I read "Norwegian Wood" by Haruki Murakami for a course I took last semester and I'm still thinking about it. Something about it really drew me in, and I'm curious about his other works. Right now I'm considering "The Elephant Disappears" or "1Q84", but does anyone have suggestions for a reading order, or just which one would be best to try out next? I know some his work is very surreal, so I don't want to jump in too deep too fast and just end up confused lol.

Honestly, I am drawn to him because of his popularity. I read some of his works, and only enjoyed a few. I think that his style isn't exactly right for me, or maybe I have to be more open-minded and imaginative to fully enjoy his works.

Anyway, check out "South of the Border, West of the Sun"! I really like it a lot!

As for the reading order--I also searched for that a year and a half ago. Idk about his later works other than this.

Have fun reading!

"The Elephant Disappears," "Men Without Women," & "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman"— short story compilations are great if you want to simply have something to read in-between classes. Personally, I believe that Murakami shines best with his short stories, since they're so impressionable. It really helps you grasp his writing style and tendencies.

Personally, I think after "Norwegian Wood," something like "The Hard-Boiled Wonderland & The End of the World," or "Kafka on the Shore," would do nicely in the introductory phase.

I do agree with takame's recommendation: "South of the Border, West of the Sun," since it is rather short for a Murakami novel. Once you get into more of his books, I highly recommend reading "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle," as it is a fan-favorite. It's by far one of his most solid novels.

Please leave 1Q84 for later, as the compilation of three books roughly add up to 1054 pages long. Don't ask why I know this.

As for any other recommendations... Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki & His Years of Pilgrimage is an amazing read. It's a lot more casual and lighter than his other books, but it is still nonetheless gripping and striking.

You could try reading his books in chronological order, but personally I think you should read his books by reading what strikes your fancy at first.

Please do not read "A Wild Sheep Chase" & its sequel story, "Dance Dance Dance," until you've read more of his works.

As for why: Murakami has many recurring characters that you may see across various novels. It hints that all his stories takes place within the same, or similar world. It has spoilers, lets just say.

Other than that, please feel free to explore!

Came back because I forgot to mention 'Underground'! It's non-fiction; Murakami compiled the statements of the victims (also some relatives) and the involved in the Tokyo gas attack.

The novel is compelling to read and heartbreaking.