What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
by Jenners • 04/26/2012 • 4 Stars, Audiobook, M Authors, Memoir, Non-Fiction, W Titles • 60 Comments
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running written by Haruki Murakami and read by Ray Porter Publisher: Blackstone Audio, 2008 Length: 4 hours and 25 minutes Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir Where I Got It: Downloaded it from Audible Why I Read It: I wanted to “introduce” myself to Murakami before attempting his fiction My Rating: 4 stars
Book Description
Written over the course of several months in 2005 as Murakami prepared for the New York City Marathon, this memoir is about more than just running—though it is most certainly about the mindset of a long-distance runner and the type of commitment and life a dedicated runner leads. The book is just as much about aging, being a novelist and Murakami himself. Providing an insight into the kind of person Murakami is while also sharing his particular worldview, this memoir is a must-read for his fans and runners alike.
My Thoughts
After being unjustly accused of stealing this book from my brother, I downloaded the audio version from Audible, and I’m actually glad I did. I listened to it while walking my dog, and it was a perfect fit. The memoir unfolds in a meandering, stream of consciousness way that was fulfilling and gave me much food for thought as I walked. Listening to it while outside and active seemed like the ideal way to fully appreciate the book—giving me a view into the experience of running as I simulated it on a much slower and less punishing level.
I liked that the book wasn’t just focused on running. Many times, Murakami asserts that running and being a novelist are two similar activities. In fact, he began long-distance running when he decided to become a novelist, and the two have gone hand-in-hand ever since. As Murakami says, you have to be a certain type of person to be a novelist and a long-distance runner—one who has the stamina and endurance to go the distance, whether in a marathon or in a long-form novel. The process for both is often punishing and requires significant training and preparation. Both require a significant amount of pain.
In addition, since Murakami wrote the book later in life, it often muses on the process of aging—when you realize that no matter what you do, your body is just not going to respond as well as it once did. Coming to terms with this is one of the main themes of the book, and I think Murakami’s attitude of acceptance but unwillingness to stop pushing himself is one that we should all consider.
For people searching for a narrative about running, the memoir also provides detailed information about Murakami’s extensive running experiences—from his participation in an ultramarathon (which ended up becoming an almost out-of-body experience) to his recent decision to do triathalons. He also discusses the rhythms, pleasures, pain, and solitary nature of long-distance running.
About the Narration: Ray Porter was an excellent narrator. He read with a commitment that made it seem as if he had written these words himself. In fact, it felt like someone talking to you rather than someone reading another person’s book. The translation from Japanese must have been top-notch too as I found the language to be wonderfully lucid and flowing. After hearing so much about the strangeness and weirdness of Murakami’s fiction, I feel relieved that he was so accessible in this book. Hopefully this is the start of a beautiful relationship between the two of us.
Recommended for: Murakami fans, runners and those who appreciate well-written memoirs.
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I’ve never thought of writing being like marathon running but I can really see the correlation. It really is an endurance contest in both cases. I’ve yet to read any Murakami yet…
The connection does make sense, doesn’t it? And this is a great Murakami to start with I think.
Well I’m not sure this would be a book for me but I’m glad you enjoyed it.
It isn’t for everyone but I thought it was a great way to ease into reading this author’s writing.
Hmm, I have this in queue on my mp3 player. I’ve heard more than once that it’s only really of interest to runners, so in my world you’re the minority report. Doesn’t really matter much, though, since I’m… you know… a runner. Also, a Murikami fan. This is going to be a hard book not to like.
Well I’m as far away from a runner as you can get and I found it interesting so I’m not sure why others felt that way. I can’t believe you haven’t read this yet being both a runner and a Murakami fan.
I’ve recently begun noticing that I’m not as excited about waking up in the morning as I used to be and I strongly feel it’s because I’m getting older :/ I think I need to read this book to learn to cope with aging, plus it sounds interesting and I don’t think I’ve read Murkami yet.
It is a wonderfully written book that is relatable even if you don’t care one iota about running. Plus a great intro to this author.
