I have read most of his books so I could be considered a fan.

Norwegian Wood and Sputnik Sweetheart are very different from his other books and to me, these books are a lot more grounded in reality than the others. They both deal with loss although I can't really remember the plot of SS. NW is definitely the better book and more mature.

His other books tend to be described as magical surrealism. No one writes books like him. After Dark is not one of his better works though. Kafka on the shore has no relation to Kafka, although if i remember correctly, it's the title of a song that someone sings. Yeah, it's quite pretentious - although it is quite enjoyable.

I think my favourite book is The Wind Up Bird Chronicles. It's been a while but i think it's about time i reread it.