Realizing I never reviewed the book. If you missed the initial post can be found here: Murakami and Tori Kuhr
I see the association between my writing and Murakami's style; it's very tell the story and the thoughts. I see why Max made the association between our writing styles.
In a nutshell, I enjoyed the book but I found Murakami's writing all over the place. I was utterly confused at points because I did not have a clear picture of where Murakami was in his story timeline or how certain events were connected. However, when he was describing a moment it was great. I was forced into his memory and I could see clearly the details of the story he was painting. His transitions from chapter to chapter, not as clear. And lastly, his smugness bugged me. Granted, he is the first person to say that he doesn't think many people would like his personality and in a big way that translates onto the page. A boastful man's training trials and tribulations, wins and PRs are not that inspiring to read.
This quote. This quote is a golden nugget for a tough running day:
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. Say you’re running and you think, ‘Man, this hurts, I can’t take it anymore. The ‘hurt’ part is an unavoidable reality, but whether or not you can stand anymore is up to the runner himself.”
Bottom Line: Relatable to an extend but scattered order. Good to pick up if you like reading about running or triathlon training.
Now, that I've put down the Murakami and I have picked up 'Born To Run - A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen' by Christopher McDougall. Another great book recommended to me by multiple good friends who are all runners. And funny, with the recommendation they all said the same thing: this will motivate you. And now that I am in the home stretch of training, motivation and the mental challenge of long runs begins!
