Catch-22
19 journalers for this copy...
At the heart of Joseph Heller's bestselling novel, first published in 1961, is a satirical indictment of military madness and stupidity, and the desire of the ordinary man to survive it. It is the tale of the dangerously sane Captain Yossarian, who spends his time in Italy plotting to survive.
I tried to read this over ten years ago, and gave up on it. Since it's on the 1001 books to read before you die list, I will give it another try.
INTERNATIONAL BOOKRAYThis books wants to travel! Please read book within reasonable time and then forward it to next on list. When the last person on the list have read it, forward or release it as you please. :)
REMEMBER:
1) make a journal entry when you receive the book,
2) tell us what you thought about the book when you've read it, and
3) make a controlled release journal entry when you pass the book on.
Participants:
lunacia (Norway)
babelfisk (Sweden)
pinkydinky (UK)
Tubereader (UK)
KaKo27 (UK)
cally-c (UK)
iliotropio (Belgium)
boktraven (Sweden) <- 1 YEAR
Chickxsy (Norway)
DitteL (Denmark)
AngelaPitcher (Holland)
kbmarsh (UK) <- 2 YEARS
WigglyWoods (UK)
alassante (Italy) <- 3 YEARS
MarcThomas (France)
chich (France)
wal-89 (UK) <- 4 YEARS
valerief (USA)<- the book is here
Hawkette (Australia)
bearyfriend (Singapore)
Right. I give up on this book. Life is too short for boring books. I'm going to PM babelfisk for hir address so that I can send it to hir.
Journal Entry 5 by 
lunacia
at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Wednesday, April 16, 2008
lunacia at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Released 16 yrs ago (4/16/2008 UTC) at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Posted this today.
Happy reading! :)
Posted this today.
Happy reading! :)
I received this book yesterday. I cannot promise I'll read it but I'll give it a try!
I give up! I'm sending it on to the next person on the list.
Thanks Lunacia & Babelfisk. Will read when I have finished my current book.
Weird! What else can I say. I know it was looking at the ridiculousness of war but at times this was a bit panto. Kind of Oh yes you did, oh no you didn't. There were some good bits. One that stood out for me was the arrival of fresh troops. Yossarian found them irritating and looked at them as though from a different generation although he was only a few years older than them.
Journal Entry 11 by Tubereader from Lenningen / Lenneng, Kanton Remich Luxembourg on Saturday, August 16, 2008
This book was waiting for me when I got back home from travelling yesterday. I have already started reading it.
Thanks lunacia for sharing and pinkydinky for sending it to me!
20 AUGUST UPDATE: I have read more than half of the book so far so I have PMed Kako27 who is next in line for their address. I will write a new JE and review the book once I've finished it.
Thanks lunacia for sharing and pinkydinky for sending it to me!
20 AUGUST UPDATE: I have read more than half of the book so far so I have PMed Kako27 who is next in line for their address. I will write a new JE and review the book once I've finished it.
Journal Entry 12 by Tubereader from Lenningen / Lenneng, Kanton Remich Luxembourg on Thursday, August 21, 2008
I have to disagree with most of the previous posts as I actually have liked this book! I mean, should it have not been on the 1001 books list I would probably not even have picked it up and it is a bit difficult to get into it, but once I got in, I actually found it hilarious.
I guess I have a bit of a wicked sense of humour! I was reading the scene about the guys in the hospital "seeing everything twice" when I was on the tube (yup, I read quite a lot on the tube, hence my nickname! :-) ) and I was laughing out loud.
Of course, the book was not only about being fun, but also has a deeper message about the irrationality of war and how normal people have to behave in those circumstances. I thought the way Heller manages to turn such a serious topic into something hilarious without losing the deeper message.
I have PMed Kako27 again for their address as I did not receive a response to the PM I sent yesterday.
I guess I have a bit of a wicked sense of humour! I was reading the scene about the guys in the hospital "seeing everything twice" when I was on the tube (yup, I read quite a lot on the tube, hence my nickname! :-) ) and I was laughing out loud.
Of course, the book was not only about being fun, but also has a deeper message about the irrationality of war and how normal people have to behave in those circumstances. I thought the way Heller manages to turn such a serious topic into something hilarious without losing the deeper message.
I have PMed Kako27 again for their address as I did not receive a response to the PM I sent yesterday.
