Not only an absolutely brilliant commentary on the absurdity of war (along with bureaucracy and capitalism thrown in for good measure), but a microcosm of the entire 20th century with all of its angst, humour, brutality, and tragedy. This deserves to be in a top ten list of 20th century novels for sure. I listened to the audiobook read by Trevor White which was fantastic.

This is probably the funniest book I have ever read. Yes there is war and gore but the humour in this book is unforgettable A protagonist you need to revisit again and again. Yossarian >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Holden lol

I have read this book at least five times and it's still as enjoyable as the first time I read it. The absurd and hilarious antics of various members of the squadron make it a fun read. The book at the same time is also a brilliant critique of the military hierarchy and war. Yossarian's quest to stop flying missions, which will likely end only in his and other pilot's deaths, the war-profiteering of Milo, the cut throat quest of certain officers to rise in rank, despite their men. The combination of these two factors make the book probably the most interesting book on the second world war one would ever read.

Random humor seems to be the shtick that most comedies go for these days, but before the Family Guy's and The Office's of the world were even a figment of someone's imagination, there was Catch-22. And holy crap is it ever halarious. As much of a challenge the dialogue is to follow at times, it is also insanely funny and masterfully written. Heller pulls off literary maneouvers so subtlety that English teachers all over must drool every time they pick up the book. So many ironic moments, so many unreal paradoxes. No conversation is boring. Each character has been crafted with such fine strokes. Everyone has a clear voice and identity, so much so that you do not even need indication on who is speaking. Heller actually chooses to do this numerous times throughout the book. But if you go beyond the comic genius of this work, there is a deeper message here. Following Yossarian's quest to get out of military service, the reader goes along on a clear cut critique on the pointlessness of war. Every character is supposed to be fighting for a greater cause, yet all that anyone seems to care about is themselves. I won't say Catch-22 was a surprise, it is a classic for a reason, but I will say that I did not expect it to be as funny as it was. I was laughing out loud throughout. Heller is some kind of writer, and he has made something in this work that will be beloved by readers for all time.

Catch-22 is an existential, antiwar satire told through asininity and disjointed logic, often running on bureaucracy and “military intelligence,” or a lack there of. Heller uses a non-chronological narrative which can be hard to follow at times, but eventually results in an affective lead-up to the novels important conclusions. We are presented with a military wrought with corruption and greed, whereby the senior officers pose more of a threat to the men then the actual enemy. This classic is a reminder that in a world of distorted values where success measures worth, we must question whose definition of success we will find validity in and ultimately find our individuality. We are left with the message that to be true to ones self is the only goal worth pursuing, and that often the only way for that to come to pass is to stand up against the masses and face adversity. But when all is said and done, as evidenced even today, weakness, greed and corruption prevail, and the soldiers march on. Yours truly, Washington Irving www.booksnakereviews.blogspot.com

This book is a must read for anyone that wants to stand against any aspect of war. Heller spins this tale with hilarious fashion, filling the reader with gut-wrenching hilarity one minute, and depressing sadness the next. Yossarian, the anti-hero of the story, is not what you would expect the main character of the novel to be like, yet he is entirely real and true to life. This truly is a must-read classic.

Joseph Heller manages to create a web of hilarious experiences for his hero, Yossarian, who tries to stay alive for as long as possible, despite all his missions. The idea of Catch-22 itself is an ingenious concept; Everyone must fly missions if he is sane, and for those who continue to fly missions voluntarily are considered insane and eligible to be sent home. Yet he must request permission to be sent home, which renders him sane. Such is that the trap of Catch-22. So simple, yet so binding. Sometimes twisted and sly, the characters in the book weave the story, each alive with their own personalities that are stretched in every direction, yet mingle so well with each other in the context of the book. If anyone was to read only a single chapter, I must say, Milo the Mayor would be the one with the most outrageous intricacies of the entire book. For a good laugh, read and enjoy this delicious monument. A great post-war book for everyone to enjoy.

I absolutely loved reading Catch-22. It is an incredible classic and should be read by everone. Heller does the seemingly impossible by making the war seem like it is humourous. His characters go about their duties like it is no big deal and can always joke about their day. I have never read such a humourous novel and I definitely recommend that everyone reads it.

If you like anti-war novels, then this is a must-read! Heller sets his satire amongst the chaos of World War II. We meet an array of idiosyncratic soldiers, struggling to survive the turmoils of war. Catch-22 unleashes a plethora of scenarios as ludicrous as the concept of war itself. This book will have you laughing and crying... simultaneously!

If I may in as few words as possible, this book was astounding. By chapter two I was laughing aloud on the subway almost missing my stop. The comedy was the type you either caught on to instantaneously or you didn’t. After reading Slaughter House Five by Kurt Vonnegut my friend recommended a read Catch-22 and once finishing it I determined it was the preeminent book I’ve read to date.