Haruki Murakami

How do you guys feel about this cat? I'm looking to read something by him. I don't read much so my favorite authors are entry level guys like Vonnegut and Salinger.

For reference and because I'm bored, a quick review of every Murakami book I have read for your pleasure.

Norwegian Wood - This is the first book of his that I read, and it really blew me away. I used this to jumpstart myself into reading (beforehand I hardly read), and it worked wonders. The story is great, very slice-of-life-ish, and gives off a vibe of depression and loneliness. Assuming that you are a typical 4chan loser, you will love this.

The Wind Up Bird Chronicles - A lengthy read (600pg I think). I enjoyed most of the ending, but once it hit the 3rd part (last 200pg), everything started to take an undesirable fictitious turn. The ending is awful, by the way. Not recommended unless you just have to read everything Murakami has done.

Kafka on the Shore - A really good read. This book is practically up to par with Norwegian Wood, as it is the same slice-of-life writing Murakami is so adept at. Successfully pulling off one of his weird "metaphysical" scenes is probably his biggest feat here, considering his last attempt ruined TWUBC.

after the quake - A collection of short stories. Bad, for the most part. If you don't know, the stories all have some connection around the Kobe (?) earthquake back in 1996 (?), and he uses the incident as a catalyst for some kind of despair or trouble in a character's life. Out of the six or so stories, I only recall moderately enjoying one. Not suggested.