Chloe's post #6 (of April 29)

 I’m really, really glad I took this class, because it expanded my thoughts on Murakami’s writing. I was actually afraid that perhaps I would grow to dislike it because it became required reading for me, but in fact the class gave me more insight into his style and background. For example, when I read his novels, I don’t usually look up the references he makes in music or otherwise. And that was fine because I still derived meaning from his works. But when we listened to the songs he mentions, I’ve come to realize that it really does add to my reading experience. I also highly enjoyed reading his influences, especially Salinger, Chandler and Auster. To be honest, there wasn’t a reading that I disliked. For my final assignment I chose to write a short story in Murakami’s style, which proved to be more difficult than anticipated. It’s still not as I’d like it to be because my own voice comes out. I don’t think I can describe scenes, objects, or people quite like Murakami can – he’s so detailed and there’s always this uncanny feeling that this could happen to you. But for what it’s worth, I put a cat, a disappearing woman, cigarettes, a strange birthmark and a fetish in.