Catch-22

The book condition was good. However, we did not receive the book til after a month and a half had already passed. Good thing we didn't really "need" the book for something in particular. Ordered other books on the same day and received within 14 days . . . not sure what happened here but very unhappy with wait time.

Catch-22 was unique among the other World War II novels that I have read. The characters, such as Yossarian, Milo and Major Major Major were quirky and satirical and, though many aspects of the story relating to World War II were embellished and fictionalized, Joseph Heller was still able to convey a powerful message; war is illogical and absurd. Heller's style of writing often seemed unstructured and many of the events that took place made no logical sense. Milo, in his enterprise which played a large role in the novel, was able to buy goods and then sell them for less money but still make a profit. The preposterousness of this situation reflected Heller's overall message about war; war is illogical.
Though Heller used satire and humor to describe a very grim time, he successfully conveyed a sense of hopelessness and despair in the men fighting the war. Yossarian, the protagonist of the story, remained positive throughout but because of his repeated flashbacks to the death of one of his comrades, Snowden, we see that beneath Yossarian's upbeat exterior, he was in fact severely traumatized. In one of the final chapters of the novel, Heller vividly described Snowden's death. Because this was such a sharp contrast to the prevailing satirical tone of the novel, this scene becomes much more powerful and imbued a sense of utter despair.
Although I found most of the characters and many parts of the book humorous, I also found the book long winded. The book was often repetitive and, though this was done intentionally to be humorous, I became bored with the book. Also, I found some of the dialogue very confusing. Overall, Catch-22 was intriguing but did not capture my attention.

When I first picked up Catch-22, I expected to be bored to death by yet another long and dull novel about war. Within the first chapter, I was surprised to find that the book was funny in a darker and satirical way.

At first I thought that this book was about the insanity of war and it's crazy bureaucracy, but upon further reflection I have found this novel to be more about moral decisions and ethics. Sure, Yossarian wanted to be sent home from the war, but he would not okay General Peckem's and Cathcart's theory that it is acceptable to continually raise the number of flight missions, which would endanger the lives of others in the squadron. This huge moral dilemma is the climax of the book, and when Yossarian makes the ethical choice and sacrifices his guaranteed safety for the overall good, the reader is left with a contented feeling.

I am glad that I got the opportunity to read Catch-22. I strongly recommend the book to anyone and everyone who has the time to read and enjoy it.

Set in the closing months of WWII, Catch-22: A Novel (Simon & Schuster Classics) follows Yossarian, a bombardier who has decided that everyone is trying to kill him.

This book is not just a military satire, it's focus is much bigger that that. This book shows the obscene craziness of our world, each character another aspect of human nature.

This novel gets better every time I read it and it's message is still an important one today.

If you haven't read this book yet... what are you waiting for?

That about says it all. I had no idea what to expect when I picked up Heller's masterpiece and perhaps that was part of the wonderful-ness: it was a total surprise. After reading Catch-22, my outlook on life was completely thrown for a loop. No book has ever made me think and reevaluate as this one did. A perfect novel - it makes you laugh, it makes you feel sad, it makes you think and it stays with you. I am ever amazed at the intricacy with which the novel is structured and how the story unfolds. I re-read Catch-22 regularly.