Journal Entry 13 by Tubereader at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Friday, August 22, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (8/22/2008 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book has been sent today to Kako27 who is next in line in this ray.
Thanks again to Lunacia por sharing.
Happy reading!
The book has been sent today to Kako27 who is next in line in this ray.
Thanks again to Lunacia por sharing.
Happy reading!
Journal Entry 14 by KaKo27 from Sarisbury Green, Hampshire United Kingdom on Friday, August 29, 2008
I received the book from Tubereader earlier this week. Will attempt to read it next to let it travel again. Thank you, Tubereader and lunacia for including me in the ring.
Journal Entry 15 by KaKo27 from Sarisbury Green, Hampshire United Kingdom on Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Surreal, claustrophobic, kafkaesque and depressing comes to mind, when I try to describe my impression of the book. Yossarian was the only character I could emphasise with and maybe the chaplain. All the others are somehow disfigured, most of them mentally. If that is what happens in war times, then Heller did a good job to write about it.
I did not like the book at all, I would certainly not have picked it up, if it would not have been "on the list".
It was so far the most un-enjoyed read of the year.
I will contact cally-c and send the book on ASAP.
I did not like the book at all, I would certainly not have picked it up, if it would not have been "on the list".
It was so far the most un-enjoyed read of the year.
I will contact cally-c and send the book on ASAP.
Journal Entry 16 by KaKo27 from Sarisbury Green, Hampshire United Kingdom on Saturday, October 18, 2008
Put into the post today for cally-c.
Happy reading.
Happy reading.
Arrived yesterday - will read asap!
I enjoyed this, thought it was a well written insight into how war affects people & what they do to cope with it.
It reminded me slightly of MASH, the TV series, where the characters seemed to use odd humour as a means of coping with their circumstances.
Loved the dry humour in it, especially the conversations that go round in circles like the crab apples & horse chestnuts.
This is all parcelled up & ready to go to iliotropio next time I am passing the post office.
Thanks to KaKo27 for sending to me & lunacia for sharing.
It reminded me slightly of MASH, the TV series, where the characters seemed to use odd humour as a means of coping with their circumstances.
Loved the dry humour in it, especially the conversations that go round in circles like the crab apples & horse chestnuts.
This is all parcelled up & ready to go to iliotropio next time I am passing the post office.
Thanks to KaKo27 for sending to me & lunacia for sharing.
Journal Entry 19 by cally-c at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, November 14, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (11/17/2008 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to iliotropio
Sent to iliotropio
Journal Entry 20 by iliotropio from Bruxelles / Brussel, Bruxelles / Brussel Belgium on Monday, December 1, 2008
The book arrived safely. Many thanks to cally-c for sending it!
Journal Entry 21 by iliotropio from Bruxelles / Brussel, Bruxelles / Brussel Belgium on Saturday, March 14, 2009
Off to boktraven. Enjoy this very special novel!
Thanks iliotropio - I look forward to read it!
Journal Entry 23 by boktraven at Given To A Friend, Friend -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (7/7/2009 UTC) at Given To A Friend, Friend -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I likhet med flera tidigare BC-are har jag inte orkat igenom boken, men nu får den resa vidare till chickxsy!
I likhet med flera tidigare BC-are har jag inte orkat igenom boken, men nu får den resa vidare till chickxsy!
Got it from Booktraven today! Looking forward to reading it!
1st thing I did was put plastic sheet paper on it as it is a little... tired of traveling. Hope that will preserve it a little!
1st thing I did was put plastic sheet paper on it as it is a little... tired of traveling. Hope that will preserve it a little!
Thank you so much, Chickxsy! I hope it doesn't fall apart before the ray is done...
Journal Entry 26 by Chickxsy at nearest postoffice, Ring/Ray book -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, August 22, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (8/22/2009 UTC) at nearest postoffice, Ring/Ray book -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I give up. I've tried getting beyond 44 pages and the first 40 were very enjoyable! But it stops, and repeats. I did read the last pages though. And a few in the middle.
I give up. I've tried getting beyond 44 pages and the first 40 were very enjoyable! But it stops, and repeats. I did read the last pages though. And a few in the middle.
I'm so sorry, this has been delayed by me. Thought I had posted it, but it was still in my shelf. Will post it on monday.
Sorry DitteL!