Wait…what’s this audible and are you saying I can “read” while doing other things?
Yes!! You can download audiobooks and listen to them on your phone or iPod (lots of devices are supported). It is what I do to get through housework and exercise!
I never would have looked twice at this but my aging body and my irritation with it could probably use this book as inspiration.
It was an interesting aspect of the book — especially if you are an active person.
Holy smokes, you changed your look again! The blog, I mean.
I’m glad you like Murakami, this book sounds pretty good and I love memoirs so I’ll put it on my TBR list. The running-writing analogy is something to think about.
If you want to start with something easy, try After Dark, it’s one of his short novels and my first Murakami, I liked it a lot.
Thanks for the tip on After Dark. I did try Norwegian Wood after I read this one and it too was kind of straightforward. I’m anxious to get into his really weird stuff now!! And I promise this is the last blog change for awhile!! : )
I really want to read some of Murakam’s work. It’s been on my list for far too long.
I think this would be the perfect place to start. It is totally accessible, not too long and you get to “meet” the author himself. I read Norwegian Wood after listening to this and now I’m getting ready to try one of his “weird” classics.
CONGRATULATIONS!
I have given you the “Really Know Your Stuff” Award.
Check it out here – http://bookywooks.blogspot.com.au/p/really-know-your-stuff-award.html
Well wow. Thanks. I shall pop over to check it out.
Unjustly accused! That is awful
I am glad you read it because now you have shared it… I like that you walked while reading it… makes me want to do the same thing.
He still contends that I took his copy of the book — yet I don’t have it anywhere!! I’m waiting for him to see this post and chime in how I did take the book. So far nothing.
sounds like the perfect book to listen to while walking your dog. I think I’m going to try audible this week. I find myself to busy to read the next book club pick. Have you ever downloaded from audible to your kindle?
It is very easy to download from Audible to your Kindle. In fact it does it almost automatically as it is tied into Amazon. And I tried the Audible title on my Kindle and it sounded good. I tend to listen when I’m doing boring things like housework or walking the dog. I put it on my iPhone then so it is easier to carry around.
You know I like Murakami but I seriously never considered reading this one. Now I’m starting to reconsider! I’m not a runner (in fact, I strongly dislike everything about running) but I think all the rest of it would be interesting enough.
I think if you like him as an author, this would be appealing to get to know him and what makes him tick. It was very interesting to me and I’m as far from being a runner as a tree is from a rock.
I haven’t read any Murakami yet. Would this be a good one to start with?
I think it would be a great place to start. It is accessible and not weird and a bit of an introduction to the author himself.
i have not been brave enough to try one of his books but this one does sound like a good place to start….especially while walking/running! i have a friend who is a runner and she’s training for a marathon right now ~ when she talks about running for 2 hours my eyes start to glaze over and i wonder what the heck would possess someone to RUN for that long! apparently running possesses a lot of people. anyways, thanks for the heads up about this book and tell your brother to quit stealing your books
Actually, I am accused of stealing my brother’s copy of the book — WHICH I DIDN’T!!!! And I think this is a great place to start of you want to try this author. I’m working my way up to his “weird” fiction now. And I don’t get the appeal of running, but it seems to grab quite a few people.
I’m not big on memoir’s but this does sound good.
This is almost more of a meditation on various aspects of life than a memoir, I think.
The title was a little uninteresting, I’ll admit but when you said it wasn’t all about running and including some interesting thoughts on aging, I became interested again.
The title is actually inspired by a Raymond Carver short story, which he discusses in the book. Not sure if that makes a different but there you go.
My husband loves audible. That is where he gets all his “books” from as he listens during his 50 minute commute.
I think Audible is fantastic. And definitely a wonderful way to liven up a long commute!! I gave my sisters-in-law a gift membership to Audible because they have a 1.5 hour commute each day.
stream of consciousness…flashbacks to James Joyce..running for the door…screaming…
OK … maybe I was misleading in saying it was “stream of consciousness.” I think what I was trying to say is that it doesn’t follow a typical chronological structure. He takes off and discusses a topic as it “hits” him … but the writing itself if lucid and easy to follow … unlike Joyce I hear!
