Catch 22

[Perks Moderator, Know-it-all]

June 2025 BOTM

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Fifty years after its original publication, Catch-22 remains a cornerstone of American literature and one of the funniest—and most celebrated—books of all time. In recent years it has been named to “best novels” lists by Time, Newsweek, the Modern Library, and the London Observer.

Set in Italy during World War II, this is the story of the incomparable, malingering bombardier, Yossarian, a hero who is furious because thousands of people he has never met are trying to kill him. But his real problem is not the enemy—it is his own army, which keeps increasing the number of missions the men must fly to complete their service. Yet if Yossarian makes any attempt to excuse himself from the perilous missions he’s assigned, he’ll be in violation of Catch-22, a hilariously sinister bureaucratic rule: a man is considered insane if he willingly continues to fly dangerous combat missions, but if he makes a formal request to be removed from duty, he is proven sane and therefore ineligible to be relieved.

This fiftieth-anniversary edition commemorates Joseph Heller’s masterpiece with a new introduction by Christopher Buckley; a wealth of critical essays and reviews by Norman Mailer, Alfred Kazin, Anthony Burgess, and others; rare papers and photos from Joseph Heller’s personal archive; and much more. Here, at last, is the definitive edition of a classic of world literature.

[B]

Has anyone else started this one? I’m a few chapters in and enjoying it so far. Curious what others think.

[Eric]

My Review of Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

I finally finished Catch-22 and I have to say, it’s one of the most brilliantly chaotic books I’ve ever read. Heller’s dark humor and satirical take on the absurdity of war really make you question bureaucracy, authority, and even sanity itself.

The non-linear narrative was confusing at first, but once I got used to it, I loved how it mirrored the madness the characters were experiencing. Yossarian is such an unforgettable protagonist — you can’t help but root for him, even as everything around him spirals further into nonsense.

I especially appreciated how the book balanced laugh-out-loud moments with genuinely unsettling scenes that stick with you. It’s not always an easy read, but it’s worth it.

Overall, I’d recommend Catch-22 to anyone who enjoys sharp satire, complex characters, and a story that makes you think about the absurdities of the world we live in and the catch-22s we all face.

[Melody]

I am a few chapters in and it’s been good so far! It’s funny and odd at the same time.