Sorry DitteL!
Released 14 yrs ago (10/15/2009 UTC) at
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
THERE
It's in the mail.
Sorry guys!
THERE
It's in the mail.
Sorry guys!
Had arrived when I returned home today. Thanks for sharing.
EDIT: started reading on Oct. 24th
EDIT: started reading on Oct. 24th
Don't really know what to think of this book. I actually managed to finish it even though I was about to give up more than once. To begin with I enjoyed the story. I thought it was funny and entertaining. Around page 120 I started to get a bit annoyed by the repitition of Catch 22 in different settings. And around page 250 I just wished that the characters would jump out of the book so that I could hit them really hard. Especially Aarfy and Milo was making me really angry because they were so selfish and hid it behind either acting very stupid or being very clever. However, I kept on reading and I'm glad that I did, because the last 50 pages was well-written and was a nice ending to the story.
All in all I'm glad I read the book but I hope that I'll never have to read it again!
auroradormita has asked to be skipped so I've just contacted afraberg and I hope that the book will be on its way to Holland soon
Edit:5th November - afraberg has asked to be skipped as well. I've PM'ed the next on the list.
All in all I'm glad I read the book but I hope that I'll never have to read it again!
auroradormita has asked to be skipped so I've just contacted afraberg and I hope that the book will be on its way to Holland soon
Edit:5th November - afraberg has asked to be skipped as well. I've PM'ed the next on the list.
Journal Entry 31 by DitteL at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, November 6, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (11/7/2009 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to AngelaPitcher in The Netherlands. Hope you enjoy it
On its way to AngelaPitcher in The Netherlands. Hope you enjoy it
Journal Entry 32 by AngelaPitcher from Den Helder, Noord-Holland Netherlands on Monday, December 7, 2009
Sorry to have this book for ages now (from DitteL) and holding up the ring!!
Getting into it now...
Getting into it now...
Hi there,
sorry for hijacking this ring. Just a quick note to say that although the previous reader moved to Canada, the book is still in the Netherlands to prevent it from unnecessarily ocean-crossing. On behalf of AngelaPitcher, I will send the book to the next reader once I have an address.
Enjoy the book! Cheers, franaloe
edit March 25th: book sent to kbmarsh today (no response on PMs of OnlyLiana).
sorry for hijacking this ring. Just a quick note to say that although the previous reader moved to Canada, the book is still in the Netherlands to prevent it from unnecessarily ocean-crossing. On behalf of AngelaPitcher, I will send the book to the next reader once I have an address.
Enjoy the book! Cheers, franaloe
edit March 25th: book sent to kbmarsh today (no response on PMs of OnlyLiana).
Journal Entry 34 by kbmarsh from Brighton & Hove, East Sussex United Kingdom on Thursday, May 13, 2010
Sorry it has taken so long to enter this in! Can't wait to read it
Journal Entry 35 by WigglyWoods at Chorley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Arrived safely, thanks kbmarsh.
I'm just waiting for an address and then this book will be in the post, apologies for having kept it for a bit too long. I did enjoy it and agree with the other person who said it reminded them of Mash.
Sorry this got hidden over Christmas time. It has been posted Air Mail today to Alassante.
the book is here with me.
I received it a couple of days ago, but I have been able to journal it only now, sorry...
Ok, I am starting it now... ^_^
I received it a couple of days ago, but I have been able to journal it only now, sorry...
Ok, I am starting it now... ^_^
Writing this entry to let the ringmaster and the people after me that the book is still with me, but it is taking me some time to finish it. As previous readers already wrote, this is not an easy read, but I am not ready to give up yet. Probably I'll skip some bits and get closer to the end, so it won't take me much longer.
If this is a problem, though, please feel free to contact me and I will send on the book sooner...
If this is a problem, though, please feel free to contact me and I will send on the book sooner...
ok, I've had this book for too long and I haven't managed to get into it yet. I think it should actually be read in the shortest possible time, since there's no real chronological order and otherwise different episodes tend to get mixed up and forgotten.
Probably it's not the right time for me to read it, so I will let this bookring go on.
I will give the novel another chance sometime later in my life.
I already have MarcThomas' address, so I will post it soon.
Thanks a lot to Lunacia for sharing the book, and for being so patient with me.... ^_^
Probably it's not the right time for me to read it, so I will let this bookring go on.
