Of cozy fireplaces and favorite drinks

I've never thought of Haruki Murakami as gripping. He doesn't write page-turning books that can be read on a flight or on the beach. If I was a whiskey drinker, I'd say that Murakami is a 20 year old single malt scotch to be enjoyed by a cozy fireplace in winter where you savor every sip and marvel at its sheer brilliance.

I have to admit though, 'Wind Up Bird Chronicle' is gripping. There is no other word for it. He's just turned into a cosmopolitan.