What I talk about when I talk about running: a memoir

Haruki Murakami one day decides to write a novel, and thus becomes a writer. One day he decides to run and thus becomes a runner. This book is a reflection on both with an emphasis his runner's life.

Murakami's book has a (pardon the analogy, but perhaps it is no accident) long distance runner pace to it. He measures his steps and we are invited into his reflections on life. His running stories are told at a runner's pace with a stream of consciousness style that kept me engaged from start to finish. He does set up the New York marathon as a goal, but it's not a great build up because he's not an elite runner, and there are other stories to be told before he even gets to New York. These other stories are not told in a chronological order, so he moves to and from the goal of the New York marathon dipping into other events in his life, which is why the marathon's importance seems less so in the greater picture, just as it would in life. Besides it's not the kind of book that is about the outcome; it's about the process. Afterall, this is a memoir and is more reflective in nature.

So why should you read it? I'm not sure you should. If you've read his novels, which I haven't, then you'd probably appreciate reading this memoir. If you're a runner you'll appreciate it a little more since it is like talking to another runner about their last run, or best run, or most unique run. I lapped up every mile, every ache and pain, and every running experience that was familiar or not to me. I also found his experience offered me some insight into my own running. His book even motivated me at times. If you're not a runner, you might also enjoy it as a writer since part of the memoir does reflect on his becoming a writer as if overnight. Mostly though it's the ease in his storytelling that is enjoyable. He's in no hurry to get to the end, there is a lighthearted view with a pace that is just right.