yeah, that's the case with all his books (that i've read). real and ordinary people to whom most extraordinary things happen. what also strikes me, they're all so lonely. and even if in relationships, they're still loners..
if you'd like to continue with murakami, i recommend "dance, dance, dance" and "the wind-up bird chronicle"
also, i've noticed his short stories don't pull you in as much. maybe he needs more space to unwind the plot and make it so arresting...