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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful ““I don’t care about the time I run. I can try all I want, but I doubt I’ll ever be able to run the way I used to. I’m ready to accept that. It’s not one of your happier realities, but that’s what happens when you get older. Just as I have my own role to play, so does time. And time does its...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“On the cover the blurb says, "..you don't have to have run a marathon to be captivated."
Jam Maestro Jay wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Well, I can't speak for anyone else, but it sure helps. The book will also be more interesting to people who write.
You see, for 180 pages Murakami intersperses his running process with his writing process. At some points they intersect and they elevate the reader's consciousneess depending on his/her experience.
Feel the pain! I like how Murakami wakes up everyday with the recognition of what his days offer. Whether he is discussing writing novels or running along the River Charles, he provides key insight and inspiration to accomplishing a goal.
"The most important thing we ever learn at school," he says, "is the fact that the most important things can't be learned in school."
I agree. I've studied Shakespeare, and French Poetry, and Computer Calculus, but these classes don't compare to the 20th mile of a marathon in terms of depth of learning.
If you don't run marathons, I think readin Murakami's book might make you think about it.
Paz,
JL
”
“Murakami's a natural. He's good at what he does.”
nuala is decaffeinated wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I bought this book because I was fascinated by the irrelevant title and lame premise. I've just started the book and hope to experience lessons from a gifted writer.
Joe B wrote this review 12 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
... And now I've finished the book.
I read and enjoyed Stephen King's memoir "On Writing". King and Murakami both talk about consistency, dedication and telling the truth in their writing. Murakami's approach to writing seems... not mechanical, but a structured effort. He puts his nose to the grind, hoping to enjoy the race and observe the scenery, but some days the distance takes it's toll and... at least he never walks. His training and participation in long distance running is a great parallel for the dedication and consistency required in writing. I appreciate that for Murakami, it is a grinding and exhausting effort that strengthens and fulfills him. His experience shows there are no shortcuts and balance is required to avoid overexertion or burnout.
I will be picking up some of Murakami's fiction to observe the results...”
“very well written book. true inspiration for those who wants to start running. The way, which the author expressed his feeling during his run is worth reading.”
ashek1520 wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Fascinating discourse on the meaning of long distance running to Haruki Murakami. His determination is very impressive.”
Beth M wrote this review Monday, November 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Not quite a four, nut a three star rating seems unfair. I'll just say 3.5.”
Eleanor S wrote this review Saturday, November 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Good one but at times gets monotonus. Was a motivation behind my 21 KM half half marathon completion!!”
Rohitkhatri wrote this review Friday, November 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A simple, concise memoir that interweaves the writing process with the discipline of training for a marathon. I really enjoyed but would have liked to read more about his approach to writing. I will seek out his books from now on.”
Andrea S wrote this review Sunday, November 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I knew going into this that I was not reading a Murakami novel, but I hoped to learn more about one of my favorite authors. It was OK. no more, no less. The title is pretty accurate.”
Crossbike wrote this review Sunday, October 11 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I have yet to read other Murakami books I have in my bookshelves, but the title of this one really caught my eye. Not a brilliant book, but it's still interesting to see how he connects his way of running with his way of being and writing.”
Anca wrote this review Tuesday, September 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
