50 books to read before you die discussion

ok so the next book will be catch 22 because thats the book that won the poll.... im going out of town for the next week so i thought we'd start this book around the 20th and that way anybody that hasnt finished 1984 can finish up and add some last comments in the discussion, but here is this on so ppl can start in on catch 22 if they want :) happy reading....

I am pretty excited myself. Catch-22 is my favorite book. I too will be out of town for about the same amount of time but can't wait to start reading it with everyone.

I have never read it. Saw the movie at a drive-in but didn't quite get it. Too young (can you tell it was a while back?).

I started to read Catch 22 about a year ago, but didn't finish it. I guess the first couple of chapters didn't really grab me, so I set it to the side for later. Seems like now would be a good time for a second attempt! I'll try again and see what happens.

Haha, crazy, I'm also gonna be outta town next week! Woot!
But I don't recommend Catch-22. TOO MANY WORDS. TOO TEDIOUS. SO LITTLE TIME. SO MANY BETTER BOOKS OUT THERE. Haha.

I read this years ago when I was in the Army (69 to 71). His view of the military during wartime and the impact of war on the normal human being are timeless observations. Being in the Army when I read it made for an even more enjoyable read. It may even provide some insights for those considering a career in the military. But, if you politics are right of center you probably won't enjoy what Heller has to say.

It would be interesting to hear what many vets say of this book. My Dad has been gone for 2 years now, but he was stationed on Corsica in WWII and loaded bombs on planes. I wish I could talk to him about this book, but should have read it while he was alive, just didn't know he was there.

What sort of schedule are we going to read the book in?

I started reading this book last year for my book club. I think I read about 80 pages before finally giving up. Only one person in my book club actually finished the book. I would be willing to give it another go for discussion purposes.

well i just say we start it and see where it goes, i dont know how long it is or about how long it would take for us to get through it...

I have read up through chapter 5. This is about my sixth read of Catch-22 and I still love it as much as before. Something I had never noticed before is a reference in Chapter 2 to Crime and Punishment--my second favorite book after Catch-22.

I am wondering how everyone is enjoying it. I have recommended the book to a handful of people and only one or two enjoyed, most really didn't like it at all. Why is that do you think?

Here are a couple of interesting portions of the book I noticed. Catch-22 seems to me to be a great parody of real life and the stupidity and craziness of many human interactions. One of the first that made me laugh was the Texan in chapter 1. The best line about this says "The Texan turned out to be good-natured, generous and likeable. In three days no one could stand him." I know I have felt that way about people in school and such.

The other quote I really liked was from Clevinger in chapter 4 talking to Dunbar. He says, "Maybe a long life does have to be filled with many unpleasant conditions if it's to seem long. But in that event, who wants one?" Both Dunbars response and Clevinger's reaction to the question are great.

Hope to hear what the rest of you think thus far.

I loved "The Texan"! Will write more later...

I've read 1/4 of the book now and am enjoying it. I loved the beginning. It is really funny, but in rather sad, pathetic way. I can see where Mash came from. The Texan's description is timeless (think current politicians). I can see why the book drives some people nuts. It is nonstop nonsense that makes so much sense. From farm subsidies to loyalty pledges, the dialogues and situations have not gone stale. Because the book was written from 1955 to 1961, the loyaly oath section (chapter 11?) must have been inspired by the McCarthy hearings. However, it has definite parallels in the political speak of today (who loves America mostest?).
Maybe some of those who said they couldn't keep reading just didn't like the deliberatly confusing timeline and dialogue. You might read of Major Major stealing the command, and remember he didn't even want it. Then, read from another point of view that it felt that way to the one who did want it. It is not very easy to read. I was thinking that last night. Wouldn't it be easier to just read something that follows a linear time-line and uses rational dialogue. Couldn't do it. I have to read more of this.