It's happened again... I've signed up for another irresistible challenge. This time it is the Japanese Literature Challenge 3 hosted by Bellezza, and I feel no guilt whatsoever! Her rules are simple:"This year, all you have to do is read one work of Japanese origin. It can be literature of course, but don’t feel confined to that. You may choose to read poetry, biographies, short stories or even manga. If you are willing to read one such piece, you’ve met the challenge. If you read more, all the better."
The book I have chosen is After Dark by Haruki Murakami. Several bloggers have suggested this as a good introduction to Murakami's work. I made a special trip to Barnes & Noble yesterday, and am eager to begin.
The challenge will run from July 30, 2009 until January 30, 2010. Bellezza has set up a special review site just for this challenge. There are two different buttons you can choose from, and she has some lovely prizes!
The book I have chosen is After Dark by Haruki Murakami. Several bloggers have suggested this as a good introduction to Murakami's work. I made a special trip to Barnes & Noble yesterday, and am eager to begin.Are you curious about Japanese Literature? Why not consider joining the fun? Thank you, Bellezza, for hosting this challenge.
Thank you, JoAnn, for joining in! I really hope you like After Dark. Be prepared, it's a bit 'weird'. But, that's what makes it wonderful! With Murakami, you have to suspend your belief, and try not to understand every single detail. I was trying to make him fit my schema, and it just didn't work until I let go and went with his ideas. We're going to have fun, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of Murakami, although I have not read this book. I hope you enjoy, and I look forward to reading your review!
ReplyDeleteBellezza - This will be a stretch for me, but I'm really looking forward to it. I'll just go with it...
ReplyDeleteCharley - I've heard so many bloggers rave about Murakami! I'm glad this challenge has given me the incentive to finally read one of his books.
so glad to have stumbled here as I continue my journey to meet and read more book bloggers! I'm sure once the weather turns cold and fall-ish I'll spend more time on the PC but in the meantime, so glad to meet you and love your blogsite (big photo fan, I am!)
ReplyDeletehappy reading!
I love Murakami! I haven't read After Dark - I've heard it is quite dark, so have avoided it. All Murakami is weird though - you just have to go with the flow!
ReplyDeleteI am likely going to to sign up for this one.
ReplyDeleteOh - Thank you for visiting! I just took a quick peek at your blog, and can't wait to spend more time there. The photo from Pirate's Alley is stunning!
ReplyDeleteJackie - That's what I keep telling myself...I'll just have to go with the flow on this one! I've read some very positive reviews and am really looking forward to it.
Beth F - It's just one book...go for it!!
I hope you enjoy your introduction to Murakami, JoAnn. I really enjoyed After Dark and it is very typically his style: surreal with central motifs of jazz, slumber, and cats. Bellezza is right when she says that you have to suspend belief; Murakami defies comparison to other writers, he is unique, and you do just have to go with the flow. I think of reading him as lying back in a swimming pool or sea and floating whilst treading my toes slightly, which is relaxing, soothing, but requires a little effort to stay afloat.
ReplyDeletePaperback reader - I just love that comparison!! Can't wait to get started...and I hope to stay afloat!
ReplyDeleteYou're going to enjoy that book :) Welcome to the challenge!
ReplyDeleteWith each Japanese Lit Challenge post I read I keep thinking this is one that I need to do. Your first pick has me very intrigued!
ReplyDeleteMark David - I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteStaci - It's just one book. Why not give it a try?
I enjoyed the audio version of After Dark--very different but good.
ReplyDeleteOkay, before the end of this year I've gotta read Haruki Murakami. I keep hearing good things about him.
ReplyDeleteDiane - It was your review that finally convinced me I should give this book a try!
ReplyDeleteMatt - Well, you've got quite a few more months left. The challenge actually lasts until the end of January if you want to give it a try...it's only one book!
I just finished After Dark and I really enjoyed it. To me the Japanese Challenge will be a great learning experience and a lot of fun
ReplyDeleteMel - So glad to hear you liked After Dark! I'm really looking forward it. It will be my first Japanese Lit.
ReplyDeleteI also bought this book to read based on all the great recommendations from people involved in this challenge! I can't wait to read it! And I can't wait to see your review! I have a few other books inbetween before I get to it!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
Suzanne - I'll be looking forward to comparing notes on this one...hope to read it next month. Thanks for visiting!
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