Catch-22, by Joseph Heller

Catch-22, by Joseph Heller, is a satirical novel set on the island of Pianosa during World War II. It revolves around the bombardier Yossarian and his desperate attempts to get out of flying any more missions. He's stuck in an endless loop since the colonel in charge seems to raise the mandatory amount of missions as Yossarian is about to reach them. So he is trapped on an island with a group of other pilots, navigators and bumbling military officials. There's no way out for him - he can request a psychological evaluation to declare him crazy and send him home, but the mere act of doing so will prove he isn't crazy according to Catch-22.

I'm glad I decided to read Catch-22. I think it's one of the best books I've read this summer. It goes beyond a social satire and becomes almost a philosophical satire in some parts. I really liked the part about Milo's syndicate as well as Yossarian's general attitude toward things, especially the missions. The general atmosphere of absurdity that pervades the storyline and events makes the book a fun read. It's also refreshing that a modern-day "classic" is written in a more accessible voice, as opposed to the stuffy prose of earlier summer reading lists. I really enjoyed Catch-22 and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something to read.

Reviewed by Anonymous, grade 12.
Grandview Library