Where to start with Haruki Murakami

Hello everyone! I am a massive Haruki Murakami fan and I wanted to create this video as a resource for anyone who wants to get into his books but doesn't know where to start!
My friends:
Mark - / @drunzo363
Matt - / @mattsbookshelf4084
My Movie Podcast:
/ @filmfrauds7018
Let me know what your favorite Murakami book is!
#HarukiMurakami #booktube #literature #book

[@amateurmaster]

I started with Norwegian Wood. I've been a fan ever since

[@colorlesswonderland]

Norwegian Wood is a great one to start with! I think it's one of, if not his best, character writing in his books!

[@sanamir9886]

Same

[@ManlyPuffs]

Colorless is a perfect introduction. His writing feels distracted at times but tactically gives moments to breathe and truly feel an atmosphere where the conversations are being held

[@alexandrialyttle8970]

I started with 1Q84. I originally read it for my AP Lit class in high school. This caused me to try and find the meeting behind the book and ask questions so, I think this caused me to appreciate it more. I am now reading Killing Commendatore.

[@tagonminmyatpianistandproducer]

I just finished "What I talk about when I talk about running" by him and it's my first Murakami book! A different approach, haha. I love the way he writes his thoughts in that book and can't wait to read Norwegian Wood because I'm a fan of realistic fiction. Thanks for this amazing video!

[@SorbusAucupariaRW]

I'm reading colourless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage rn as my first Murakami book. I really love it so far. It is a different pace and style to what I am used to but it's really refreshing!!

[@colorlesswonderland]

It really is a unique book! Murakami is definitely a refreshing author to read because of his prose!

[@josephmcconnell7310]

I've started with Kafka On The Shore. I'm glad I did. At first, its strangeness, and lack of answers made it seem broken and almost lazy, but later it became clear that this is a great written portrayal of dream-logic. Have you ever had those dreams where everything seems to make sense or be familiar until you wake up and realize all of it had no bearing, and then quickly forget all aspects of what the dream even was? I think Murakami captured amazingly well in Kafka On The Shore. I'm sure there are some elements of imagery that make the story more concrete, but overall, I think its "other-worldliness" was the main intent. I'm reading Killing Commendatore right now. It's very enjoyable. Do you think it's a good starting place?

[@marcyrogers13]

I did that too. No regrets and now I am reading the rest of them in order.

[@doesemilyread4838]

When I wanted to start reading Murakami, I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of novels he's published. I followed the general wave and started with Norwegian Wood (and absolutely loved it). I then went straight into his short story collection First Person Singular, which I feel was a great second choice. As I'm commenting this, I'm currently reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle which is my first taste of his magical realism and I can't get enough. I can't wait to read my way through all his works in the upcoming few years. I don't regret my Murakami journey, but this video would have been so helpful to me when I was making the initial decisions! thanks for posting! :)

[@AlexHamelMusic]

Cool video. I actually started with Kafka on the Shore back in May/June and absolutely loved it. Having said that, my all time favourite book is One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, so, makes sense I guess.

[@Viralsbookreviews]

I love one hundred years of solitude...a masterpiece,,👍

[@hshark7]

100 years is also my favorite book of all times... Garcia Marquez is my favorite author! I guess i'll start with Kafka on the Shore then :)

[@runner1984]

Having read many Murakami books. To me, they are both interesting and thought provoking - philosophical. He manages to capture the issues that confront a lot of people, but in a surreal environment. He is so masterful that I don’t imagine that any scene is without meaning. I started with his running book followed by a number of short stories swiftly followed by Norweighn Wood and Kafkre Shore - which I loved. He is very skilled at writing mudane events and activities in a very satisfying and enjoyable way. He is one these writers whose writing seems effortless.

[@akounapatata]

Great content Tyler! The first Murakami book I read, completely unaware of him as a writer and the concept of magical realism, was Kafka on the Shore. Needless to say, the more I read the more confused I got. However, I was fascinated with the feeling the book left me with, and it lingered in my mind for days afterward. I do agree it’s a tough book to start with, but I also look forward to reading it again and seeing what new perspectives I might engage with.

