Hey guys. I'm fairly new to Murakami's works but I've finished reading "Dance, Dance, Dance" and am in the middle of "Kafka on the Shore". I've been noticing that Murakami is fond of writing in the first person POV and I want your opinion (as a reader) if this is your choice of POV in selecting novels.

Murakami's works (as I've noticed) may be gory and sexual at times but nevertheless, they have a prolific touch when it comes to imagery.

I really admire his ability to draw out such uniqueness and feelings from the main protagonist(s).

I would like to hear what you guys think of him or of any other authors that you guys are fond of. Thanks for the comments and as always give your insights. You don't have to jump on the same boat as me. Battle the current if you want to.

love his stories! blind willow sleeping woman and after the quake are awesome.. i actually did a short film based on one of his stories in after the quake (super frog saves tokyo).. hehe

i agree with you in that he has a unique and strong way of portraying imagery to the readers.. you really get sucked in to it..

I've read "Tokyo Blues" and I loved it =)

Some time ago, I saw a documentary about Haruki Murakami on TV.
It sounded pretty interesting.

Thinking of picking up a book of him to read.
Any recommendations?
Should I try his most famous/popular books?

I've only read Kafka on the Shore. And... I don't understand the point of the story. I think it's me though. @@ Maybe I should try another title.

^ I don't understand most of his stories, including Kafka, Dance Dance Dance too =.=

But I like his main characters (except the *ahem* part), and how he included western cultures (songs, books, movies). Once I start reading his books, I couldn't stop.

So far I've read:

Norwegian wood
South of the Border, West of the Sun
Dance Dance Dance
Kafka on the Shore
村上朝日堂反擊 （村上朝日堂の逆襲）

What shall I read next......

@Shifty: Sorry for the late post. I've just strayed away from YL for some time.

I'll make a list of the books that I've read:

Dance Dance Dance
Kafka on the Shore
Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World
After the Quake(Short stories)
Sputnik Sweetheart
South of the Border, West of the Sun
Blind Willow Sleeping Woman(24 short stories)

Kafka on the Shore has got to be one of his strongest books. It shows how infinite Murikami's imagination is. Notice the quote used in the novel: "With imagination comes responsibility." I think it has to do a lot of that being the theme.

If you're a regular Murakami reader you notice that the main theme that Murakami envelopes his novels in is the theme of abandonment and loneliness.

I'd recommend reading South of the Border, West of the Sun because it has that romantic touch in it that reaches the readers heart--well at least it reached mine. Kafka on the Shore is not worth skipping out on. It revolves around two stories at once and it may get confusing. I think the trick here is to stop over-analyzing. Just go with the flow and let your imagination take you where you believe Murakami wants to take you. That's what I did and I still think about scenes for Kafka on the Shore sometimes.

I prefer Murakami's novels over his short stories because his short stories seem too sudden and quick for me. Unlike his other fans, I have chosen his novels over his short stories.

But as far as recommendations go, I can't really break the list down. (I know. Sorry) You'll just have to read and see how it goes for you. Now that I think of it, Dance Dance Dance--being the book I first started reading by Murakami--might also be the book that sucked me into Murakami's fictional world. Starting off with Dance Dance Dance might not be a bad idea. But choose your pick and I hope it goes well with you. I should be finishing up some last few books by Murakami and starting with my own literature and fiction.

Edit: I realized that my post is jumbled everywhere but maybe that's how it's meant to be. I sometimes type in an order that makes no sense to me but somehow works for me at the same time. I hope that doesn't hinder you from reading my post with enthusiasm.

I'm in the middle of The Wind-up Bird Chronicle right now. I've been wanting to read this book for some time now--even before school ended. It's not too great but like all of Murakami's books I've read so far, I'm sure something will draw me in sooner or later.

well while reading this..
i think im gonna start reading Kafka on the Shore..
it seems like everyones liked it so far..so i sud try
even tho i dun like to read

@by8n7:I can tell you that I was never an avid reader to begin with. It all has to do with interest and what gives you that interest. I'm sure you'll enjoy the book if you don't think of it as work but think of it more as entertainment. Last thing anyone wants is more work. I hope you enjoy the book.

waah haha he seem like a good author but im never into books or reading iono if i wud maybe if i can find it might go pick it up :clap