#goodreads challenge 2018

[redgoldsparks]

December Reading and Reviews

I post my reviews throughout the month on Storygraph and Goodreads, and do roundups here and on patreon. Reviews below the cut.

I’m Laughing Because I’m Crying written and read by Youngmi Mayer

I was only vaguely aware of Youngmi Mayer from tiktok before picking up the audiobook of this blunt and honest memoir, read by the author. I think experiencing it as an audiobook greatly enhanced my experience- the sections in which the author's voice shook with emotion when describing, in particular, the hardships her family experienced during the Japanese occupation of Korea, meant the memories hit much harder than they might have if I was reading in print. Overall I was very impressed by Mayer's insights on her multi-cultural mixed-race childhood, how her parents' traumas impacted their ability to be present for their kids, and how that damage played out in her teens and early twenties. This book tackles a lot of heavy subjects including colonial violence, bullying, fat-shaming, eating disorders, drug use, suicide, and depression. The tone, which is almost aggressively matter-of-fact, with flashes of piercing insight and occasional jokes, kept me riveted. I do wish a late chapter on a brief queer relationship had been more thoughtful; that was one section that felt kind of half-baked and unnecessarily gender-binary. But overall I'd still recommend this memoir, especially for those looking for critical takes on the fault lines of both Korean and American culture.

Blue Period vol 1 by Tsubasa Yamaguchi 

This manga follows a high school boy who's good at school, has a pack of friends, but no specific ambitions in life. A few comments by a charismatic art teacher challenge him to try and honestly express himself through art. A competitive streak pushes him to join the art club and begin actually applying himself. Along the way, the teacher and his fellow art club members explain many concrete basics of drawing from life, and how to apply to art colleges in Japan. These aspects of the story reminded me of the real-life manga creation information included in Bakuman. I like the idea of a manga series focused on fine art and the challenges and rewards of pursuing it. I did struggle with the fact that the drawing in this book is only okay. Some of the figure drawing of characters is downright bad, with bizarre pose choices. There are also some kind of confusing interactions between the characters early on- one member of the art club is either a cross-dresser or trans femme, and the way this character and the main character talked it felt like they were supposed to be childhood friends? I kept expecting a flashback to their earlier relationship that never came. So, we'll see if I end up reading more. Great concept, mid-level execution.

She Loves to Cook and She Loves to Eat vol 1 by Sakaomi Yuzaki translated by Caleb Cook 

This slow-burn lesbian comic is as cute as everyone has been saying. A woman who loves cooking elaborate meals, but lives alone, notices a female neighbor in the apartment complex carrying a huge amount of takeout food home. Impulsively, she invites her neighbor in for dinner. This begins a gentle routine of joint shopping, cooking, and meal planning together. Will this food-based friendship develop into something more? I will have to keep reading to find out!

Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion written and read by Jia Tolentino 

This book was written in 2017-2018, and I still often hear essays from it quoted, especially the opening piece "The I in the Internet". Some of the essays in here already feel a bit passed their sell-by date, but several of the ones I read after the most recent election still have teeth, especially "The Story of a Generation in Seven Scams", which made me furious, and "We Come from Old Virginia", examining rape culture on college campuses. I also enjoyed two two of the more personal/autobiographical pieces, "Reality TV Me" and "Ecstasy" quite a lot. Your mileage will vary with this book depending on what type of topics you care about, but I'm glad I finally picked up this collection.

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren read by Deacon Lee and Kyle Mason 

Set in Provo, Utah, this queer teen romance centers a bisexual, Jewish high school senior, Tanner, who is closeted at school despite being out to his supporting family. Tanner and his best friend Autumn decide to sign up for a notoriously difficult class in their last semester- a seminar in which the students try to write the complete first draft of a novel. Their TA for the class is a college freshman from BYU, Sebastian, who took the seminar the year before and produced a novel that actually had legs. He signed a book deal and has his first fantasy novel due out in the following summer. Also, he's tall, handsome, kind, generous, and very very Mormon. Tanner falls for him immediately. I found the first 1/3 of this book very rushed; the insta-love didn't really work for me. But when I got deeper into the novel I realized the authors had speed-run a meet cute because what they actually wanted to write was an established relationship. Tanner and Sebastian go through multiple ups and downs, breakups and makeups, book releases, college acceptances, family and friendship conflicts. Despite the pacing issues, it's an affirming story of queer acceptance in the end which I did enjoy on audio.

Off Stage Love Side by Kamome Oshima

A Japanese idol has been crushing on a man he met in a gay bar five years ago for his entire career. Then that man is assigned as his new bodyguard. Shocking twist! Fairly cute, but I honestly wished it had been a 5 book slow-burn instead of a single volume that ended with them getting together.

