In which the acclaimed novelist sets out his methodology in writing his fiction as well as commenting on his relations with the publishing industry, critics, and readers. Murakami, as always in his nonfiction, is a modest and genial presence throughout, as he continually reassures us that various observations are his opinion only, or that all writers are different, which contradicts to a point his occasional stance that he hopes that his experiences might be helpful for aspiring novelists. The book also serves as a sort of memoir, as he describes the youthful lifestyle which eventuated in his literary career, and there are a few tangents where he ruminates on Japanese education and society. All in all, I enjoyed reading about the processes a fine writer employs to get a book going, but I wouldn't think that an inexperienced novelist would find his insights applicable to their own work. ( )

These are memoir essays rather than a 'how to' volume, but I suspect would be encouraging to anyone with the aim of a creative life. Murakami is down to earth, honest about himself and his foibles, open. As a writer who rarely does public events (maybe once a year in either Europe or the US, never in Japan), he generally keeps his focus on the writing itself, with only occasional contact with much appreciated readers. I got quite a sense of the man.

It's a while since I read one of his novels, but I shall probably try and read Kafka on the Shore sometime this year. ( )

This is a short book, just 200 pages. He takes a deep dive into what it takes to be a novelist, how he started, the profession, the industry and other very insightful comments that only Murakami can offer. ( )

I'll preface this by saying I've read a lot of Murakami (probably too much really). It's been about a year almost to the day when I read my first (1Q84), and Murakami has most certainly changed my reading preferences (and tolerances) inalterably in that short time. What I'm saying is clearly I've been brainwashed and you should take this review with an enormous grain of salt because I am apparently incapable of disliking anything by Murakami. I would describe this book as part memoir, part novel-writing guide, but if you are looking to read either of those in particular you will probably be disappointed. There are dalliances into Murakami's personal life, including what drives him to write as well as what he did before he got into writing. Similarly, there are dalliances into what Murakami believes is most necessary in writing, which (spoiler but not really) doesn't really include instructions or really any knowledge for the prospective novelist. In short, the book fails to deliver anything to support it being labeled a memoir or writing guide. Nevertheless, what the book truly delivers is what I was really looking for: a window into Murakami's mind. If one truly pays attention to the things that are said and the way they are said, one can begin pick up on how Murakami thinks about the world in general. It is especially intriguing to read these essays because they are extremely casual and even at times flippant when it comes to writing. Anyone who has read Murakami's fiction knows that he cannot simply be generating these ideas out of nowhere, and yet he generally writes as though he is merely a conduit through which they spout. I haven't decided if the truth is that Murakami is just that arrogant, or just that talented. I don't really think it matter either way. ( )

It was great reading this considering where I am in my life right now, finishing (or finalizing) my first novella at the age of 30. It was like comparing notes on the feelings I get when writing. Obviously, Murakami has a lot more experience and literary success than I currently do, but it gratified me to have my feelings expressed by someone else as well.

I thought some chapters were more interesting than others. I really liked when he wrote about how writing your first work is easy, but it takes considerable effort to continue writing novels and to stay in the "writer's ring." I loved reading about his experiences with how he started writing and how he won his first contest. All of that was fun.

I think some chapters were too concerned with surface-level rambling though. Like the chapter on schools in Japan felt, to me, barely related to the subject matter of the greater book to the point that I questioned why I'm reading 10 or so pages about his personal thoughts about the Japanese school system and how he went through it. This chapter didn't feel like it belonged in the book. And in general, Murakami's style sort of lends itself (outside of his fiction) to fluffed-up rambling. It's not bad or annoying, but it's like a bunch of unrefined thoughts just slowly trickling and meandering for 5-6 pages at a time.

That being said, when he touches on points that he clearly has refined over the years, it really is inspiring. ( )