[4] The book received mixed reviews from critics, receiving praise for its insight into Murakami's life and career,[5][4][6] as well as criticism for its loose structure and advice to novelists.

[7] Charles Finch of The New York Times described the book as "assured, candid and often [...] deeply irritating.

"[8] Huda Awan of The Irish Times and Philip Hensher of The Daily Telegraph wrote that some of Murakami's writing advice seemed "bizarre," with Hensher commenting that it contains "startlingly banal observations on the writer's world.

"[9][10] Sean O'Hagan of The Guardian and Mini Kapoor of The Hindu both praised the book for its exploration of Murakami's mind and writing process.

[11][12] The book was reviewed by Chris Rutledge of Washington Independent Review of Books,[13] Karthik Keramalu of Firstpost,[14] Brendan Daly of Business Post,[15] Thu-Huong Ha of The Japan Times,[16] Nick Duerden of The i[17] and Paul Perry of Sunday Independent of Ireland.