Catch-22 / Joseph Heller - 3***

[Book Concierge]

Catch-22 – Joseph Heller
Book on CD narrated by J.O. Sanders
3***

Satire about the futility of war, and particularly about the inanity of military bureaucracy.

I definitely see why this is on its way to becoming a classic. Heller’s story of one unit fighting in Italy during WW2, could easily be updated to today and still ring true in many respects. It’s funny, irreverent, and disturbing. While I recognize the absurdity of some of the scenarios, it hits close enough to the truth to make one take notice. And that’s what satire should do.

Still, satire is not my favorite genre. I appreciate it, but don’t necessarily like it. So, I’ll give it three stars – a good read, a worthy read, but it’ll never make my top-ten list.

Jay O. Sanders does a fine job performing the audio. He brings all the characters to life, but I really liked his Yosarian.


LINK to my review

[Karin]

Thanks for this review. I remember when this was being read at my parents' house (by at least one of them) and seeing it on the shelves, but I don't care for satire, either. I'm glad I never got around to reading it. Thanks for taking one for the don't-care-for-satire and hate-satire teams :)!

[Booknblues]

It may have not made my top ten but it is one of my favorites. I will always remember reading this no matter that it is decades later.

Powerful and moving.

[Book Concierge]

Booknblues wrote: "It may have not made my top ten but it is one of my favorites. I will always remember reading this no matter that it is decades later.

Powerful and moving."

It's on the PBT Top 100 Fiction titles list, which is what made me finally pick it up. And it has certainly stood the test of time.

[Jenni Elyse]

I didn't realize this was satire. I've wanted to read it but I don't get satire. I'm on the autism spectrum and I'm a very literal person, so satire goes over my head no matter how hard I try. It's one of the many reasons I didn't like Animal Farm. I guess this book isn't for me.