She Loves to Cook and She Loves to Eat vol 2 by Sakaomi Yuzaki translated by Caleb Cook 

This series is already getting more cute and more gay in book 2! Neighbors Nomoto and Kasuga continue to plan meals, shopping trips, and holidays together but now they are also beginning to share deeper feelings and memories from their lives. And also... Nomoto has her first lesbian crisis googling session. I'm rooting for these foodies! I hope they Uhaul in book 3.

Moomin Builds a House by Tove Jansson 

A short sweet arc from the early days of the Moomin comic strips, which show how Little My ended up living with the Moomin family. When she takes over his room, Moomin decides to build a whole new house. This is harder than he anticipated!

The Wood At Midwinter by Susanna Clarke

A very brief piece of winter magic.

[theinquisitxor]

I wanted to start a new challenge for 2024. This isn’t any existing challenge that I know of, but somewhat similar to a challenge booktuber Emily Fox does.

The problem: I have about 200 books in my Goodreads tbr, many of which have been on the tbr since 2018/9. These are all books that I still want to read, but haven’t taken action to reading anytime soon. I want to do something to start reading from my tbr list more.

Solution: I wrote down approximately 140 books that I want to read, cut out on little strips of paper, folded up, and put into this bowl. Each month I’m going to pick a random book and read it.

For Jan 2024, I picked The Throne of the Five Winds by CS Emmet, which has been on the tbr since 2019.

The challenge is that I have to read whatever book I pick!

We’ll see how this goes 😂 If I make it through the year, I’ll have 12 books read off my goodreads tbr

[ofliterarynature]

TBR TAKEDOWN: GOODREADS, WEEK 12a

The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre (The Two Princesses of Bamarre #0) by Gail Carson Levine

I'm trying to trim down my tbr list(s) and I'm asking for your help! Descriptions and more info under the cut. Please reblog and add your thoughts!

* * * * *

In this compelling and thought-provoking fantasy set in the world of The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Newbery Honor-winning author Gail Carson Levine introduces a spirited heroine who must overcome deeply rooted prejudice--including her own--to heal her broken country.

Peregrine strives to live up to the ideal of her people, the Latki--and to impress her parents: affectionate Lord Tove, who despises only the Bamarre, and stern Lady Klausine. Perry runs the fastest, speaks her mind, and doesn't give much thought to the castle's Bamarre servants, whom she knows to be weak and cowardly.

But just as she's about to join her father on the front lines, she is visited by the fairy Halina, who reveals that Perry isn't Latki-born. She is Bamarre. The fairy issues a daunting challenge: against the Lakti power, Perry must free her people from tyranny.

Date added: 2018

Goodreads: 3.96

Storygraph: 3.88

PRO:

The Two Princesses of Bamarre was my Gail Carson Levine of choice growing up 💕

Available from the library in my preferred format (audiobook)

CON:

Couldn't tell you the last time I read The Two Princesses

tbh after reading the description I don't think I have much interest in this in its own right.

[viktorrotkiv]

First post is from 2018. Second post is from 2023. Notice 2017's challenge.

Did I... doctor... my Goodreads reading challenge results?...

[kestrels-nook]

for the first time since 2018 i completed my goodreads reading challenge (this year it was to read 5 books, 2018 it was 75)

[davidthienanhluong]

David Thien Anh Luong - Top 9 Books On Digital Transformation For Digital Entrepreneurs

With the advent of technology, businesses have been undergoing a digital transformation in the past decade and keeping up with the change is key to success. An integral part of the reason David Thien Anh Luong Why You Need the Most Viable Business Ethics to Run a Successful Business, here are the best books to read on digital transformation.

1.  Digital Trailblazer: Essential Lessons to Jumpstart Transformation and Accelerate Your Technology Leadership

Author: Isaac Sacolick

Year: 2022

Goodreads Rating: 4.6/5

This book provides invaluable insights into how to strive through challenges in business by keeping up with technological trends. 2.  Designed for Digital: How to Architect Your Business for Sustained Success

Author: Martin Mocker, Cynthia Beath, Jeanne W. Ross

Year: 2019

Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5

If you are an established traditional business looking to achieve digital success, this is the book you should read. 3.  The Future Is Faster Than You Think: How Converging Technologies Are Transforming Business, Industries, and Our Lives

Author: Steven Kotler, Peter Diamandis

Year: 2020

Goodreads Rating: 4.2/5

This one gives you a clear view of the radical impact of technology on human life and business. 4.  The Digital Transformation Playbook: Rethink Your Business for the Digital Age

Author: David L. Rogers

Year: 2016

Goodreads Rating: 4.1/5

Competing and winning in a digital economy is harder than you think. This book can act as the perfect guide. 5.  Driving Digital Strategy: A Guide to Reimagining Your Business

