What I Talk about When I Talk about Running

A Memoir

By: Haruki Murakami

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of Kafka on the Shore comes this rich and revelatory memoir about writing and running, and the integral impact both have made on his life. Equal parts training log, travelogue, and reminiscence, this revealing memoir covers Murakami's four-month preparation for the 2005 New York City Marathon.

Settings range from Tokyo, where he once shared the course with an Olympian, to the Charles River in Boston, among young women who outpace him.

Through this marvelous lens of sport emerges a cornucopia of memories and insights: the eureka moment when he decided to become a writer, his triumphs and disappointments, his passion for vintage LPs, and the experience, after age 50, of having seen his race times improve and then fall back.

Translated by Philip Gabriel.

©2007 Haruki Murakami (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Murakami crafts a charming little volume notable for its good-natured and intimate tone....An early section recounting Murakami's transition from nightclub owner to novelist offers a particularly vivid picture of an artist soaring into flight for the first time." ( Publishers Weekly)
"A brilliant meditation on how his running and writing nurture and sustain each other....With sparse, engaging prose....Murakami shares his runner's high." ( Sports Illustrated)
"Provides a fascinating portrait of Murakami's working mind and how he works his magic on the page." ( The Plain Dealer)

Giving me a runner's high

The image of Harukami meeting John Irving while jogging in Central Park blew my mind.

Interesting memoir for runners

Would you listen to What I Talk about When I Talk about Running again? Why?

I really need all the help I can get as a runner to stay motivated especially with my crazy schedule, I enjoy running and though I try to do what I can when I can, I felt the need to widen my horizons a little and went ahead and spent my credit on this book. What I found was a beautifully written understanding of all the struggles one has when attempting to strive to become a better runner. I found myself shaking my head and agreeing with many things the author conveyed. I wasnt disappointed as a listener and as a runner. Its just one of those things that only runners can relate to and the author expressed it so explicitly. Its short and just perfect enough to keep anyone motivated.

Makes me want to try running.

Would you listen to What I Talk about When I Talk about Running again? Why?

Yes. I am interested in running, however I'm not a runner. Doesn't make for a good combination. However I found it interesting to get Mr. Murakami perception on this habit and why he does it for himself. I could use some of his perception to rub off on me.

What did you like best about this story?

It's non-fiction and didn't bore the hell out of me.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he pointed out when you exercise everyday you don't have to worry so much about what you eat.

Stream of Consciousness

I'm a runner and a big fan of Murakami's novels, so I was excited to read this book. It wasn't terrible, but I didn't love it either. He meanders around a number of topics, injects race stories here and there, and does the usual introspection we'd expect, but the book lacks any real point or take-away. I can't recommend it.

Lovely For Writers

If you could sum up What I Talk about When I Talk about Running in three words, what would they be?

This is great if you're a writer and want to know how other writers work in their daily life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Due the writer its about.

Which scene was your favorite?

This book can be good to read while your running.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I'm going to start writing next week!

Interesting Stories; Good for Runners

Where does What I Talk about When I Talk about Running rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A pretty solid book. It kept me interested. If you're not much into running, you might not like it as well.

What did you like best about this story?

The author is a humble person, but has accomplished much in life. Some nice stories here.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed hearing about the author's time in Greece.

Resonates-loved it!

As an aging lifetime runner, this book was filled with inspiration, consolation, and ideas I can use as I continue to age. I totally identify with the author and I listened to it all in one long sitting- it was so good! I highly recommend to any runner, but especially runners who find it harder to keep same pace as when 25. It’s an inspiration to keep running, and I’m going to try a triathalon because of this book! Thank you!

A surgical examination of the mind of a runner

I read this book because I am both an ultra runner and a fan of Murakami's previous novels.

I found all of the little joys of running, the personal frustrations, victories, and even thoughts I have never defined. Articulated and related to throughout this book.

It's a book about how we live and grow, and sooner or later find ourselves to be when we start running.

Perfect timing for this book!

I love this book! I have always been a runner and as I’m now older, I can relate to what he’s saying in this book. Plus I’m from Massachusetts, so I definitely appreciated his account of Cambridge. This book made me feel normal as a runner getting older. If you run and are getting older and, also, appreciate writing, you will love this book.

must-read for Murakami fans

Not just about running, this book also looks at Murakami's writing, life, and philosophy. Very interesting