All About Books discussion

Week 80 brings us Catch-22 by Joseph Heller.

From the article

In 1962, writing in the Observer, Kenneth Tynan saluted Catch-22 as “the most striking debut in American fiction since Catcher in the Rye.” Within a year, he had been joined, in a chorus of praise, by writers as various as Harper Lee, Norman Mailer and Graham Greene. More than 50 years later, this brilliant novel still holds an unforgettable comic grip on the reader.

“It was love at first sight,” Heller begins, setting the tone for everything that follows. “The first time Yossarian saw the chaplain he fell madly in love with him.

The full article can be read at http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015...

I haven't read this one but my boyfriend loves it. It is one I would like to read at some point but I've heard such mixed reviews with some of my friends finding it amazing and some finding it too challenging to enjoy.

Maybe one for a group!

I loved this book. I never thought it would be one for me and it did take a while to get into and see how all the events were connected, but it was so cleverly done. Plus I loved the humour. Definitely a favourite.

Heather wrote: "I haven't read this one but my boyfriend loves it. It is one I would like to read at some point but I've heard such mixed reviews with some of my friends finding it amazing and some finding it too ..."

I haven't read it in years but I did love it when I read it. I like satirical books though, and the humour is definitely black humour!

Gosh, there are only 20 books to go now!

I know, Gill! How time flies, eh?!

I'd ideally like to read this but I'm a bit hesitant due to hearing conflicting reviews.

I haven't read this one yet, but I want to. I own a copy but haven't gotten around to reading it yet.

Oh I loved this one, but really only got into it after debating with myself for the first 50 pages whether to chuck it out of a window ;), around page 80 I was sold though!

I've read Catch 22 several times in my first 25 years of life. But haven't read it in 2nd 25 years.

I recall liking the "catch 22" idea quite a bit.

Something like you can only be discharged from the army for being crazy, but if you want to be discharged from the army, then you're not crazy.

The rest is all a blur. Maybe I can re-read it some time. Or perhaps I can read some reviews here of what y'all think.

Read it a couple of years ago and liked it, even if not loved it as some people does!