I am off to my library tonight to pick up the copy of this that is there. There’s only one audio version in the library system and it just happens to me at my branch. Serendipidous?
I think you will get so much out of this memoir!!! It is has you written all over it — with your novel writing and your working on being a runner. I do think it is your destiny!
This sounds like an interesting read. I’m starting to hit that point in life where my body is definitely not the same as it was and I’m still making peace with that.
Have a great day.
You and me both. I wish I had the metabolism I used to have in my childhood and early 20s when I could eat anything and it just melted away. Sigh.
I would never have thought this would be good, but you actually make it sound appealing. I have a friend that does all that ultra-running and I just don’t comprehend the appeal. It’s so HARD on the body!
His account of the ultramarathon was fascinating … but it certainly convinced me I would never need to even think about doing this in life. I imagine your friend might appreciate this book. And the coolest thing is, non-runners can enjoy it too.
I have read so much about this book, but your review really helped me get a good sense of it–thank you!
You’re welcome. It is a great way to kick off a reading history with this author I think.
I loved this one as well. It was motivating even though I am not a runner. It just had so many inspiring little tidbits.
I was curious how you would feel about it being such a Murakami groupie!!!
I listened to this one and had never read one word of Murakami (I want to, you see, but I’m intimidated or something). And I don’t run, even though Andre is convinced he can get me there. But I LOVED this book. Loved it. Murakami’s passion just oozed out of every word, and I found myself really respecting the man and wishing that I’d read all of this work. This was a five star listen for me.
I agree with you wholeheartedly — it was such a wonderful listen and a great way to introduce yourself to an author who seems very scary to read. After listening to this, I feel ready to conquer his fiction. Also, I think I have you to thank for listening to this in the first place … I think it was your review that put it on my radar in the first place.
Yet another title imitating Carver’s, who evidently got it from his editor!
He talks about “borrowing” the title in the memoir. And I’ve seen a few other books pay homage to Carver’s story as well.
I still haven’t read any of his books and have to admit that his fiction intimidates me a little bit. As far as the running, my thoughts are similar to yours – walking is definitely more my speed. But I have aspirations to someday be able to jog for a half hour straight. Once (about six months ago) I managed ten and a half minutes. That’s still my record to beat.
I have heard great things about this book from everyone who has read it though, so I’m glad that not being a runner isn’t a hindrance to enjoying it.
Awesome for you to go 10.5 minutes!! I’m pretty sure I couldn’t do that. And this book is a great way to “meet” Murakami — it isn’t intimidating at all. And you kind of feel like you get to know him a little before trying his fiction.
I have a complicated relationship with Murakami. I read one of his book years ago, and just didn’t get it. Granted, that was well before I was a mature and serious reader, but I have sort of been scared to try again. I think this memoir would be an excellent choice for me to get my toes wet again with his writing, and since I also am really interested in hearing his approach to writing, I am going to look for this one. Great review today, Jenners! You’ve given me the push I need to try again!
I still haven’t tried one of his “weird” fiction books. I’m hoping to do that soon. I read this one and then, emboldened by my experience, read Norwegian Wood, which is one of his more “normal” books. I guess I’m approaching him in a very careful fashion!!! I know what you mean about maturing as a reader. I know there are so many books that I read when I was younger that I know I didn’t fully appreciate.
I’m not a fan of Murakami nor of stream of consciousness, nor even of running, so I guess it’s not for me! LOL
Three strikes and the book is out!
Glad to read this wan’t just focused on running, I would have thought it would have had a very limited appeal if it was.
Well, there are a lot of runners out there!! He’s an interesting guy.
The fact that this is a memoir piques my interest but I’m not a fan of the stream of consciousness stuff. Tell your brother to give you your book back!!
Actually, my brother says that I stole HIS book but I didn’t!!! And it isn’t so much written like stream of consciousness but it doesn’t follow a “normal” narrative flow.