I will give the novel another chance sometime later in my life.
I already have MarcThomas' address, so I will post it soon.
Thanks a lot to Lunacia for sharing the book, and for being so patient with me.... ^_^
Journal Entry 41 by alassante at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Friday, September 16, 2011
Released 12 yrs ago (9/13/2011 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I have already sent the book to France. It should reach its destination very soon (especially since I have sent it from the Uk, where the mail system is much quicker and more reliable than in Italy ;))
Hope you enjoy it!
Hope you enjoy it!
After I had read a hundred pages of this book I realised I no longer could take it. I was alternately irritated and bored to death; I had to put an end to my reading. I am in no habit of giving up reading a book even if I am not getting any pleasure from it but this time it was all too much. Firstly, I am afraid I fail to understand the American humour – generally speaking of course. (I do laugh when I’m watching South Park or The Simpsons but these are more exceptions than examples, really.) Secondly, the book’s dealing with how stupid war can be, especially from the soldier’s point of view. To emphasise this point, the author decided to multiply absurd dialogues. One hundred pages later, I think I got the idea – maybe you can try something else, Joe. And lastly, there’s no bloody coherence in this book, even the characters don’t make sense. And since it’s built on a one chapter-one character pattern, it gets pretty annoying pretty soon. Maybe at the end it turns out to be perfectly logical but I’m afraid I don’t have the courage to read the remaining 350 pages. It really was a relief to decide to let that book down.
PMing chich so the book goes on.
PMing chich so the book goes on.
Butting in to ask you to remember that you are supposed to make a controlled release note when you send the book to the next person on the list!
Journal Entry 44 by chich at Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Book received a few days ago, many thanks for passing it on MarcThomas! I was unable to journal the book as soon as I received it because I couldn't read part of the BCID but all is well now:)
Thanks for hosting this ray lunacia and Happy Holidays to all!
Thanks for hosting this ray lunacia and Happy Holidays to all!
Journal Entry 45 by chich at Ibiza - Sant Antoni de Portmany, Illes Balears/Islas Baleares Spain on Sunday, January 22, 2012
This book was such a tedious read for me. I simply found it boring, didn't like the characters at all and failed to see what was supposed to be so funny/hilarious about it. I love wit, I love sarcasm but Catch-22 didn't even make me smile. Worse still, I think the book is badly written and just couldn't stand Heller's prose. Definitely one of the worst books I've ever read!
Thanks for sharing anyway lunacia!
I already have wal-89's address and the book should be on its way shortly.
Thanks for sharing anyway lunacia!
I already have wal-89's address and the book should be on its way shortly.
Released 12 yrs ago (1/25/2012 UTC) at Bookray, Bookray -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to wal-89 today, enjoy! :)
This was waiting at my parent's house when I got there at the weekend. Sorry for not picking it up sooner :o) I am intrigued about this book, as all the JEs put me off a bit but my sister said that it was worth the effort. I am currently reading the Millenium series (The Girl with...) so it may be a while before I get round to this book. Hope that's okay...will send a message if it takes too long! Thanks for sending, this was the first bookring I joined :)
EDIT: My sister has since given me her copy of this book to read so I'll be sending this on its way :) benschu, Lumbermoose and amcamp1644 have all asked to be skipped so I have PM'd valerief.
EDIT: My sister has since given me her copy of this book to read so I'll be sending this on its way :) benschu, Lumbermoose and amcamp1644 have all asked to be skipped so I have PM'd valerief.
Journal Entry 48 by wal-89 at surface mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, March 5, 2012
Released 12 yrs ago (3/5/2012 UTC) at surface mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
As a few people wanted to be skipped, this is on it's way to valerief. Unfortunately I had to send it surface mail. Hope that you enjoy this book.
Thanks! Have a couple others ahead of this on my Mt TBR.
Oops! This fell out of my bag somehow during my birthday party. The beer garden found it and put it aside for me, then when I went to fetch it it was missing. I'll keep my eyes open for it, and hopefully the person who found it will journal it. In the meantime, I'll look for a replacement to keep the ray going. Stay tuned....
Another BCer (whose name is escaping me at the moment) has sent me another copy, albeit without a BCID. I have set this up here - http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/11038215. Will be sending to Hawkette later this week to continue the journey. Maybe whoever found this copy will journal it.
