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Comment by ankkalinna | Hacker News Reader

I've been re-reading 1Q84 by Murakami. It left a very light and magical impression on me in high school, but I couldn't remember much at all of it anymore so decided to pick it up again and dust it off.

I'm also trying to transition into software development and have been watching John Ousterhout's talks and just yesterday started reading "A Philosophy of Software Design" - enjoying it so far.

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I just started 1Q84. I’m only on chapter 7. It was recommended to me by a friend who is a big reader, and the last book this person recommended was Parable of the Sower, which absolutely floored me, so I’ll read anything they suggest. That said, 1Q84 is a very different book. I definitely feel an ominous tension growing, but the pacing is very measured and unhurried. I haven’t decided if I’m liking the book or not yet.

Added Parable of the Sower to a long and ever-growing list!

Murakami has a very different style than Butler… unlike western novels there is less focus on plot and pace, but as you’re noticing there tends to be an ever-present mood that builds throughout. I couldn’t tell you a single plot point from 1Q84, but I remember the feeling of reading it very clearly.

I liked The Windup Bird Chronicle slightly more, and it’s an easier read than 1Q84 to get into him. He also does short stories that are phenomenal.

I also started Murakami with 1Q84.

Also make sure to read Sputnik Sweetheart and Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki.

Hard Boiled Wonderland is such an underrated Murakami novel. I recommend it to Murakami lovers.

Also, does that friend have a list of favourites?

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