Catch 22 - has anyone read and enjoyed it?

[Johnogroats]

I am really struggling to get into it. Is it worth it? It was such a sensation that there must be something good about it, but as yet I am clearly missing it!

[SqueezyCheeseWeasel]

I read it but didn't enjoy it, I'm afraid.

Same with that other great American classic of literature, Catcher in the Rye. Hated Catcher more, though. Utterly pointless.

[magimedi]

Over the last 25 years or so I have tried 3 or 4 times to read it & just have not managed to get further than page 100.

I just found the style of writing a real struggle.

[upandawayy]

It might just be me but I cannot say how much I love this book. I laughed embarrassingly loudly at it on the bus and it made me cry. It's potentially my favourite book of all time.

The characters are brilliant and they way Heller weaves characters in and out of the story is nothing short of genius. And it's funny, god it's so funny and silly.

I do remember it being a bit of a slow starter but I think it's well worth continuing.

[Comito]

I'm afraid I've tried a couple of times over the years too and just cannot get into it. It was just irritating.

[Limer]

It's my favourite book! I first read it when I was 15, I've re-read it a few times since (I'm now 50).

Keep going - it will be worth it. In parts it's wonderfully hilarious, in others painfully sad. Amazing book.

Smiling now at my recollection of the bit where Major Major Major gets immediately promoted by an IBM computer with a sense of humour almost as keen as his father's.

[VashtaNerada]

One of my favourite books! Definitely worth persevering with.

[madwomanbackintheattic]

My favourite book in the world ever.

I even wrote my thesis on it

[DorisIsALittleBitPartial]

I've tried and failed too. Can't bring myself to get rid of it though.

[MimsyBorogroves]

I love it. Very much my sort of humour.

The sequel is dreadful though.

[Boomtownsurprise]

Great book. And so like life in petty beauracracy. The whole essence of once yossarian / the army is showing this sort of stuff up. He must be mad to fly as no sane person would, but, once he knows he must be mad he actually must be sane to have worked all that out so he cannot apply to leave the army - well its sheer literary magic.

Ever dealt with a bank? NHS? School? Council? It's the same.

[Boomtownsurprise]

Mad, my copy is from my a levels. With all notes scribbled in it.

[Fruityb]

An absolute favourite. So funny and clever. Read it a few times.

[Limer]

Yep, all life is there. Praying for a tighter bomb pattern. Moving the bomb line. The endless Sunday marching parades. Chocolate-covered cotton, and everyone has a share in the syndicate. The form letters to relatives of the deceased/wounded/missing in action (delete where applicable).

Where are the Snowdens of yesteryear?

Must read it again!

[magimedi]

Well, I am going to try it again.

Haven't tried it for at least 10 years - maybe as I hit 60 I'll get it.

[upandawayy]

Limer the Major Major Major bit is brilliant. I also love Clevinger's trial and when Hungry Joe fights the cat.

[madwomanbackintheattic]

Boom, I didn't know it was on an a level syllabus! You have made my day.

[hazeyjane]

One of my favourite books, but it does seem to be a love it or hate it book.

[Bananasandchocolatecustard]

I kept on reading the book because my daughter had read it for her GCSE, along the lines of " if a 16 yr old can read it, so can I"
I enjoyed it eventually but it was hard work I would read it again because I understand it now.

[Bananasandchocolatecustard]

Don't know where my punctuation dissapeared!

[Notmymonkeys]

It is one of my favourite books of all time. My dad gave it to me when I was fifteen, and I read it in one sitting, then immediately turned back to the start and read it again. I don't know how many times I have read it since then!

It takes a little while to get used to the structure, but it's worth it.

[Johnogroats]

Thanks everyone....we are all a bit polarised! Having said that, you (half if you) have encouraged me to keep going.... Must put done iPad and pick up kindle.....

[hackmum]

It's more than 20 years since I read it. I thought it was powerful in parts but ruined by the underlying misogyny. But that was a long time ago.