Joseph Heller's Catch-22

by Monarch Notes, Bonnie E. Nelson (Editor), Walter James Miller (Editor)

Clear and to the point, Monarch Notes provide students and interested readers with an excellent supplement for the understanding and appreciation of the world's greatest writing. Each volume helps the reader to encounter the original work more fully by placing it in historical context, focusing on the important aspects of the text, and posing key questions. Monarch Notes include: Background on the author and the work Detailed plot summary Character analysis Major themes in the work Critical reception of the work Questions and model answers Guides to further study

Genres: Fiction, Classics

125 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 1988

Reviews

[Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a revelation after reading this book. I could write a book on me reading this book. I can tie back nearly anything to this book not only because I like it so much, but because of the simple truths and humors it holds.

[Paul Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was my dads favourite book so I thought I’d give it a try as it’s also a classic.

The characterisation and descriptions of people are the best in any book I’ve ever read, how the author comes up with these characters is truly a piece of art.

I thought at times some of the dialogue wasn’t necessary and sometimes you’re left reading pages of slow text waiting for something to happen, but that’s kind the point of the book - nothing really happens to any great matter. It is a description of the past and present, how crazy people get into crazy situations they don’t really know they got there but because they are in positions of power they go deeper into their insanity of lies.

The insanity of the characters, the war (as it’s based on WW2) and the corrupt bureaucracy of men in power represent the absurdities of war and of reality. The main character, Yossarian, is constantly labelled as insane by himself and everyone else, however he is the most sane out of anyone in the book.

The ending is great and it represents the freedom of intellect, how although all of these crazy people only really care about their crazy lives and don’t really have any authority, only power to presue a fake persona which no one really cares about.

[Ms. Sokol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a satire on what took place during World War II from the American's perspective. The plot can be a little hard to follow at times. A challenging read, but well worth the effort!

[Erin Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me 20 years and 3 attempts to read this book. So boring from the onset but worth it in the end!

[Leo Gellerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the book 4 years ago and don’t remember much about it. It was pretty long, had a bunch of funny moments, some sad. I won’t read it again, but I do know what a catch 22 is now.

[Jessica Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing in some areas. The back and forth was funny but got annoying towards the end. Or it’s just me trying to finish the book.

[Annemieke Willems · Rating 2 out of 5]

Complicated, strange and funny,…took me a while to finish

[Douglas Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gosh I hate to be that guy who is a detractor. I came across this Title as I was searching for books that would make me laugh out loud and this was at to top of several lists. I chuckled a few times but never was I in fits and starts. I had to force myself to the end but I gave it the old college try. I want funny!

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Saw the movie years ago, now read the book. Still do not see how it became a classic? The Yossarin character was all over the place except in his slacking and trying to get out of missions. The ending supposedly explains all in the trama of his witnessing the death of a crew man and justifies his insanity? Oh, okay that explains it. Not a very good read.

[Kim Collins]

I was actually enjoying the short bit of this book that I had read. But having been interrupted and set aside so many times that I had to renew it at least twice caused me to throw in the towel in favor of trying anew at a later date.

[Mihai Criveti · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit chaotic to say the least..

[Marc Maxmeister · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn't finish it - about halfway through gave up

[T.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I ever read. The humor is amazing - antic, sardonic, dark. A definite one-of-a-kind.

[Kathe · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a re read and i enjoyed almost as much as the first time...

[Jenny]

I just didn't like it.

[Manish · Rating 4 out of 5]

some parts of narration and dialogues are just awesome with a touch of laughter to them... Just about to finish it... A good read afterall

[Stephen “Boone” · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best recommendation my brother ever made on a book. I can re-read it endlessly.

[Connie Mogagabe · Rating 3 out of 5]

very crazyyyyy book i've ever read!!

[Nozz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many characters, I could not follow the story.

[Hijackh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The memory of this from my younger days exceeded the reality of re-reading it.

[Jen Welles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one when I was 9; daddy packed its way for me one summer camp season.
Perfect. Truly.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little hard to follow but brings great perspective.

[Tim Worthington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read like my life once...

[Special Delia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've forgotten how many times I tried to read this book before finally accepting its chaos and learning to love and enjoy it. One of my favourite books ever!

[Peter Boyle]

This was the worst book I have ever read!

[David Felice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book I've read that made me laugh out loud

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tried to read Catch 22 three times and finally succeeded - I'm so glad I did!

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! The movie didn't do justice to this classic. A must read if you like sarcasm.