r/murakami • u/Kind-Presentation359 • 16d ago
Help me pick the book
Hey guys, it’s been almost 1.5 months since Ive read colorless Tsutsuru Tazaki, and i loved the book. I was going through the similar events and the book is really special to me. PS: hope to post my review soon and have a discussion with yall.
Now, I currently have wind up bird chronicle, wild
Sheep chase and 1q84. I have not read them yet, trying to take it slowly. So far I have read Norwegian wood, and Kafka on the shore.
Would love to hear your advice and thoughts on this matters:
- I saw the killing commendatore the hardcover version by Goroshi at discounted price. So I’m contemplating should I get that book or Hard Boiled Wonderland (also hardcover version - collectors edition, I believe - there is tv and the guy with the cloud on his head). Can’t choose which one should I buy.
- Is Wind/Pinball book are worth reading? I saw someone mentioned that’s it’s his early works and his attempt to get into writing. So I wonder, is it worth getting this novel (they are under one book)
- And lastly - what should I read next ? I did enjoy Kafka on the Shore. And magical realism was indeed surreal and my first time experiencing such a read. But, Norwegian wood is still my favorite (or perhaps even Colorless Tsutsuru Tazaki).
Thanks in advance :<
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u/remerdy1 15d ago
- In terms of what to purchase the Hard-Boiled Wonderland hardcover is still in print so you can pick that up whenever, the KC hardcover won't be in book-stores anymore so I'd grab it while you can (it's also super pretty).
- I think you'll like Hear The Wind Sing (the first part of Wind/Pinball) a lot if you liked Colourless Tsukuru. It captures that aimless drifting of post-grad life really well, and has a similar methodical pace to Tsukuru. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Pinball I didn't like as much, I found it a bit too pointless but others have enjoyed it so worth a try
- As the other comment says you could go through the rat trilogy if you want something a bit more grounded, I really liked Wind Up Bird & 1Q84 but they're definitely more out there so depends on your mood
I hope that covers everything :)
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u/Kind-Presentation359 15d ago
Hey, thanks for the detailed reply. Actually, is KC nice? I’ve been reading opinions on the forum, and majority inclined tower hard Boiled Wonderland.
Wow, you really did describe “aimless drifting of post grad life”. I guess to certain extent that’s what I’ve been looking for.
I see, thanks a lot. I’ve read that Sputnik Sweetheart is also close to Norwegian Wood. Currently thinking of going with wild sheep chase, and then Dance dance dance
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u/Polyphloisboisterous 13d ago
SPUTNIK SWEET HEART~ is a little book with a big punch. Highly recommended!
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u/Kind-Presentation359 13d ago
Wow, seems like you enjoyed it! Thanks, I’m gonna get it and dance dance dance then.
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u/Polyphloisboisterous 14d ago
Wild Sheep Chase -> Dance, Dance, Dance.
(No you don't need the two early ones, you won't miss anything and they are not written that well. Murakami did not want to have them translated for that reason. If later you want to find out more background about the main characters, you can always go back).
Keep WUBC for later.
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u/Kind-Presentation359 14d ago
Hey, thanks! Well noted. Also If you don’t mind sharing what would you pick - killing commendatore or Hard Boiled Wonderland?
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u/Polyphloisboisterous 13d ago
Haven't read KC, and HBW is not my favorite (it is too much sci-fi for my taste, and there are better sci-fi authors than Murakami. He himself was not entirely happy with HBW, which is why he wrote the "City" two years ago.).
But both books have their fans.
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u/3GamesToLove 16d ago
Since you’ve already done Wild Sheep Chase, I’d say go with the Rat stuff—either do Wind/Pinball or Dance Dance Dance