I would say that I almost always prefer novels to short stories. While a really good short story is short, self-contained, and packs a punch, most of the time I still end up wanting more. Plus, I love to reread things, and novels are just so much more satisfying to reread-- there's more there. On the other hand, there are some authors, especially Charles de Lint, whose short stories I much prefer to their novels. On the whole, though, I'll take a novel over a collection of short stories any day.
Yeah, there are certain packs-a-punch short stories that I love and can't imagine being any longer. (Neil Gaiman's "We Can Get Them For You Wholesale" is the first one that pops into my mind.) But I guess short stories tend to frustrate me more-possibly because it's harder to forgive their imperfections? It's a difficult form, and I'm certainly impressed with anyone who can pull it off, even only some of the time.
Murakami! Isn't he amazing? Another convert to him. I've loved everything he's written. I don't know if I liked The Wind-up Bird Chronicles best, or Sputnik Sweetheart. ACK. They're all so wonderful. You're right about the atmosphere, too; he is a master.
I feel about Murakami now the way I do about avocados. I used to be intimidated by him/them, but now I'm like, how did I ever live without this? I want to eat avocado sandwiches and read Murakami novels every day!
Sputnik Sweetheart is great. (It's one of the 40-or-so books I haven't gotten around to reviewing yet, alas.) I haven't read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle yet; I think I'm trying to slow down a bit now, not read everything all in a rush, savor things. But I now feel like I have so much good reading to look forward to! Plus those elusive first two novels of his-the ones that aren't available in the U.S. The thrill of the hunt, whee!
Murakami! I got 'Kafka on the Shore' for Christmas from a friend two years ago, then went to a book shop in January and ended up gorging on four more of his novels in a row because I spent all of Christmas Day accidentally ignoring my family.
On the position of Novels > Short Stories, I agree mainly because I'm a very character-driven reader and very often short stories don't manage to explore them in enough depth for me. Although, sometimes a good collection of short stories can have a lot of impact on me, moreso than some novels. Hmm. I would still probably pick up a novel first.
214, 217, 219--I am pretty much in total agreement with you, except that I love The Handmaid's Tale. And some of her poetry, too. But I agree, she and Chuck are similar kinds of smug. Awesome that you identified it! \o/
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PS: I love your book posts.
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Sputnik Sweetheart is great. (It's one of the 40-or-so books I haven't gotten around to reviewing yet, alas.) I haven't read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle yet; I think I'm trying to slow down a bit now, not read everything all in a rush, savor things. But I now feel like I have so much good reading to look forward to! Plus those elusive first two novels of his-the ones that aren't available in the U.S. The thrill of the hunt, whee!
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On the position of Novels > Short Stories, I agree mainly because I'm a very character-driven reader and very often short stories don't manage to explore them in enough depth for me. Although, sometimes a good collection of short stories can have a lot of impact on me, moreso than some novels. Hmm. I would still probably pick up a novel first.
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