Catch-22
discussion
I can't get past the first two chapters - is it worth pushing through?!
Yadvendra wrote: "You need to have been in uniform to love this book. It's like a doctor trying to enjoy a book on advanced applied physics. It happens very rarely."
Not really...I wore the uniform for 23 years and I found little humor in the book. I got through it, but it took commitment.
Not really...I wore the uniform for 23 years and I found little humor in the book. I got through it, but it took commitment.
Gary - Like any other book - everyone cannot like a particular book. But 'am sure you would have connected with it. Some find humor, others tragedy, still others black satire. It depends on individual perceptions. But I suppose, collectively speaking those in uniform will see it in better light.
Gary - Like any other book - everyone cannot like a particular book. But 'am sure you would have connected with it. Some find humor, others tragedy, still others black satire. It depends on individual perceptions. But I suppose, collectively speaking those in uniform will see it in better light.
Lawrence wrote: If Joshua stopped 40% through he is beyond help for this type of book; he needs to read knitting books. No, I read plenty of books of this "type", I just didn't find the humour all that compelling, found the plot devolvement predictable and plotting. Ultimately, it just became to drive a wedge between the book and my interest in it.
Rebecca wrote: "I'm an avid reader, and not shy of trickier reads, but I just cannot seem to get past the first two chapters of this book. I've tried twice now, and each time I'm left feeling either bored, confuse..."Glad I am not alone re this boring book.
Boris wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "I'm an avid reader, and not shy of trickier reads, but I just cannot seem to get past the first two chapters of this book. I've tried twice now, and each time I'm left feeling eithe..."Although it can be hard for any of us to believe, there is a pretty significant difference between jokes that are bad and jokes that you don't have the life experience to understand.
Catch-22 is a fantastic characterization of life in the military, much like The Good Soldier Švejk before it.
There are so many great books in the world you will enjoy. Why force yourself through hundreds of pages of self-imposed exile in the land of drudgery? If it's not for you, put it down and walk away (unless it's assigned reading, in which case...you're kind of screwed). Good luck!BTW - It took me three tries to get past the first 100 pages. You are not alone.
I've tried reading this book for the last 30 years - and I WAS in uniform for 8 years. It's boring and not funny to me. The 'humor' is labored and forced. I also never got beyond 40 or 50 pages.
Too many good books to spend time on this one.
Rebecca wrote: "I'm an avid reader, and not shy of trickier reads, but I just cannot seem to get past the first two chapters of this book. I've tried twice now, and each time I'm left feeling either bored, confuse..."Yes it's worth it. It takes off after a few chapters.
I believe that novels like Catch-22 and All Quiet on the Western Front (a very different story) are meant to be appreciated, not enjoyed. Being a veteran of Uncle Quixote's Army, I immediately understood the black humor of the book. Maybe such a background is necessary to full appreciation of the book.PS: No one owes any book anything, certainly not a read.
That said, I enjoyed the book immensely.
It may take you a while to catch onto Heller's use of satire. My first time reading it, I thought it was hilarious, and I couldn't put it down. Some people are different, though
Rebecca wrote: "I'm an avid reader, and not shy of trickier reads, but I just cannot seem to get past the first two chapters of this book. I've tried twice now, and each time I'm left feeling either bored, confuse..."No Rebecca you are not wrong and no it gets no better, move on and enjoy some substantial literature like 1984, Handmaid's Tale, The universe against Alex Wood.
It's not an easy read, but it is worth persevering, as the pace does pick up. The humour is wonderfully dark, and I think it highlights the pointless nature of war in clever and original way. Heller can be a bit of an acquired taste, but if you get his style, then he is very good.
Personally I love it.
Before I finally got through it, I started a few chapters and stopped twice. After a recommendation and being told it gets better farther in, I gave it another chance earlier this year and loved it. It's not particularly easy to get through, but it's definitely worth it.
Rebecca wrote: "I'm an avid reader, and not shy of trickier reads, but I just cannot seem to get past the first two chapters of this book. I've tried twice now, and each time I'm left feeling either bored, confuse..."
Yes, please do stick with it but don't expect a logical storyline or try to figure out a plot: that will only frustrate you. This is an absurdist, fun novel. Go where it takes you, page by page, chapter by chapter. It swings chronology wildly. It takes a few chapters to get used to the style which is very, very unique.
Yes, please do stick with it but don't expect a logical storyline or try to figure out a plot: that will only frustrate you. This is an absurdist, fun novel. Go where it takes you, page by page, chapter by chapter. It swings chronology wildly. It takes a few chapters to get used to the style which is very, very unique.
