Catch-22
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Presents the contemporary classic depicting the struggles of a United States airman attempting to survive the lunacy and depravity of a World War II airbase.
Simon and Schuster
Catch-22 is like no other novel. It is one of the funniest books ever written, … More »
Presents the contemporary classic depicting the struggles of a United States airman attempting to survive the lunacy and depravity of a World War II airbase.
Simon and Schuster
Catch-22 is like no other novel. It is one of the funniest books ever written, a keystone work in American literature, and even added a new term to the dictionary.
At the heart of Catch-22 resides the incomparable, malingering bombardier, Yossarian, a hero endlessly inventive in his schemes to save his skin from the horrible chances of war. His efforts are perfectly understandable because as he furiously scrambles, thousands of people he hasn't even met are trying to kill him. His problem is Colonel Cathcart, who keeps raising the number of missions the men must fly to complete their service. Yet if Yossarian makes any attempts to excuse himself from the perilous missions that he is committed to flying, he is trapped by the Great Loyalty Oath Crusade, the hilariously sinister bureaucratic rule from which the book takes its title: a man is considered insane if he willingly continues to fly dangerous combat missions, but if he makes the necessary formal request to be relieved of such missions, the very act of making the request proves that he is sane and therefore ineligible to be relieved.
Catch-22 is a microcosm of the twentieth-century world as it might look to some one dangerously sane -- a masterpiece of our time.
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Notices
Add a NoticeCoarse Language: This title contains Coarse Language.
Sexual Content: This title contains Sexual Content.
Quotes
Add a QuoteThe soldier who saw everything twice nodded weakly and sank back on his bed. Yossarian nodded weakly too, eyeing his talented roommate with great humility and admiration. He knew he was in the presence of a master. His talented roommate was obviously a person to be studied and emulated. During the night, his talented roommate died, and Yossarian decided that he had followed him far enough. "I see everything once!" he cried quickly.
I love the smell of napalm in the morning. Good morning Vietnam!
Major Major had been born too late and too mediocre. Some men are born mediocre, some men achieve mediocrity, and some men have mediocrity thrust upon them. With Major Major it had been all three. Even among men lacking all distinction he inevitably stood out as a man lacking more distinction than all the rest, and people who met him were always impressed by how unimpressive he was.
There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle.
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Add a CommentThis book was very layered and funny!
What's there to say about this book that hasn't already been said? I could summarize the plot, but it wouldn't do you any good, because the plot doesn't really matter. The novel's main objective is to reveal the absurdity of humanity, government bureaucracy, and war. The book is entirely made up of puns, elaborate contradictions and moronic axioms. The characters are laughable, despicable, greedy, lusty, and pitiful. Most people will tell you that you'll either love it or hate it. Some critics would say that this novel was a real feather in his cap for Joseph Heller. Others will say is was black eye.
This book is hilarious and I loved the ending!
Here's the thing about this book. You either get it or you don't. The comedy in it and the social statements may go over your head or they may stick right in your heart. I LOVE this book! It's long and some of it a little confusing. I read it with my class and the discussions really helped me, but I want to read it again and I usually don't read books over. If you are going to start it you HAVE to give it some time. Read 72 pgs or so before giving up!
Catch 22 was one the strangest books I have read. The first chapter seems normal with a number of laughs. But instead of a novel most of the chapters are about one or more of the characters. The book is tied together with a central plot but the author seems mainly concerned about poking fun at the military and their waste. Very funny in places and I am sure someone who has been in the army would find it easier to relate to.
Brilliant, witty, funny. Catch-22 is considered one of the 100 all-time best works of fiction for good reason. It will corrupt you.
The funniest book I've ever read, and also one of the most haunting. If the true hallmark of a classic is never being able to think the same way again after having read it, this book instantly qualified for me.
Forgot what a gem this book is.
Excellent. One of very few books that have had me laughing out loud. Crazy.
I loved this book. What I liked most about it was how I would be laughing during one sentence and cringing, disturbed at the next. Very well written and fun to read, and it makes the reader think, too.