VINDICTA

I don't know if anyone here is familiar with Murakami Haruki. He's my all-time favorite author, and just last year he has released a new book entitled "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running." It has already been printed and distributed in Australia, but I doubt that we'll be seeing the book here in the Philippines anytime soon. So to get rid of partial woes, I've decided to write something about running. Screw me--too much free time at school makes me crazy.

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Why do I run? Why DO we run?

We run for a variety of reasons. For an athlete, running is a legacy. It is a distinction of himself that satiates the depths of his desire. A child runs because it's a symbol of youth. Children run free and careless. Even if they fall and break their skin, they'll never stop running. To be able to run just because you want to, it's an enviable ability, don't you think?

Why do I run? I run because of reasons that most people might have.

I run because I am chasing something.

One step at a time, I stagger further and further away from my wheelchair, even if the nurses beg me to come back. Even if my father hits me for venturing out too far on my own. A few meters at a time, I pick up my pace. My muscles ache as they tighten, and my breathing deepens, feeling like there's acid surging in my veins. The tension is priceless.

Today I scratch myself by sliding down the concrete path. I look back and frown, realizing that I haven't ran very far. Yesterday, I bruised myself by accidentally hitting my knee, but at least I got far. My wound begins to bleed, and the world stops for a second.

People on wheelchairs stare at me. Adults standing perfectly on their feet shake their heads. Whether they're sorry for me or think I'm stupid, I don't really care.

"You haven't made it very far, have you?" The nurse asks as she helps me up.

I crack a small smile. "I'll try again tomorrow."

The familiar feeling of my wheelchair embraces me once again. I look at my legs, sway it a couple of times, before finally asking the nurse to take me back.

I run, chasing the hope that I'll be able to use my legs again.

I've heard of this author. A friend of mine actually recommended one of his books for me. I can't remember the title though. Well anyway, how are his books osharekei_starr? I mean can you compare him to other authors? What are the strengths of his works?

Please share

Oh so THAT's how he writes. I've always wanted to venture to the world of Murakami but I was afraid I'd get the same disappointment from him, like the one I had from reading Coelho. I'm intrigued. Now I just need a job to buy them Murakami books (thinking).

Wow, knowing that there are people interested in Murakami makes me feel sparkly! His writing isn't really something that the mainstream likes, in my point of view. But he has had a few of his books listed under NB and Powerbooks' Bestseller's List. ♥

@ Anomaly - ahahaha, I'll try to be as objective as possible. When it comes to Murakami, I can get biased, lol. Anyway, his stories have this unique blend of mundane and metaphysical crossovers. He has this really striking talent of writing about everyday living. But as you continue reading, you realize that you're already seeing a different view of things--a more complex presentation of what's supposed to be strongly familiar to you by now. Also, he isn't the type of author whom you should read if you want to relax. Murakami's words will make you think deeply, not because he uses intelligent words, but because his points are so sensible. Reading his books will make you feel better about yourself.

His characters are also superb. It's probably just me, but reading his characters makes me relate to them. The characters are human, in a sense, even though those characters are strongly driven by metaphor. akami's strength lies on how he thinks and writes, basically. He's a very blunt writer, too. If he needs to write something about sex, then there WILL be sex--good, graphic sex made beautiful by metaphor. Murakami fans know well that he can't help talking about sex at some point, ahaha. ^^ His dialogues are also worthy of notice, because they're so witty and snarky.

Comparing him with other authors... hmm, hard to think of anyone to compare him with. XD Murakami's just that unique. Well, his book "Norwegian Wood" is a bit similar to that of Paolo Coelho's Eleven Minutes. But I liked Norwegian Wood more, because it has a more in-depth plot for me. Coelho writes about people's lives and experiences. Murakami writes about people and virtually EVERYTHING that affects them, even if it means writing about the other world that parallels our own. ^__^

Wow, long reply is long, ahaha.

@ saicho 18 - in terms of plot and ideas, then yes, the above story is like that of Murakami. But actually, the story for this topic is just my cheap writing. XD Murakami's writing is MUCH better and intense. I'd post an excerpt if I can.

Coelho didn't exactly strike me as much as Murakami. But I want to try reading "Veronika Decides To Die" just to see if it changes anything.

Ah, Murakami's books can get really expensive. *dies* But I recommend "After Dark" if you want to start reading his books right away. It's his cheapest book, which didn't take me long to save up for. Such is the woe of money and books~

Oi I know right. I'm banned (by my mother) from buying books right now because I got a little too trigger-happy when I last visited Powerbooks. =/ Pero okay lang, this year is the year for reading backlogs

I guess I'm just not mature enough for Coelho. Every time I read something of his I always end up feeling like I'm being preached upon =/ I'll give it ten more years for me before I pick him up again haha.

I want to read "Norwegian Wood" because of the title....I'm intrigued; can there possibly be any Beatles reference? (thinking)

HARUKI MURAKAMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII *faints*

Akala ko ako lang fan ni Haruki dito! XD

Ah, I can remember the day when I bought Norwegian Wood (after a long time of hunting it.. it was about 4 months ago. currently, there's been an influx of it in Fully Booked) and I finished it on the same day, too. <333

@ ate Girlie, yes, the title reminds the main character of his plights in love. he hears the song in the airport then he reminisces.. poof! the story starts.

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I love his books, but I don't have a copy of What I talk about... yet

I have the ff copies:

After Dark
The Elephant Vanishes
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman
South of the Border, West of the Sun (It's like Casablanca, Japanese style )
After the Quake (it's probably the weirdest book that Ive read. SUPER FROG ! LOL!)
Norwegian Wood

and my favorite book..

Sputnik Sweetheart [gawdddd I love this book so much I can totally relate to Sumire! HAHA LOOOL XD]


ive read Underground (Tokyo Sarin Gas attack) but I dont have a copy of it yet XD I just borrowed it from the school lib. XD
im still planning to purchase his other books, most especially Kafka on the Shore.

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I love Haruki's books simply because he makes me ponder on life itself. His books focus on alienation (perfect example: After Dark) and loneliness, so..yeah.. it can make you go all emo at times. XD And yeah, if you're an avid reader of Haruki's..notice how he always leaves the ending hanging? and..*cough* telephones... XD