Thoughts 
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami – translated from the Japanese by Jay Rubin and Philip Gabriel, Alfred A Knopf 2011, 925 pages.
I was reading this as part of a readalong last January. I think I am the only one to have finished it.
In mid-February, I posted about completing Book Two and though curious how it would end for Tengo and GreenPeas, I was doubtful that I would ever return to it.
But I did! Blame it all on being curious about it and knowing I had invested so much time on it already AND so many of you liked it … I am most proud of myself for completing a chunkster. In fact, it gave me the courage to tackle King’s 11/22/63 (review of that coming soon.)
But back to 1Q84… Perhaps I was in a bad mood for this. Or maybe it was too long? or it’s possible that Murakami and I just are not meant to get along.
I was bored most of the book. I was annoyed that the loose ends never tied up. I was only ‘hohum’ about the ending. And despite you all telling me that ____(insert another HM title)____ is awesome and I really should try to read ____(something else by HM)______, I don’t think I ever will.
There are just too many books in the world I want to read and I am a tiny bit upset that I wasted my time on this one.
At least I can say, “I read 1Q84.”
Two slices of moon pie. (Again, two stars in goodreads.com means ‘it was OK.’ NOT that it stunk. You might love it – many people have.)
Sam Still Reading loved it. So did Ti of Book Chatter. Check here for other book blogger reviews courtesy of Fyrefly’s Search.
HIdeinWhitetoSkipLine
Care's Books and Pie 
I don’t think I loved Murakami the first time I read him. But two weeks later I fell in love with him. Took me a while to get there, but he was hard (impossible?) to get the first time.
Still yet to read 1Q84. Since it’s a mega chunkster, it could take me a while to get there.
This was my second attempt at Murakami. I gave Wind-Up Bird 4 stars but I think it was just as odd.
I want to read this but it scares me a bit… 🙂
Nothing to be scared of. You want my copy?
My first reaction to Murakami was that he was on crack, and then about half way thru Kafka on the Shore, I started to love him. He is a different kind of writer. He is a “head” writer. You know how people sing in their head voice? Up high… for them to hear. He is like that with his writing. I immediately feel dreamy and my pulse literally slows down when reading one of his novels. He is all about what is going on in the head of the character. Very little happens as far as plot. I like that, but I know that not every does.
Oh Ti! This is beautiful. I’m glad that you find Murakami such a comforting source of reading pleasure. I just don’t think he’s quite for me, at least right now. I think I might have a small amount of appreciation but for me, at this time, this wasn’t IT.
There is MUCH to be said for being able to say, “I read 1Q84.” After reading this review, I would probably put it up there with Ulysses and Moby Dick as a “conquest” read 🙂
Conquest read! LOVE it.
If I read one of his books I definitely don’t think I’ll start with this one.
No, it is just TOO long for a book to ‘try’. But I can’t recommend anything. I’ve heard that Norwegian Wood is one of his ‘least’ odd.
Congrats on finishing and I doubt you will have any trouble with 11/22/63. That will fly by. Seriously … you will probably read it in a few days.
No doubt! I read it in less than a week!! Which is CRAZY for me!!!! review coming soon.
I like Murikami’s short stories and enjoyed his book about running, but so far I haven’t made it through a novel. I’m going to stick to his shorter works for now. Way to go, you!
Cannot wait to hear your thoughts on the King book. It’s one I probably ought to buy for some week when everyone’s away. I’m quite anxious to read it.
“There are just too many books in the world I want to read and I am a tiny bit upset that I wasted my time on this one.”
Ah, my sentiments exactly. I feel that way toward Ian McEwan. Everyone else seems to love him, but I’ve only liked one of the three I’ve read of his. I’m done no matter what anyone else says.
I’ve seen mixed reviews of 1Q84. The only Murakami I have read is Kafka on the Shore. I thought it was well-written and interesting, but very disturbing on many levels. I’ve been hesitant to pick up any others. Sorry this one didn’t work for you–especially since it’s a brick of a book.
Oh, well. I *lurve* Ian McEwan!!!! but I get it. All the more reason to recognize what I like and don’t like. 😉
Very impressed! I’ve never read anything by Murakami but my boss is a big fan, we talk about books all the time. I do have copies of Norwegian Wood and A Wild Sheep Chase which I bought while I lived in Japan, but never read. Someday!
Congrats on reading a chunkster! I think Book 3 wasn’t ‘The Best HM Ever’, but it did give me some closure. HM is also a bit ‘out there’ – people are generally rabid fans or the opposite.
I hope you get some extra free time to make up for your time spent reading 1Q84 🙂
I’ve been leery to pick this one up. I’m a bit intimidated by Japanese Lit based on what I’ve read about it.