I really like the way Haruki Murakami puts words together. I’ve immensely enjoyed his other fiction books (most notably, the Wind Up Bird Chronicles & Kafka On the Shore). This book is a memoir of sorts; a year in the life of an author as he trains for the New York Marathon. The book isn’t entirely about running, though that is covered in depth. It is more about how Mr. Murakami writes and lives and trains his body, mind, and spirit. It is a great inspiration to read that there are some days when great runners – professional runners – don’t want to get out of bed and go run. (It is of even greater inspiration that they do anyway). This book is the epitome of what I want the next year to be. I want to listen to my body, but I also want to force my body to do things it doesn’t want to do. I want to run. I want to live. I want to enjoy every second.

192 pages
4/5

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