[@filmsyoushouldbewatching]

Passions: books, and movies, and... that's about it. Mate, I am the exact same. If I'm not on Letterboxd or watching a film, I'll be reading a book! I'm currently reading my first Murakami, The Wind-up Bird Chroncile, and all I can say is: I was supposed to be writing an entire essay today, but much of the day was spent with Murakami 😂 Anyway, great video. Keep doing what you're doing 👍🏻

[@colorlesswonderland]

Letterboxd is by far my most used app nowadays it's really addicting but I'm glad we think the same way about this! The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is such a fascinating first Murakami I'm really curious to hear more about what you think! Thank you again for the comment and the kind words!

[@filmsyoushouldbewatching]

@@colorlesswonderland I've just finished book one, and I am really enjoying -- as you said -- his almost hyper-realist style of writing, and I think he's a master of writing dialogue. I'm also looking forward to reading more of his magical realist elements too; I became an immediate fan of the genre since reading Márquez' One Hundred Years of Solitude (a favourite of mine). Also, Murakami's characterisation, particularly the phone calls Toru has been receiving (i.e. the mysterious woman he first talks to) feel very Lynchian. I don't know whether you have seen Lost Highway, but the mystery man scene instantly came to mind!

[@jsutherland74]

I started with Norwegian Wood, a wild sheep chase, then dance dance dance. That's a good standard opener to Murakami. Great suggestions 👍

[@aporajitabangali1408]

Man he’s very sarcastically funny 😆 love itt

[@colorlesswonderland]

He is! I don't often see Murakami praised as a "witty" writer but he absolutely is!

[@Fullbatteri]

I started with *Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World,* next *Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman* and then *The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle* which I think it's his masterpiece and one of my Top books of all time, then *1Q84* wich is CLOSE to TWUBC, and then *Hear the wind sing and Pinball.* Next in line there's *Kafka on the shore" and "Norwegian Wood.* I'd honestly recommend starting with *Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman* as it has a good taste of the recurring themes of Murakami while staying short, easy to read, and let's be honest, it's incredibly fun and deep at the same time. Love those short story's to bits. Also, I don't think you're boring, I'd love to have friends like you. You're cool bro. Nice vid.

[@marcyrogers13]

I started with Kafka on the Shore and then Killing Commendatore. I fell in love with both these books and now am reading the rest of his books in order. I don't think I would have done this if I had started with a different novel. For me he is an author like Hesse that you have to encounter by chance allowing the universe to guide you to the right book to start with.

[@erdbeermund78]

I loved KAFKA ON THE SHORE. I started with wind up bird chronicle and maybe it helped me appreciate kafka more. It felt the most poetic of the ones I’ve read

[@colorlesswonderland]

Wind-up Bird Chronicle is definitely one that is a great place to start because it blends his realistic fiction with magical realism wonderfully! I'm glad you like his work!

[@mihaelplantak3]

My first Murakami book was 1Q84. It was a bit of a drag at first and I've been reading the first 200 pages on and off for a about a year or so... But then came a point in the book where the two narratives connected for the first time and I read the remaining 1000 pages in a couple of weeks. Been obsessed with his work ever since!

[@NubbyNubbster]

I began my Murakami journey with 'Norwegian Wood' which was recommended by my best friend. Then I read 'After Dark' which was amazing, but leaves me surrounded by ambiguity and I loved that. What made me love him as much as my personal favorite writer Hemingway, was his prose and how similar it was to Ernest's, but the magical realism gives it a different flavor.

[@micahlawrence8684]

Good thoughts and breakdown of his works and where to start. However, I did start with Kafka on the Shore, precisely to know, that even at some of his most surreal, I enjoyed his writing, and I learned that I really did enjoy his style. I kept on from there reading the Wind Up Bird Chronicles. Then decided to see how I liked more of his realistic writing like Norwegian Wood. I like it all! From what I've heard, Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World might be his most confusing, surreal and challenging book to read.

