Haruki Murakami

  I have no problem declaring Haruki Murakami the best writer to have ever graced the planet. This might seem like a pretty huge thing to say, but I have never read anything by the man that didn't surprise me, engage me, and change my outlook on live in some minor or even major way. 
  I fell head over heels in love with his work after picking up Norwegian Wood in a book shop for 99p. (I am all about the bargains.) For 99p, I thought to myself, even if I HATE it, I haven't really lost anything. Well I didn't hate it. In fact I couldn't put it down. For three days I read that book while cooking, hoovering, washing up, walking, bathing. I did try really hard to pace myself, I savoured every single word. Almost rolling it around in my mind before moving on to the next. I'd pause and let the scenes unfold behind my eyes before moving on. And I was so wrapped up in the characters I would think about them from the minute I woke up. I actually finished the book with the biggest smile and huge fat tears rolling down my face. I knew I had just been touched by genius.
  From that day I have avidly collected every book and collection of stories I could get my hands on. And I have never been let down. If you don't know where to start, Norwegian Wood is a pretty safe bet, then maybe Kafka On The Shore, and if your feeling REALLY brave The Wind-up Bird Chronicles is also brilliant. I will say again, everything Murakami has written is pure gold. 
  The books I enjoy the most are the ones translated by Jay Rubin. He seems to be able to take Murakami's words and breath live into them. I will put up full reviews after I have unpacked and re-read my copies. Oh! What a hardship that's going to be.