Murakami's new novel set for release in Japan in February

There are people who really believe his stuff is "literature". Makes you wonder.

Outrider: "There are people who really believe his stuff is "literature". Makes you wonder."

There's a reason Murakami is famous, and well loved world-wide, and respected in many, many nations. It's not because of the naysayers, that's for sure.

Outrider, spoken like someone who's never read a Murakami novel.

Very exciting. Murakami is a great writer, im really looking forward to the next book!! Not holding my breath for an English version though - im yet to see an English version of Men without Women in any bookstores around here.

I put anything labeled "Literature" on a pedestal and leave it there. The rest I read.

I understand, Outrider. Murakami probably needs to start singing his works to get the overdue (and now meaningless) Nobel Prize in literature.

Todd Prepsky,Actually I have read him, otherwise I wouldnt comment.

Worthless, it is indeen now meaningless, agreed.

You got to be kidding Outrider.

Murakami's writing is "great" only to those readers who have never read great literature. That said, I have immense respect for him as a person and the fact that he has had great success as a writer bringing pleasure to millions is worth more than the award of the Nobel that some of his deluded fans continue to clamor for. I personally would rather bet on Kazuo Ishiguro (if he can find appropriate tunes).