[@addisalemgirma619]

Very helpful. I now know where to start reading Murakami 💕💕

[@s0werberry392]

Super interesting video - I've been wanting to read something of Murakami's for a while so it was very beneficial, thank u! Also I could not stop staring at all of your books in the background hahah, hope a bookshelf tour is on your list of videos to film?? Looking forward to your coming videos!

[@colorlesswonderland]

Im glad I could help you in some way! Murakami is such a fascinating author that I want as many people as possible to read his books so there are more people to talk about them with! Oh absolutely a book tour will be coming in the near future! Thank you for you comment and I look forward to hearing more from you!

[@victoria4]

The first Murakami I read was After Dark and I LOVED it so much. I read Men without Women next and like that as well (although one or two stories I didn’t like). Then followed Norwegian Wood which I didn’t hate but didn’t love. The most recent was Sputnik Sweetheart which is probably my second favorite!

[@0liender]

I started seeing little bits of murakami’s writing online and was immediately drawn in-never heard anything about him and for months I felt the need to read one of his books- I asked a grandparent for any one of his books for Christmas and got gifted 1Q84 Absolutely loved reading the entire book! The writing felt so familiar to me and the mystical elements felt so refreshing (I was surprised though bc I thought it was going to be more of an 1984 fanfic which thankfully it wasn’t-love 1984 but I’ve already read it 3 times lol)

[@fabe6435]

I started with Norwegian Wood. Enjoyed it a great deal. I ended up purchasing several of his books right after. One being South of the Border, West of the Sun. Officially on the Murakami train. :)

[@jeffreyolson2139]

Great video, excellent reasoning! I dove in headfirst, starting with The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, then 1Q84, followed by Kafka On The Shore! I have no regrets & I do agree that one should not start with 1Q84. It is one of the most original, ambitious pieces of fiction out there, but it would be a daunting introduction to Murakami! I may have had a built in advantage prior to reading Murakami. Just out of college I read The Magus by John Fowles, which is an incredible surreal, dreamy mystery. In 60 plus years of reading, Haruki Murakami is my favorite author!

[@anuthomas507]

Thanks, i was lookign for some guidance on starting with this author and its very helpful

[@wernersolorzano7863]

Reading "Wind & Pinball", his first works alongside "The City and Its Uncertain Walls" (his latest work; it's already out in Spanish, my native language) and also his 24 short stories "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman"

[@crazymusiclover30]

I started with wild sheep chase since i borrowed a copy from a classmate back in high school. Found it weird but it opened my world to surrealism. Never looked back and now I’m slowly reading his works one by one. Great video! Keep it up :)

[@CarlAquinoTBPR]

Sputnik Sweetheart and Norwegian Wood had special impact on my life that they're my top Murakami picks

[@hakonsoreide]

When reading a writer I don't know, I always like starting with short stories, if that is an option. I just happened to start with "Men Without Women", followed up with "The Elephant Vanishes", then went straight into "1Q84", which I absolutely loved. I envision I will read all of them eventually. Next up I have "Norwegian Wood" (finally) and "After the Quake" lined up. After 1Q84, I am taking a little Murakami break to read some LeGuin sci-fi. I love how Murakami writes, his evocative and thoughtful passages exploring the nature of reality and how we experience it; his short story endings leaving so many things open for the reader to consider; how the Japanese mindset colours the emotional relationships of his characters, often having a cool detachment that we don't expect in Western writing; and I like his subtle expressions of feminism, certainly not a given considering Japan still remains a strongly patriarchal society. I've read a few thousand books in my lifetime, but I think Murakami is probably one of my all-time favourites now.

