Rating: 
Summary: Look at Closing Time from farther out
Review: When I read Catch-22, I came away laughing uproariously. When I discovered that there was a sequel, I immediately knew that I would have to read it. Having finished it, I have analyzed it to some extent, and I think that it may be too close too home for many people to fully appreciate it's comedic properties. Remember that Catch-22 was released in or around 1955, remember also that it recieved some horrible reviews. My point is that If Catch-22 has grown more beloved with the passage of time, might not the same be true of Closing Time? Looking back on the book, I can see how much of it might be funny to an outside observer. However, it seems that it is harder for those of us who are living within the realm of the book to appreciate it. Sort of like how you can't see all America if you're standing in Denver. I truly liked the book and reccomend it to anyone who has read Catch-22. And even those who haven't. But if you're about to read it for the first time, remember, it isn't Catch-22. Don't expect it to be
Rating: 
Summary: Ho hum
Review: With the possible exception of the movie Aliens, sequels are almost never as good as the original. Anyone who really enjoyed Catch-22 - which is almost everyone who's ever read it - will fetch a yawn at Heller's attempt to carry on the story of Yossarian. The book's got a decent theme. It retains the brilliant temporal hackjob that would make perfect sense if you read the book twice, or backwards, like reconstructing a murder mystery. Yet it lacked an interesting plot; it seemed like nothing new was added and nothing unexpected occurred. Predictably enough, Milo Minderbinder and Ex. PFC Wintergreen ultimately put their differences aside to form a major corporate alliance. Yossarian plans a party in the subway system. Not nearly as visceral a venue as WWII. I shrugged and didn't have the heart to finish it. It's a shame, and pretty disappointing, because I had begun to think Heller was quite the genius after I downed Catch 22 and God Knows.
Rating:
Summary: Ho hum
Review: With the possible exception of the movie Aliens, sequels are almost never as good as the original. Anyone who really enjoyed Catch-22 - which is almost everyone who's ever read it - will fetch a yawn at Heller's attempt to carry on the story of Yossarian. The book's got a decent theme. It retains the brilliant temporal hackjob that would make perfect sense if you read the book twice, or backwards, like reconstructing a murder mystery. Yet it lacked an interesting plot; it seemed like nothing new was added and nothing unexpected occurred. Predictably enough, Milo Minderbinder and Ex. PFC Wintergreen ultimately put their differences aside to form a major corporate alliance. Yossarian plans a party in the subway system. Not nearly as visceral a venue as WWII. I shrugged and didn't have the heart to finish it. It's a shame, and pretty disappointing, because I had begun to think Heller was quite the genius after I downed Catch 22 and God Knows.
Rating: 
Summary: tragic critique of the land of (pl)empty
Review: yes it is the sequel to catch-22, and yes catch-22 was one of the best novels of the last century. nevertheless closing time stamds up admirably. it may not have the consistent satire of its famous predecessor, but it is as rife with humanity as the original and sometimes tearjerkingly so. to have yossarian to grow old in your hands is thoroughly difficult given his assertion in catch-22 to 'live forever or die trying'. again we become aware of the finitude of humanity, forever 'inches from death.' the character of sammy singer - the tail gunner who kept fainting at the sight of snowden - is a great addition, to have another perspective upon the fragility of the human condition is somewhat pleasing. i thoroughly enjoyed his character. again one is confronted with an indictment of capitalism through a trashy bourgeois wedding in the bus terminal, this alludes to the waste and excess of modern life. in a place rife with poverty and subsistence level living the nouveau riche congregate, what is more the pimps, prostitues and beggars are exchanged for actors. the flagrant disregard for the human other is another consistent motif; which is sending each and every one to a communion with the devil. this is a wonderful novel which is maintained with heller's eliptical precision. once one gets over the fact that it is not catch-22 it becomes excellent. i would recommend this to anyone, especially in the current climate and have a think about how the country and president views each and every person which such a painful dirsregard. enjoy. 8/1/03
| 
