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I might set aside three of four books a year, so I am distraught, number 1, that I found my first DNF three days into the year, and number 2, that it is a Murakami book. It is my first fictional read by Murakami. However, I just finished his memoir "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" recently and loved it (review coming Jan. 21). What went wrong? Here is my theory.
I was listening to this collection of short stories on audio. I've never listened to this genre on audio, and questioned myself initially when I ordered the discs from the library. But I'm always open to try new things - what did I have to lose but a little time? Perhaps the short story (at least ones like Murakami's) need to be digested slowly, with the ability to flip back and re-read if necessary. I listened to five short stories on a long walk today, and I either understood them but didn't get the point or message, or was completely and utterly confused about what the hell was going on. It was frustrating. I don't want to be frustrated with Murakami - it is just wrong. So I stopped.
I will have to order the hard book from the library. In the meantime, I do have "Kafka on the Shore" on my Kindle, and "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles" on my TBR shelves. I've learned my lesson, and will move forward accordingly!
16 comments:
Sorry about the Murakami discs. He has to be read and reread slowly, so a disc that moves forward only I can understand wouldn't work.
By the way, what is a DNF?
Things will look up! I probably wouldn't be able to finish either.
Haven't read Murakami (yet), but I have this notion that he may not be an 'audiobook' kind of author... at least for me.
Some books just don't translate well to audio. I hope you enjoy the print version more.
I think the more I read everyone's post, the more fully my resolution of the year forms. I *need* to read Marakami! I've been saying it for so long. He will be on my reading list!
I haven't read this one, but I can't imagine any Murakami being good on audio. I recommend you try Kafka on the Shore next - I loved it!
Aw, I'm sorry this didn't work for you, Sandy. Though I love Murakami, I've yet to try this book. I loved the other two you have, though, so I hope you'll enjoy those more!
I can't listen to anything on audio because I have the concentration of a fruit fly...
I did get 'Kafka on the Shore' because I heard such great things about it. Sadly, it went back unread, not due to the fault of the book. I was pressed for time and forgot to renew it. I will have to try it again
I'm sorry that you didn't care for this one, Sandy, but I think you're right that the format was against you. Murakami is a writer who requires savoring and occasional re-reading and a CD just doesn't allow that. There is also no law that says you are required to like him!
Keep on keepin' on...
I bought this book at a booksale and it's been sitting on my pile for some time!
I agree Murakami's books need to be digested slowly, and then of course listening to audio can be so different from reading a book.
I look forward to reading "Kafka on the Shore" and "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles" soon!
Oh no already a DNF? Well, don't feel bad. You know, I'm reading a Murakami book of short stories right now and I cannot imagine listening to it. I think there is something to being able to go back and re-read a page or paragraph.
Sorry to hear that this choice of format didn't work for you. I have never read any Murakami, but I have heard wonderful things about his books, so I will have to give one of them a try. I hope you are able to enjoy the book in the printed version much better!
Sorry that this book didn't work for you. I hope that when you get to the hardcopy, it will be much better for you.
I've read his memoir on running and loved it. I also like his novel AFTER DARK.
I think you might be right about this one being better in print. I'll take your advice to read and not listen.
There are some books that really do work best in print form. Sounds like this is one of them!
Try the wind-up bird, it is a great listen.
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