[@mkazmi]

Aha I started with "Colorless.." as well, followed by "Norwegian Wood" and really liked both. I wasn't sure which one to read next as I wanted more realism rather than surrealism so i started reading his short stories, of which some are amazing such as "Barn Burning", "Birthday girl", "Sleep", "Chance Traveler", "The second bakery attack" to name a few. But it seems "A wild sheep chase" will be my next novel read of his, so thanks for the recc

[@bedehenderson8414]

Read 1Q84 first. Found it next to a large rubbish bin, in a "to good to throw" pile. I remembered Murakami comes highly recommended from you, so I picked it up. Turned into my favourite book (maybe only Harry Potter comes out ahead)

[@violet1029s]

As a sucker for all his writing(i read them in Chinese, English & Japanese), i support this video! Btw, i would always choose A Wild Sheep Chase/Killing Commendatore/1Q84 over Norwegian Wood, and i feel lucky this way according to his writing pattern.

[@Rreemmkh44]

I read a sample of Kafka on the Shore and First Person Singular, and I’m not native English speakers so I was afraid a little bit of the language that might be hard for me but I actually got surprised by how easy it was for me and not complicated as people say, so I don’t know I really want to start reading for him I guess, wish me luck and thank you for your advice ❤

[@BullyMaguire4ever]

I started with The Elephant Vanishes. Trying to decide what to read next.

[@ericpeters7909]

My first Murakami was also Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki, after which I detoured into his nonfiction with Absolutely on Music and What I Talk About When I Talk About Running… certainly an unconventional approach to his works, but I absolutely love everything I’ve read. Currently reading First Person Singular for the first time.

[@philippayne2443]

I read After Dark a long time ago but never followed up. I got a copy of Norwegian Wood which I managed to loose after reading the first chapter. I then got a new copy of Norwegian Wood and read it in a quarantine stint. It was an amazing book and it got me hooked. I then read Men without Women and First Person Singular. In the last 8 months I have read Kafka on the Shore, Wind up Bird Chronicle, Colorless Tsukuru, South of the Border, wild Sheep Chase and Hard Boiled Wonderland. I have Dance, Dance, Dance 1Q84, Killing Commendator and Sputnik Sweetheart on the bookshelf ready to read. My favourite is Kafta on the Shore, possibly because it was the first magical realism I read.

[@aya3769]

No time to register the titles when I don’t already know them, Kafka was my first one and it was love at 1st sight Thank you for your review

[@ninja_boy]

I actually started with Kafka on the Shore. It was the strangest thing I’d ever read but I was completely enthralled by it and couldn’t wait to read more. I can see why it might not be the best one to start with but I’m glad it worked for me.

[@doaessayed7974]

I started with (Samsa in love) I was confused by the style I didn't know what was going on then I did a little search and found out that it was written as a sequel to Kafka's Metamorphosis , so I decided to read metamorphosis first and that's how I met Franz Kafka's work 😂 then I went back to Samsa in love and only then it made sense. It was a very weird (in a good way) experience. Murakami is crazy.

[@sanduniperera8849]

I've started about 8 years back with 'a wild sheep chase', found it at a local library, followed by 'dance, dance, dance' and just loved his style, been an avid fan ever since... And actually it's his surrealism that makes it easier and more interesting to read, the realistic novels don't have the same appeal... But still the way he engages you in 'norwegian woods' it's just beyond

[@KlausKokholmPetersen]

I was a bit disappointed with those 2 books, until I realised that the danish translations are not directly from japanese, but from english.

[@WanderwithJon]

I adore Murakami too! But, if I'm being honest, I've only read Tsukuru Tazaki, yet it felt so different and strangely connected to me that I knew I love his work just from it.

[@yustaanna5009]

I started with the Wild Sheep Chase and since then it is my goal to own and read every single Murakami publication. I just love that man's writing!

[@iAdilZaheer]

I was in a bookshop, and I randomly picked up Men without Women, as I've heard a lot about Murakami. May be not a good start, but I've loved his writing ever since. The way he makes you feel the situation is just out of the world.

[@alexasplace]

My first Murakami was A Wild Sheep Chase. I loved it!!

[@ofgodzeus]

I clicked on yout latest video I liked it and now m having my lil marathon from scratch !

