Rating: 
Summary: Heller will be missed.
Review: The recent passing of J. Heller will hopefully reignite the spotlight on this great book written by a remarkable man. The world is a poorer place with this loss.
Rating:
Summary: This book changed the way we think.
Review: Certainly among the top ten novels of the 20th century - maybe the greatest novel since 1950. Before Catch 22, much had been written about war but few had found humour in it, and fewer had ridiculed it. After Catch 22, it is difficult to conceive of war (and warmongers) being presented in any other way. In presenting war as farce, Heller didn't just change the way we view armed conflict, but the way we see authority, in corporations, government bodies and other institutions where men accrue and exercise power. An unforgettable, life-changing (and life enhancing book). And, lest it be forgotten, a tremendously funny read.
Rating: 
Summary: Wit and originality, bordering on absurdity
Review: Not my favorite novel of all time (hard for a woman to appreciate male bonding and glorified prostitution), but certainly worthy-in it's originality, wit, and cleverness-of the classic status it has acheived. Unnecessary for Heller to drive home the point of Catch-22 quite so repetitively throughout the novel, but Yossarian finally escapes it's spiral in the end.
Rating: 
Summary: Main point of Catch 22: Nothing is worth fighting for.
Review: First of all, the only part of the book that was worth reading was the end, but one thing that REALLY REALLY ANNOYED ME about this book is that is states:1. The military is bad and unorganized 2. Whoever is in the military is an idoit 3. Whoever opposes the military is heroic THESE ARE COMPLETELY FALSE! I HATED THIS BOOK SO MUCH AND I THINK THAT IT SUMS UP TO..... MAIN POINT IN CATCH 22: Nothing is worth fighting for.
Rating:
Summary: Truly a Masterpiece
Review: Joseph Heller has written a true masterpiece. I can just imagine the considerable effort that went into the genuis of this book. Catch-22 is a powerful satire composed of such well-written, unique, and frightening characters. It can be so absurd at times, but then you find that you are chuckling to yourself at others. Then you realize what you found humorous and that is kind of scary in itself. Catch-22 is such a challenging and complex read, it is full of allusions, images, and metaphors. You also cannot overlook the very organized way Heller used for the time sequences. However, all these aspects contribute to show the sheer genuis of the author and how well he was able to create this work. I am sure Catch-22 will remain prevalent in society for a very long time, and just getting through the book can become a great reward. Read Catch-22 for its provocative satire, intriguing characters, and brilliance.
Rating:
Summary: CATCH-22
Review: Hellner's "Catch-22" is not the most intresting book, however, it does bring up important "fears" that society even today faces. For example, the fear of death is throughout the book and Yossarian has a tough time dealing with it. On a positive note, Hellner's characterization was intresting. He made simple "average-joe" characters stand out and have a role.
Rating:
Summary: witty, great classic
Review: its a wonderful book. witty, shows the insanities of war
Rating: 
Summary: Don't be fooled - this "classic" is a stinker
Review: Sorry, people. For some reason this book has been branded a classic simply because...well, I'm not sure why frankly. The satire hits you over the head until you are dizzy (unfortunately not with laughter), the plot is cellophane thin, the message completely muddled. The book flows as smoothly as a trainwreck. There are some witty commentaries but overall don't believe the hype. This book is an outdated bore.
Rating:
Summary: great book. funny and uplifting.
Review: As an aside, I'd like to discuss the general tone of the reviews I have seen. According to many reviews the world is composed of ardent fans of a particular book and others that are either ignorant or reading the book for school. While I can respect the opinions of fans, such fans should not dismiss the opinions of others as opinions of cretins and immature brats. Let's respect each person's opinion, even if we disagree with it. Besides, you can tell which people are the real idiots based on their speling. Refute such opinions with a concise review of the novel, not a criticixm of the previous reviewers. I thought that this was a great novel. The characters were well written, and the story mixed both serious and comedic elements very well. The reason that I did not give this novel 5 stars has been expressed in past reviews: the beginning is a bit annoying. Heller keeps on spewing oxymorons (e.g., Dunbar loved skeet shooting because he hated every minute of it) that I found annoying after a while. However, I persevered, and it was worth it. The actual plot eventually develops (even though it occurs in a non-linear narrative, which I always find vexing), and Yossarian's fear of death (and consequently, love of life), behind the sarcastic remarks, becomes more tangible. At some point, the novel moves away from strictly (attempted) comedic moments to an actual tension in the plot that still allows for some laughs. One point late in the novel that made me realize that I was hooked in this sense was when I was saying to myself, "What happened to Orr?" I liked this novel a lot, and only subtract a star because I think that the start of the novel was annoying and its repetitive use of contradiction was unnecessary. Of course, a critic of such an analysis would most likely suggest that I read the book again in contemplation of its conclusion. While I can acknowledge that such an activity may induce a higher rating from me (e.g., I may realize the significance of a seemingly irrelevant oxymoron), I am writing a review for a prospective reader and cannot assume that they will be reading this novel several times. Of course, this does not preclude me from reading this book a second time. Personally, this book is one that I may read again. That alone is sufficient praise for this book.
Rating:
Summary: Sanity in an Insane World
Review: Yossarian doesn't want to fight and get killed. For this reason, the army psychiatrists rule that he is sane. If Yossarian were to want to fight and get killed, the Army would still not send him home because he is just the kind of man they need....Get the picture? Catch-22 is a moving novel about the individual soul's continual despair at the neverending combat with the absurd and unreasonable in life, particularly war. The humor hurts and enrages. Yossarian's situation seems irremediable and, down to the last pages, one wonders if it is sane to even go on. If this book does not awaken you to the insanity of those around you, then you are probably part of the problem....
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