PL Book Club *** APRIL *** Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

[welshman 2005]

had it since xmas, read 7 chapters.
and so far cannot see for the life of me, what's so special about it?

[PAULM03]

Originally Posted by welshman 2005

had it since xmas, read 7 chapters.
and so far cannot see for the life of me, what's so special about it?

It's that kind of book I think, some people find it funny, some people don't.

I found it pretty much excruciating first time round, picked it up just before I went on holiday, read the first chapter and found it way funnier than I'd remembered.

[AJ]

I like Major Major Major Majors approach to work, must try it myself

[PAULM03]

How's everyone getting on with this? I'm just about finished.

Have to say for the final third I remembered why I didn't like it so much first time round.

[AJ]

Got a bit behind, started reading a Noam Chomsky that I picked up the other day, should be done with catch 22 over the weekend though

[happygooner]

Have to admit to being busy reading all manner of gambling book so not even obtained a copy yet

This one may have to pass me by if everybody else is nearing the end.

[happygooner]

Are we still going to continue here. New book anyone?

[PAULM03]

Originally Posted by happygooner

Are we still going to continue here. New book anyone?

Aye it's dying on it's arse really.

maybe we should have a quick show of hands as to who can do a book this month. I've picked a couple up from the charity shop today so I can make a suggestion but there's no point if no one's going to read it.

Didn't think much to catch 22 to be honest. Funny in places but too repetitiveand labour's it's point. I do love Milo Minderbinder though, the parts with him are a brilliant critique of modern western capitalism. The first time he's introduced and he's talking about getting the bloke's bedsheet back, of which he's kept a quarter for himself, given a quarter to Yossarian and half back to the original owner is very good. As is the bit where he bombs his own squadron. I think the point there is you're meant to find it absurd that he'd bomb his own men for profit, but that's exactly what most of war is, except it's the government sending their own men off to be killed.

More good bits than bad, just about but not a particularly enjoyable read.

[happygooner]

Originally Posted by PAULM03

Aye it's dying on it's arse really.

maybe we should have a quick show of hands as to who can do a book this month. I've picked a couple up from the charity shop today so I can make a suggestion but there's no point if no one's going to read it.

Didn't think much to catch 22 to be honest. Funny in places but too repetitiveand labour's it's point. I do love Milo Minderbinder though, the parts with him are a brilliant critique of modern western capitalism. The first time he's introduced and he's talking about getting the bloke's bedsheet back, of which he's kept a quarter for himself, given a quarter to Yossarian and half back to the original owner is very good. As is the bit where he bombs his own squadron. I think the point there is you're meant to find it absurd that he'd bomb his own men for profit, but that's exactly what most of war is, except it's the government sending their own men off to be killed.

More good bits than bad, just about but not a particularly enjoyable read.

Don't feel like I've missed out too much then. Feel responsible for letting it go to pot really as it was my idea in the first place. Just ran out of time recently.

I'd suggest a book myself which would be the next Terry Pratchett I have to read but not exactly fair considering I missed the last.

In any case, I say keep it going. There was enough interest and it's only fallen away of late from neglect imo.

[SecondSight]

The Damned United - Just finished it, a real eye opener about Brian Clough and his 44 days at Leeds United in 1974. Its a fiction book, but based around real events. Would interest members who can remember the time and Brian Clough. Its the best sports book I ever read.

I'm a big fan of Irvine Welsh, I have read his first 7 books and they take you to places you don't really want to go.

[happygooner]

Originally Posted by SecondSight

The Damned United - Just finished it, a real eye opener about Brian Clough and his 44 days at Leeds United in 1974. Its a fiction book, but based around real events. Would interest members who can remember the time and Brian Clough. Its the best sports book I ever read.

I'm a big fan of Irvine Welsh, I have read his first 7 books and they take you to places you don't really want to go.

I'm not keen on sport books as a rule but might give it a go. What does everyone else think?

[PAULM03]

Originally Posted by happygooner

I'm not keen on sport books as a rule but might give it a go. What does everyone else think?

Aren't we meant to talk about the last book first

[happygooner]

Originally Posted by PAULM03

Aren't we meant to talk about the last book first

Indeed, but I can't as I didn't read it if you are referring to Catch 22.

Will have to hold the floor open to those who did.

[PAULM03]

Originally Posted by happygooner

Indeed, but I can't as I didn't read it if you are referring to Catch 22.

Will have to hold the floor open to those who did.

Can't see there being a rush

Did ANYONE actually read it?

[happygooner]

Originally Posted by PAULM03

Can't see there being a rush

Did ANYONE actually read it?

Why don't you tell us what you thought again

[MetallicIan]

I have to be honest and say I didn't get chance to read Catch 22, although from other comments it doesn't seem to have been too bad a miss

I'm up for reading a new one to keep this idea going though and open to suggestions for a new title.

[happygooner]

So shall e start again if nobody read the last one?

I'm happy to nominate something myself or equally step aside for any other suggestions!?

[Valiant23]

Originally Posted by PAULM03

Can't see there being a rush

Did ANYONE actually read it?

I did, finally.


Least said soonest mended.

[PAULM03]

Originally Posted by Valiant23

I did, finally.


Least said soonest mended.

You didn't like it then?