[@Luvjinnie-up7xw]

I start with Kafka on shore. Now I read Sputnik sweetheart and I kinda say it my fav so far, there are so many hidden things in his massage through out the book that I need to do reread and do more research, his first book that made me think deeply

[@isabelab6851]

I started with wild sheep chase …it got me hooked. I read over 30 years also. I think that is when the books came out…so I have been with him since. It is my favorite…love wind up bird chronicle…but maybe hard boiled chronicle and the end of the world. I love Murakami and have read all his works that have bee translated

[@sanamir9886]

I started with “Norwegian Wood” 😊 Loved it.

[@astickofdynamite]

Loving your channel man, keep it up!

[@vibacar93]

I started with 1q84. I became a fan of him and bought all his books

[@hollyc4624]

Same here. I didn’t know anything about him at the time so had no idea what to expect. His writing is so smooth that I was hooked. It reads like a shorter book to me. The writing just flows, regardless of the length.

[@vibacar93]

@@hollyc4624 I completely agree

[@nicksalerno979]

I love this guy

[@colorlesswonderland]

Me too!

[@mattsbookshelf4084]

How many of those books on your bookshelf have you read?

[@nerdydude8116]

I have read three Murakami books so far which are After Dark being the first one, Sputnik Sweetheart and Colourless Tsukuru Tazaki and I recently started Norwegian Wood

[@99kylies15]

been wanting to get into him recently - this video is. great help!

[@andreasreadingroad5367]

I've had Colorles Tsukuru Tazaki an his Years of Pilgrimage has been on my tbr shelf for a while now but I have not heard any good things about it until now. Thanks for making me feel like picking it up again.

[@vincienator]

And another author to put on my tbr list. This is getting out of hand :D Thanks for the advice!

[@dps3902]

I didnt know where to start so I just read Norwegian wood since it had a pretty good cover( touche, I know) but that's how I got started and the minute I started reading murakami, I just couldn't put it down. Sure, the book fucked me up but I knew that i had to read more of his books and Here I am Now. So yeah, he's really Good

[@colorlesswonderland]

Haha I am glad you enjoyed Norwegian Wood! The second time I read it I also couldn't put it down for some reason and finished it in a day! Murakami's writing style is just that magnetic! Also Matt and I will be making a video on Norwegian Wood together soon so be on the lookout for that!

[@dps3902]

@@colorlesswonderland I'm looking forward to it

[@dps3902]

@@colorlesswonderland hey Tyler, I have come across many booktube channels saying murakami being sexist, racist and whatnot and honestly I don't know what's right or wrong. One criticism I have come across is that he over sexualized women in his books. Maybe because I haven't been paying that much attention to that part or maybe because I didnt think about it but the books were not misogynist as they say at all, they are fine piece of art. Maybe because I'm a man, idk. As another murakami reader,what do think of all this accusations.do you believe they have some truth in them or are they just another one of those angry feminist issues.

[@gwennbautista1782]

My personal picks: Realistic Fiction: 1. South of the Border West of the Sun 2. Colorless Tsukuru 3.Norwegian Wood Magical Realism 1. Kafka on the Shore 2. Rat Trilogy (HWS/PB - WSC - Dance3x) 3. Wind Up Bird Chronicle Agree on not starting 1Q84.

[@madhurimadas2616]

Norwegian Wood is the book that made me his fan! Despite all the criticism, I just love this man's writings lol. I'm planning to read Colorless Tazaki next. Although it's not very popular but I've heard it's different from his usual story patterns. Anyway, loved your video!

[@chadrooster]

Those editions you have on the left look awesome, where can I get them?

[@julienalexandre12]

I started with Dance Dance Dance loved it then read wild sheep chase then realized it was part of the rat trilogy and read wind/pinball completely read it all backwards lol but it somehow made sense

[@colorlesswonderland]

Oh woah holy moly I can't even imagine how that felt, especially since Dance Dance Dance is a sequel to Wild Sheep Chase. My mind would have not been able to comprehend the story at all! Thank you for the comment!

