What I talk about when I talk about running

a memoir

by

English language

Published Jan. 5, 2008 by Alfred A. Knopf.

View on OpenLibrary

2 stars (1 review)

"In 1982, having sold his jazz bar to devote himself to writing, Murakami began running to keep fit. A year later, he'd completed a solo course from Athens to Marathon, and now, after dozens of such races, he reflects upon the influence the sport has had on his life and on his writing.

Equal parts travelogue, training log, and reminiscence, this revealing memoir covers his four-month preparation for the 2005 New York City Marathon and settings range from Tokyo's Jingu Gaien gardens, where he once shared the course with an Olympian, to the Charles River in Boston. Funny and sobering, playful and philosophical, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a must-read for fans of this masterful yet private writer as well as for the exploding population of athletes who find similar satisfaction in distance running."

7 editions

reviewed What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami

A little too indecisive

2 stars

If you are looking for a memoir, this book isn't for you... the only aspects of Murakami's life that he goes into detail about are related to running.

That being said, if you are looking for a book on running, this also isn't for you since the insights are purely personal and little professional insight is offered.

Because of this, the book feels like it tows the line between being about running and being about Murakami. It feels indecisive and a tad lazy. I thoroughly love Murakami's work but this feels like a miss.

Subjects

  • Murakami, Haruki, -- 1949-
  • Marathon running