Rebecca wrote: "I'm an avid reader, and not shy of trickier reads, but I just cannot seem to get past the first two chapters of this book. I've tried twice now, and each time I'm left feeling either bored, confuse..."Try again. It took 3 times for me.
Catch 22 is one of the few books I've read multiple times. It is very sarcastic and doesn't take itself too seriously (until you realize it's deadly serious), but that's the approach I'd recommend. Everyone has their own personal preferences, but I would definetly recommend pursuing this one. Also, you may take warning that the story kind of circles around a pivotal event, and from a purely plot driven perspective, is convoluted. I wouldn't worry too much about 'what's going on'... and focus more on the characters and the critique of war itself. Cheers!
Why are people waisting there time giving reviews of this book that Rebacca gave up on a long time ago. She is more into reading books from authors of her favorite genres she does like? People should look at the date this discussion from when it was asked years ago.
I'm sorry. I was desperately seeking something to do.(besides getting up and doing things I have to do.)
I'm always surprised by how many people tell me they couldn't get into this book, or they didn't finish it... I found it accessible and compelling and I always recommend it. Just power through.
Rebecca wrote: "I'm an avid reader, and not shy of trickier reads, but I just cannot seem to get past the first two chapters of this book. I've tried twice now, and each time I'm left feeling either bored, confuse..."Yes but only if you have a brain .
If only some else had a brain and noticed Rebecca's question was 3 years ago. This book is not a page Turner and didn't need repetitive sub plot drawn out character after character to say the main character wants to leave a war.
Scott wrote: "If only some else had a brain and noticed Rebecca's question was 3 years ago. This book is not a page Turner and no needs 460 pages to say the main character wants to leave a war."Really Scott ? Your comment shows your intelligence level ! Go back to the SEE SPOT RUN books I am sure you can maybe understand and leave the real books to those who can comprehend them ! This book is definitely a page turner and a monster classic ! And what difference does it make when the question was asked ?
Not a winner for me. I've tried it twice and never been hooked. It was a cult book like Under the Volcano, but now I doubt it resonates with many.
Really Stephenwolf I did read book. just because the book is a boring read. books is a classic doesn't make the book any better. Give credit for spending a whole Summer doing so. plus some. Just books is only a classic because of WWII vets and a CBS news anchor who gave it notoriety. Like said only an idiot would tell anther person plug ahead for a book they don't like. This 3 years if person didn't finish 3 years ago because it a boring read why bother wasting to read 456 pages of Yossarian leaving the war.
Scott wrote: "Really Stephenwolf I did read book. just because the book is a boring read. books is a classic doesn't make the book any better. Give credit for spending a whole Summer doing so. plus some. Just bo..."A whole summer to read one book ? WOW ! Who is an idiot ? LOL
I started the book in October 2011. I picked it up again in late Spring and finished it in early July of 2012. For me to enjoy my books I don't speed read plus I only read the book only after work. I read on average one chapter a day to get through it but sometimes more like hen I started it from the begining. I also read more than 1 book the same time. If you SStepenwolFF had viewed my profile you could have known this. Not not mention a moron could have noticed my review. I dated this book from time started to date finished.
This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try. Well written and timeless.
Scott wrote: "Really Stephenwolf I did read book. just because the book is a boring read. books is a classic doesn't make the book any better. Give credit for spending a whole Summer doing so. plus some. Just bo..."I'm always surprised by how many people tell me they couldn't get into this book, or they didn't finish it... I found it accessible and compelling and I always recommend it. Just power through.
This was written by someone else here ... why didnt you mess with them "moron" ? I think you are a terminal Drama Queen !
Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try. Well written and timeless."So right !
SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try. Well written and timeless."So right !"
Cool username and wicked avatar. Steppenwolf is another of my favorite books. After looking at some of the stuff you read and your comments about Catch-22, I think you might enjoy my book. Check out Off the Grid: The Catalyst. It is on some pretty cool Listopia lists and has some good reviews.
Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try. Well written and timeless."So rig..."
I just picked up your novel Off the Grid: The Catalyst on Kindle . Sounds like my kinda goodread . I will try to get to it soon but I am in the middle of a pile of books right now . Also I am following you on here now . You are lucky to have the talent to write . Wish I did . Love the premise of your novel . I got ideas but just could never put the thoughts down on paper . Glad to see someone else here sees the importance of a novel like Catch_22 . Well good luck with the writing and I will let you know what I think of your book when I finish it . And let me know if you publish anything else . Have a great day .
SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try. Well written and time..."Great! I appreciate it and you should enjoy the book. I will let you know when the sequel is published. Hopefully, Off the Grid: The Uprising will be on the shelves soon. Thanks again, I can't wait to hear what you think.
SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Scott wrote: "Really SStephenwolFF I did read book. just because the book is a classic doesn't make it less of a boring book. This doesn't book doesn't have anything outside the genre of English Literature to make the a page turner. Give me credit for finishing the whole book. I did read like in 5 or 6 weeks. I only remember a few days reading it outside in June.Why would I need to power through for a book I read in it's entirety?
Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try...."I agree that this book has a few funny parts that made me laugh out loud,& some tragic parts that came after the funny parts.It also really stupid and offensive parts that I didn't care for. It was full who could care why any of this really matters parts.
SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Scott wrote: "If only some else had a brain and noticed Rebecca's question was 3 years ago. This book is not a page turner that didn't need 460 pages to say the main character wants to leave a war."R..."
SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try. Well written and time..."Yeah Brian he has to catch up his Clifford books.
Scott wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try...."I think you have some serious brain damage from playing with Legos day in and day out girlfriend ! Lol .
SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try. Well written and timeless."So right !"
Well written yes but poorly edited it's just not up to par with today's authors and genres that I read in general. If you would read today's current and modern thrillers,suspense and mystery novels you would know what mean. You only stick to the classics. Not trying insult you but your have read list is so far back into the century. And most were not written to have humor. I love it that you have read the of the classics that are on my to read list. You don't read non-fiction but I do and have gotten more burst out laughing moments from them than I did from Catch-22.
Scott wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try...."Scott I think you have serious brain damage from playing with Legos day in and day out girlfriend ! Lol !
SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Scott wrote: "Really Stephenwolf I did read the book just because the book is a classic doesn't make the books any much less boring. The book had some humor. Give me credit for spending 5 or 6 weeks reading it during the Summer of 2012..."
Scott wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try. Well written and timeless."So rig..."
Scott please try to put whole sentences together without missing words . You are trying to rise to a higher level of intellect you cant possibly aspire to . Please try harder . I am patient with those not well enough equipped to deal with their betters on a higher intellectual plane but my patients are wearing thin .
David wrote: "Not a winner for me. I've tried it twice and never been hooked. It was a cult book like Under the Volcano, but now I doubt it resonates with many."It only does for those that read it in high school and WII, Korean, Vietnam vets. They all have an emotional attachment to it. I liked it but it should have been way shorter. There so many overly drawn out pages of same action like all the Synicate stuff. The had ending had no surprise to it. Proof by saying that if person stopped reading they get all pissed off because they think their own book your insulting. I had to reread the first 86 pages and only finished it just to finish it not because book it had a captivating narrative.
SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Scott wrote: "Really SStephenwolFF I did read the book. Just because the book is a Classic doesn't make any better. Give me credit for spending 5 or 6 weeks reading it during the Summer of 2012..."
Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely worth another try...."Wow . I wish you would have told me it was a series . I try to stay away from books in a series . Especially on kindle . Its like buying a book one chapter at a time . . Great deal for the author , not so much for the reader .
SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that it is definitely wort..."Well it wasn't planned that way. If I would have kept writing it would've been huge like something Proust wrote. Don't worry it will stand alone. It would be similar to the Catch-22 sequel which I haven't read.
Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud. I think that..."I just started reading your book today . Saw in your dedication you know someone by the initials JW . That is what everyone calls my son . Well SSteppenwolFF reads on . And by the way I chose my goodreads moniker because that is my favorite book of all time . My first name is really Harry and I really identify with the Harry Haller character . When I read "Treatise On The Steppenwolf" it blew me away how much it mirrored my own life . This book is always by my side where ever I am . I cant count how many times I have read it . To me there has never been a finer book ever written . Well have a good day and I will write you when I have finished your book and let you know what I think .
SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "SSteppenwolFF wrote: "Brian wrote: "This is one of my favorite books and one of two that made me laugh out loud..."It is easy to identify with Harry. "For Madmen Only" is a great opening and premise. I'm not sure what that says about me. I hope you're enjoying Off the Grid: The Catalyst. You pay a lot of attention to detail so you should.
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I think this is why the book resonated so much with me - I could relate to so much of what is deemed repetitive. The military IS repetitive. And an oxymoron in action. It just happens.