[@sofiay7492]

Started with kafka on the shore and I'm currently reading after dark (loving it)

[@sofiay7492]

I do agree tho that Kafka is not for everyone

[@chachofournia]

I agree, do not start with Kafka on the shore - the surrealism is very out there and it brings away from the book (lol). But I have to say... new readers should not start with Norwegian Wood but rather short stores (more specifically, those in The Elephant Vanishes - more specifically, The Second Bakery Attack or On Seeing The One Hundred Percent Girl One Beautiful April Morning). Norwegian wood takes the... naughty part of Murakami to the extreme. The Short Stories give an insight on to how he writes his characters, their relations with others, and serves as a base for how his other works... work (going from The Elephant Vanishes to Norwegian wood was very simple... though I still struggled with Chapter 6).

[@smoltaengoo]

I recently (quarantine) got in to reading again because of boredom I picked up Haruki Murakami because I want to read Japanese Literature. I started with Norwegian Wood honestly I was a bit disappointed it was good but it just didn’t resonate well with me I was hoping with all the hype I’ve seen it would at least work for everyone but it didn’t for me. After Dark was my second book it was a bit weird I have mixed opinions with this so I might have to reread this later. My third is Khafka on the Shore I don’t think I should’ve picked this up I just couldn’t get what’s going on. Now I think of starting with 1Q84 but my friend gave me a trick to not get bored reading because this was the one that caught my eye I should read another book while reading it so I can digest what’s going on and to not get bored so I might give South of the border West of the sun a go because it’s another romance by Haruki Murakami I think this might redeem for Norwegian Wood for me and I think I can also reread Kafka on the middle if I decide to take another breather.

[@assameseechi6955]

I started with kakfa on the shore. And i gifted it to a friend (biggest regret of my life)

[@akshayb399]

I started with Norwegian woods and now currently reading Sputnik sweetheart. Norwegian wood is ain't any love story, it's about life and death 🤍

[@colorlesswonderland]

Matt (also known as Matt's Bookshelf) just did an entire 35 minute discussion on Norwegian Wood on his channel! I think you would like it we talk all about Murakami's presentation on life and death!

[@aameshrajverma]

am i the only one who started reading murakami with "killing commendator" ???😶😶

[@greyfox4838]

I've started with Hardboiled Wonderland and it connected with me enough that I will eventually get through most, if not all, of his novels. But I can see how this novel isn't a great first read because it can easily confuse and not connect with a new reader as much as it can also connect with others and make them a fan. But that might be true for most of his novels, and Norwegian Woods is accessible so maybe that could have worked as my first as well. But I guess not liking Hardboiled Wonderland could also be litmus test to someone if they would like Murakami's style or not. Edit: When I made this comment I still hadn't read Norwegian Wood, now having read it I can confidently say if this was my first Murakami I would have never read another of his book. The sex scenes were cringe and the contemporary setting with its lack of any magical realism was lowkey boring. I don't understand how this is his most popular novel, maybe teenage me would have loved the sap in it. So hard disagree on this being a good start, I would say go with Kafka, Wind-Up or Wild Sheep Chase.

[@irfanbhimavarapu2871]

I started reading Norwegein wood and I'm halfway through.. That's absolutely fantastic... Which next book would u like to suggest me of his writings?

[@colorlesswonderland]

I'm glad you love it! It's one of my favorites! I would personally recommend you try either The Wind up Bird Chronicles, 1Q84, or A Wild Sheep Chase! All are really excellent and you can't go wrong with any of them!

[@irfanbhimavarapu2871]

Thank you so much for ur suggession

[@Kpoping727official]

Your audio needs to be louder. I can hardly hear anything on my phone

[@stephencharlton2024]

Great, thank you

[@colorlesswonderland]

Happy to help!

[@absolutezer32]

I ordered a bunch of books online kafka on the shore was one of them but when i started reading it, i found out it was a counterfeit and it has so many spelling mistakes , its such a good book too (the book is way past return date so i'm just stuck with a counterfeit T-T) I know its my fault for not checking the batch of books beforehand cuz i trusted the online store but also its so annoying seeing people actually making copies.

