Kafka on the Shore

My former book club read Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami in January. In an effort to keep up, I also wanted to read this book. It was a very weird story. I don't know enough about traditional Japanese literature to really understand the nuance, let alone follow the story line and connections between all of the characters. This book was translated into English, and I thought the grammar translation was excellent. However, the spirit characters transcending time and space was just too deep for me. I found this blog with comments that that summed things up nicely for me.

http://blojj.blogalia.com/historias/45884

I can agree with the premise that there were two halves for all people/spirits. What I don't understand is HOW it works. How do they go back and forth in time? How do they circumvent space? How do they use another as an empty vessel? What is the magic of talking to cats? How does it all fit in with the kids in the war who passed out near the soldier's camp? This book left me with so many questions and not enough answers. I just feel kind of lost.

I guess based on my general confusion I'm rating this as a B-. Because despite everything being totally over my head, it was interesting, even though it was uncomfortable reading throughout.

I'm reading Empress by Shan Sa now, and I'm not enjoying it either. I need a great book to curl up with, get lost in, and fall in love with. Any suggestions? I want to be inspired. Suggestions welcome.