Reading the Classics discussion

Please discuss chapters 15-27 of Catch-22.

Gail wrote: "I just finished reading Catch 22. Actually I read it long ago, so this is a re-read.

The book is hilarious and profoundly sad.

I think I read somewhere that the sharpest satire is that which cut..."


You might have a point there about people under 50. I liked the book and didn't find it that hard to read, but my daughter, Jenn found it hard to really get into and she reads more than I do.

Gail wrote: "I just finished reading Catch 22. Actually I read it long ago, so this is a re-read.

The book is hilarious and profoundly sad.

I think I read somewhere that the sharpest satire is that which cut..."

I don't know as far as the under 50 age, but the Army has't changed all that much since then, as far as absurdity, so I think we can still relate. Just look at Congress and red tape and crazy wars we're in now. It hasn't changed, just new faces and new wars.

The whole thing reminds me of M*A*S*H and all of the craziness with Hawkeye and the gang. All of the situations were ridiculous, but they actually weren't that far from the reality of war.

I am so lost in this book. It has been reviewed as a brillant book, but apparently I am not smart enough to understand it all. It bounces back and forth leaving chronological order in question for me. Some of it is funny, but most of it confuses me. I'm really glad I already enjoy reading or I would never read again thinking I am just not cut out for it. I'm half way through this book. I hope I can finish it but I really wish I learn to ubderstand it.