[@s7c115]

Man you are talking about murakami books but I've to believe that you are a boring person? If we had a conversation in person it will go at least couple of hours. Just get to know about your channel. This is my 11st video from this channel. All the best man keep doing. 👊👊

[@colorlesswonderland]

Haha I think we could too! Thank you for the kind words!

[@b.b.4010]

I started with Dance Dance Dance, I had no idea it was the fourth book of a series until he wrote something about the Rat near page 200 or so and I was thinking who is this rat character? Otherwise loved the book, then I read Kafka on the Shore (love) and now currently reading Colorless Tsukuru (love)

[@humanfirst11]

What's the book at the bottom? I couldn't recognise that one!

[@madisonl.607]

My first book is also A Wild Sheep Chase (almost finished) but I was planning to read Hardboiled Wonder and the end of the world next?? But I also it's a confusing story, but the sci-fi elements of the story also interest me. So I might read that or Dance Dance Dance instead...

[@colorlesswonderland]

Hardboiled Wonderland is definitely one of Murakami's odder books. I think reading Dance Dance Dance right after A Wild Sheep Chase is a great idea since DDD is a direct sequel to AWSC! Thank you for the comment

[@raynmooney]

Big disagree with starting with Norwegian wood/ Colorless. Both are simpler stories, both with the main character being a counter-piece to the stories being told by others. In other works like the Rat Trilogy, Wind-Up Bird, etc. etc., we have lead(s) with motives and plot and mystery. Most of his works involve that mystery/ surrealism/ humor. Norwegian Wood and Colorless are kind of melodramatic and lack a central character to cling to.

[@humanfirst11]

By any chance are you spiderman by night?

[@penisfarter]

i started with norwegian wood, and i thought it was good! but later i moved onto windup bird chronical and its like my all time favorite book, it blew norwegian wood out of the water. i really enjoyed 1q84 so so much, and a new reader shouldnt be intimidated because it is so good the entire time and im glad he made it so large

[@Farcallo]

Do you have a book of his in audio form?

[@colorlesswonderland]

I don't no! Do you recommend trying one?

[@Farcallo]

@@colorlesswonderland No but I was wondering if you could recommend me one. Guess not lol. I'm not much of a reader but I love a good book (kind of an odd sentence to write down but since audiobooks exist it's possible to do so). I'm not familiar with his work but pretty excited to start with you recommendation.

[@katr2771]

I started with Chronicle. And I was disappointed with this one. 1Q84 is much better than other books.

[@BrooklynZue]

JIU JITSU!!! that is all.

[@GUIDPO]

Lol i started with 1Q84… well, that was…

[@ContentLitwithSimonFay]

Norwegian Wood ftw.

[@thankzcomputer]

you are the first normal person i came across while researching Murakami, everyone else sounds like loser-nerd's

[@mrlately]

u r too cute 😭😭😭😭

[@bakhtawarkhan2137]

I've read two of his books; after dark and south of the border, west of the sun. I found him extremely sexist. im still open to give him another chance but so far disappointed

[@colorlesswonderland]

Completely understand the criticisms of him being sexist! Have no real argument against that!

[@RachaelsReadingNook]

Yes! Thank you for saying this I find his skill as a writer is praised so highly that the problematic elements are completely overlooked

[@jazztemple2]

So, Colorless, was it meant to be humorous -- and is it intentional? -- that your mouth and your words are out of sync so badly?

[@colorlesswonderland]

Unintentional, did not know how to edit when I first started so I (hopefully) have fixed that by now

[@LittleMew133]

Your audio is so low, had to max my volume

[@colorlesswonderland]

I am sorry about that! It should be fixed in my most recent video!

[@reemm750]

Do you have instgram account?

[@Ihategeese_]

Lol I started at 1Q84… hahaha

[@jojosjojoba]

I started with 'After Dark' - a bit of a weird introduction but nonetheless very intriguing and an addictively satisfying read. Just began 'Norwegian Wood' and wow such a contrast but man I just love his work!! quickly becoming one of my all-time favourites!!

