazuo Ishiguro (I only read Klara and the Sun). I love surrealist, dream-like, and just plain weird books. I held off for a while now on Murakami because of his reputation for being misogynistic but honestly at this point in my life I want to look past it and experience the books regardless. Thank you for this video because now I know the 2 books I will try first (Wind-Up Bird and then Kafka). Now on to your Kazuo Ishiguro video...

You should read Brazilian Lit! :-) By the way, What I talk about when I talk about running was my first Murakami and I couldn't agree more with you. Loved how he connected the runnng with writing. Such a jam !!!

I thought about the book with the guy in the well so often and could not remember which Murakami it was. Now I know. Thanks for that!

I so love Kafka on the shore.

I read my first Murakami book What I Talk About When I Talk About Running and came to this video and its the first book you suggest haha wild! Guess I picked a good one ;)

This list is solid. 👌🏽

KAFKA IS 15! Love the video though. 😁thanks again

I read "What i talk about when I talk about running" first and I just finished "Norwegian wood" before I found this video Surely going to follow the order

I honestly started reading Haruki Murakami's books after I read "Pinball" and I personally thought I wouldn't like it, but something about the way he writes just keeps you intrigued and it makes you think. When I read "After The Quake" as well, I ended up crying, a part of that book really really made me think a lot. The main reason I like his books is that the books are like opening a sector that makes you think about everything. (As of right now I own 5 books of his and by far my favourite is Men without Women and After The Quake)

Ah, finally a channel about Asian books. Thank you for this. I love Sputnik Sweetheart and IQ84 took me to Koentji area when I visited Tokyo 2 years ago. There's always some kind of solitude feeling each time I read one of the Japanese writers you mentioned, but as a rookie such theme can be depressing and daunting.

What I talk about when I talk about running was the first one I read and I also thought it was amazing!

Nice vid well done!

Kafka on the Shore was my first, because of a lead from finding anything strange like House of Leaves. Wind-Up Bird Chronicle was next. Then his first two novellas. Then 1Q84, which was LONG but terrific. It could have been cut short. A Wild Sheep Chase was one of my favorites. Reading Dancex3 now.

I started with Kafka on the Shore but stopped shortly after I had started to read Norwegian Wood instead, and it was a good choice. Then read Men Without Women, a collection of short stories. Currently reading Wind-Up Bird, might go to Wild Sheep Chase for a light palate-cleanser, and eventually I'll take up Kafka again. My sister gave me 1Q84 as a gift so I'm leaving that for last.

I loved Wind up bird and Wild Sheep Chase. I also loved Dance, dance, dance, the last of the "Rat Series". I am reading Killing Commendatore now and loving it.

Great video! I’ve read almost all of his novels (as translated into English, but I think that applies to all of them) over the years, and my two enduring favorites are Wild Sheep Chase and Dance Dance Dance, the third and fourth installments of his Rat trilogy (like you I see the two early works which are nominally in the series as not in the same league). For me novels are all about world building, and in the two books I mention he creates and sustains a world that will always be with me. It’s just so atmospheric, so moody, so unique. (BTW I think what I’m calling world building is related to what you call space, though I don’t think they are exactly the same. There is also sense of place, which I think is yet a different thing.) You didn’t talk about any of his short story collections, which is fair since I don’t think any of them ascend to the level of his novels. (To be honest most of his stories come across to me as New Yorker read-on-the-potty fare.) But one collection does stick with me, and that is After the Quake. I don’t have anything like the feel for Japanese culture you do, but the book has a very Buddhist feel for me.

Very helpful introduction.

*Be warned: sorry, I wrote a mini essay this early in the morning but this video got me pumped to get my hands on "a wild sheep chase", so thank you, new subbie! You don't have read this haha. My first Murakami novel was Killing Commendatore, which I absolutely adored and, despite not being a re-reader, I could seriously see myself picking it up for that comforting element you mentioned! And then when I went and read The Wind Up Bird I was like "ahh so the holes in grounds and sisters are his thing", which was great because I was so in to it the first time! I totally agree with your reasons for loving Murakami and think you did a really great job with this video overall, even if you have forgotten a lot! lol (I actually dislike knowing too much (sometimes anything at all) about a book before I read it so that was great for me ^_^) Here are some reasons why I am a fangirl, even after just 3 novels: 1) That Murakami bingo element you mentioned. I was super bookish as a kid (I'm 24 now!) and fell off of reading as I got older, which was sad. How much I enjoyed KC, and how strongly Wind Up Bird invoked the same feeling made me think I could probably pick up any Murakami novel and feel that way. I dunno, there's something about a hole in the ground hahaha, it was refreshing! Its kind of like when you hear a song you really like, so you go to the artist's spotify and listen to the album or some of their other music, and its a totally different vibe to the song? Even if its good, the disappointment of the vibe not matching makes it hard to go back, but maybe that's just me? Murakami is the opposite of that! Some people find it repetitive but I think, don't fix it if it aint broke! 2) I bought KC a month before covid hit and the surrealist element felt also a little existential if that makes sense? It felt a remedy for the existential dread I was feeling at the time. The human feeling of some of the characters is also really comforting, sometimes his writing feels like an objective lens in to human beings, even through his protagonists obviously have their own thoughts and perspective. 3) I feel like the protagonists (who are definitely weirdos) have this "wtf, why am I in weird situations all the time, am I the DRAMA? I don't think I'm the Dramaaaa (Tiktok lol)" and it is so soooo validating hahaha it feels like they are looking out at me from inside the book like "do you see this shit? this is weird right?". I loved how neutral the protag in KC was, but the chaos of the protag in TWUBC was a really nice, mild 180 for me. If you made it this far, thanks for hanging out for me 6 am ramble hehe have a nice day!

Have read 4 out of the 5, I think I’m on the right track. I enjoy his fictions more than non fictions and short stories.

Im glad i found your channel

I started with a wild sheep chase. In my top three…probably my favorite. I am still enamored with Hokkaido. Hard-boiled wonderland and the end of the world is still one that I would love to center a book club around…the wind-up bird chronicle is also a favorite of mine. I am not sure why I love hims work so much. I have read all the books translated to English. Something about the fantastic element to explore the human condition that speaks to me.