Bookish Talk | Book Chatter

I am so excited! These two novels (Hear the Wind Sing & Pinball, 1973) have finally been translated in English and will be coming out on August 4th in one volume. As part of the Trilogy of the Rat which includes A Wild Sheep Chase & unofficially Dance, Dance, Dance (both I’ve already read), this volume will complete the collection. Look at that cover!

Why is it a trilogy when there are actually four novels? Dance, Dance, Dance was written as a sequel, but it’s actually not a part of the trilogy.

Blurb courtesy of the Book Depository:

The debut short novels–nearly thirty years out of print– by the internationally acclaimed writer, newly retranslated and in one English-language volume for the first time, with a new introduction by the author. These first major works of fiction by Haruki Murakami center on two young men–an unnamed narrator and his friend and former roommate, the Rat. Powerful, at times surreal, stories of loneliness, obsession, and eroticism, these novellas bear all the hallmarks of Murakami’s later books, giving us a fascinating insight into a great writer’s beginnings, and are remarkable works of fiction in their own right. Here too is an exclusive essay by Murakami in which he explores and explains his decision to become a writer. Prequels to the much-beloved classics “A Wild Sheep Chase “and “Dance Dance Dance, ” these early works are essential reading for Murakami completists and contemporary fiction lovers alike.

He’s so famous now, that they don’t even need to include the full title on the cover! I am so freakin’ excited! Is it August yet?

Sunday Matters

I’ve had an excellent reading week. I made a real effort to get through some of my review copies and managed to get through three this week. Almost four. Maybe it’s because I’ve been so high strung and anxious this week. I don’t even care. I just want to continue at this pace and put a real dent in my list.

Right Now:

After the track meet yesterday and much of it being spent in the hot sun, it feels good to sleep in a little bit. Even just a little extra sleep makes such a difference in how I look and feel. I wish I could do it more often.

After a few cups of coffee and a bite to eat, we’ll head to church.

This Week:

I should know about my new office space by Monday. What I know at the moment, is that I will be upstairs.

As for the other stuff, one doc appointment this week and I am really hoping to pick up my new glasses but finding the time to do it is tough!

The Girl auditions for middle school choir this Thursday. She is going to be singing You and I and then has to sing Happy Birthday. I sure hope she makes it. She has a husky quality to her voice so I hope the song choice serves her well. Making choir would really boost her confidence.

Rehearsal and track practice rounds out the week.

Reading:

Not sure what my next read will be. Maybe Five Nights in Paris. Maybe Dead Wake. I’ve been thinking about reading The Fountainhead again or maybe Atlas Shrugged. I’ve been watching Mad Men and Atlas keeps being mentioned. The first is over 700 pages and the second is over 1200. Read-along anyone?

Rand

Watching:

Mad Men

Mad Men! I feel like a traitor to all women for watching it but I am fascinated with the time period (60’s) and some of the stuff that goes on is pretty jarring to watch since no one lives that way today. Women smoking and drinking while pregnant, bosses sleeping with their secretaries and anyone else they can get their hands on, etc. The office politics alone will make your toes curl. I am so into it.

Bates Motel