[@colorlesswonderland]

After Dark is definitely a fascinating place to start haha! I am really glad you enjoyed it! I plan on making another Murakami video in the next few weeks or so so be on the lookout for that!

[@yxvoegl2263]

I like After Dark as much as Wind Up Bird Chronicle, my two favorites.

[@emyp.7594]

i also started with after dark, am reading kafka on the shore now and then delving into norwegian wood!

[@ruchishree]

Sameeeee!!!! I started with After Dark, it was somewhat different and I left it unfinished and started Norwegian wood and fell in love with his writing. Currently I’m about to finish Kafka on the shore, and IT’S ONE OF THE BEST READ!!!!!!

[@anshitaaj1299]

I've just finished After Dark and i loved it the way he shows his perspective in a very different manner

[@camiliraolivares]

I´ve been meaning to start reading Murakami because I love love love magical realism (big Gabriel García Márquez fan), and I think your video has just inspired me to get up and pick the damn book. I have Norwegian Wood so I will start with this one but, honestly, the one that excites me the most is Kafka on the shore, don't know why. I think it's the talking to cats part hahaha. Amazing video, hope you are doing well!

[@colorlesswonderland]

Thank you for the comment and the kind words! I've actually read some of Gabriel Garcia Marquez short stories before for one of my classes in undergrad a few years ago and I was a big fan! I'm so happy to have given you that push to start Murakami! Norwegian Wood is an excellent place to start!

[@enearu599]

Have you read norwegian wood? How is it?

[@mikadopowerranger5254]

For me, Murakami’s book are like a fever dream. it’s not necessarily bad it’s just so weird sometimes but at the end you can kinda grasp the meaning for a second before letting it go again

[@gursharansingh9584]

He's definitely my favorite author as well, I recently recommended him to a friend and suggested he start with a wild sheep chase too.

[@colorlesswonderland]

That's awesome! After reading A Wild Sheep Chase I knew that this would be the one I recommend to people!

[@isabelab6851]

Agree…wild sheep chase was my first…and it was what got me hooked. It was my first encounter with him

[@chelseyummali]

1Q84 was my first book and I love it. I'm just getting into the 3rd book now and surprisingly I have not felt the length at all. It's been such an easy and enjoyable read. I haven't actually been bored at all...I'm just kinda going with the flow. I think it depends on what your used to reading. If your used to a faced paced or action packed story, maybe not your cup of tea but I read classics so I'm used to a slower paced flow. I'm really excited to read another Murakami book either Kafka or Sheep chase.

[@HuBuletii]

lmao my 2021 just got so much better after discovering u 3. All your guys’s videos are super good and i just spent my entire day binge watching all of them lol. ok 1. i only read Norwegian wood and the ending was so ??!!?? for me and i aint got any literally friends to talk about it so i would love to watch a video of what you thought of it( or maybe im just dumb and it actually made sense, just not for me lol) and 2. you all need to make Goodreads accounts so i can follow you lol ok that’s it, really think all your videos are underrated and i hope u keep it up and people get to discover you, it’s so refreshing to see people on this platform talk about something else other than YA books

[@colorlesswonderland]

Oh wow thank you for the kind words! I showed Mark and Matt this comment and they also were amazed at how kind it was! Norwegian Wood is such a fascinating book because it is one of Murakami's most complete and defined endings (at least it felt that way too me) but it might not seem that way if that is your only Murakami book. Murakami is well known for never having a more "traditional" ending to his stories and loves keeping readers guessing! I could absolutely make a video about Norwegian Wood! Also we completely agree with you about the hyper focus booktube has on YA novels and we want to deviate from the norm! I can't wait to hear more from you!

[@zofia.-.8700]

i started with After Dark! Then I went onto Kafka on The Shore. I think starting with After Dark due to its length.

[@catbeale6141]

My first book is The strange library and It's the only one I have read by him.