Via @roncharles, a link to a review of Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84:

“Though the initial sales of “1Q84″ have come from name recognition and media buzz, as time passes, it could be received as Murakami’s magnum opus, or at least the best novel of 200Q. This novel — mired in death and fetish, leavened with humor — may become a mandatory read for anyone trying to get to grips with contemporary Japanese culture.

“No release date is set for the English translation of “1Q84,” but those waiting can look forward to another translation from Harvard professor Jay Rubin. Expect rave reviews.”

Ooo…I’ll be waiting for that translation. Murakami’s work is weirdly delicious and worth the wait. Many’s the day I’ve hoped to come home to discover a giant talking frog waiting for me.

Speaking of giant talking frogs and Japan…if you’re going to be there this summer, my friend Michael asks you to consider signing up for his Japan 2009 Party Squad. I have no idea what this means. He assures me it involves karaoke and good times (I’m guessing a trip to a Pachinko parlour, too).

Cat ladies, however, do not travel overmuch, so I will only be there in spirit (and hoping for a nifty souvenir).