Haruki Murakami wins literary award in the Czech Republic

Yesterday, Haruki Murakami--one of my favorite fiction writers ever--received the Franz Kafka Prize in Prague. His specialty is observing Japanese psyche and portraying it via surreal, mysteriously disappearing characters who often have unique insights on Western literary or musical classics. His most recent novel is called Kafka on the Shore, and I think it's one of his best so far. (No, I don't know if the title's reference to the celebrated existentialist had to do with him getting the award.) I liked Wind-Up Bird Chronicles, too, and his interviews with victims and perpetrators of the Sarin gas attacks orchestrated by the Aum cult (non-fiction). And then of course there's Norwegian Wood, the book that made him famous back in the 80s. So if you haven't read any of his novels, stop reading this stupid blog and go pick one up now! It's better for you brain, and much more entertaining.