Author: Sunil Gupta

Year: 2018

Goodreads Rating: 4.1/5

If you wish to learn from the best companies that are navigating successfully through digital change, this book is the best choice. 6.  The Technology Fallacy: How People Are the Real Key to Digital Transformation

Author: Garth R. Andrus, Gerald C. Kane, Jonathan R. Copulsky, Anh Nguyen Phillips

Year: 2019

Goodreads Rating: 4.1/5

This excellent book reminds you of the core principle behind every transformation in business, including digital transformation. 7.  Why Digital Transformations Fail: The Surprising Disciplines of How to Take Off and Stay Ahead

Author: Tony Saldanha

Year: 2019

Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5

With a proven five-stage model to help you through the fast-paced digital evolution, this book is incredible.  8.  Digital Transformation: Survive and Thrive in an Era of Mass Extinction

Author: Thomas Siebel

Year: 2019

Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5

If you want to learn how to harness the power of digitization to your profit, this is the book to read. 9.  Leading Digital: Turning Technology into Business Transformation

Author: Didier Bonnet, George Westerman, Andrew McAfee

Year: 2014

Goodreads Rating: 3.8/5

Here’s a wonderful book with practical ideas for adapting to business transformations through digitization.

Conclusion

In short, these are some of the top books to go through if you are new to digital entrepreneurship. Of course, you can also go through David Thien Anh Luong Business Top Books to Read If You Want To Become A Morning Person to become productive at work. Good luck!

[larrysavagejrbirmingham]

Larry Savage Jr - Top 5 Books on Patience That Every Entrepreneur Needs

Running a business is no piece of cake. You need to know how to navigate your enterprise through plenty of challenges while remaining focused on your goal. Sometimes, it is the lack of expert guidance, like How to start a Transportation and Logistics business according to Larry Savage Jr, that causes a business to fail. Other times, you simply need patience after doing the best you can. Here are some top books to read on developing patience as a trait of a successful business.

The Top 5 Books on Patience That An Entrepreneur Can Benefit From So take a look at these gems of books to develop the virtue of patience and become stronger in dealing with challenges in both business and life. 1. A Small Book About A Big Problem Author: Edward T. Welch Year Of Publishing: 2017 Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5 Anger can ruin anything beautiful in the world. The author is an expert psychologist who sheds some light on the necessity of anger management and the role of patience in a happy life. 2. The Power Of Patience Author: M.J. Ryan Year Of Publishing: 2003 Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5 Ambition is an amazing quality that pushes you forward to your dreams. However, the author specifies how you can combine patience with ambition at the right levels so that you aren’t motivated to quit when you are just about to succeed. 3. Attitudes of Gratitude Author: M.J. Ryan Year Of Publishing: 1999 Goodreads Rating: 4.2/5 Gratitude for the little blessings around you can have a life-changing impact on your mind. This book teaches how to develop positivity and patience in everything you do to protect your mind from negative emotions. 4. Patience: The Art Of Peaceful Living Author: Allan Lokos Year Of Publishing: 2012 Goodreads Rating: 4/5 Drawing inspiration from his years as a Buddhist practitioner, the author introduces you to the magic of patience and how it can change your life into something truly spectacular. 5. Master Your Emotions Author: Thibaut Meurisse Year Of Publishing: 2018 Goodreads Rating: 4.2/5 Whether in business or in life, having control over how you feel and respond to situations can make a huge difference in your happiness and peace. This book introduces this concept perfectly so that you can overcome negativity in your life.

Conclusion To sum it up, these are some of the best books you can benefit from reading if you want to become more successful in life through the quality of patience. Whether you wish to know How to start a Transportation and Logistics business according to Larry Savage Jr, or how to expand your business to greater horizons, these books will make you equipped for the same.

[laraleecupcake]

Booklist Queen Reading Challenge 2025 - 01/52

[ Link to challenge ]

Read / Currently Reading / To Read

1. You Meant to Read Last Year - "Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal Evans" by Kenneth Womack 2. Goodreads Winner in 2024 3. Romantasy 4. About Siblings 5. Book Becoming Movie/Show in 2025 6. Spy Thriller 7. Women’s Fiction - "Tony's Wife" by Adriana Trigiani 8. Title Starts with “C”  9. Nonfiction Book About Health 10. Twist Ending 11. Published in 2015 12. Fiction & Nonfiction by Same Author 13. Fiction & Nonfiction by Same Author 14. Mythology Retelling 15. You Own But Haven’t Read 16. Set in the Middle East 17. A Sequel - "The Serpent's Tooth" (Walt Longmire #9) by Craig Johnson 18. Debut Author 19. Heartwarming Story 20. Book That Took a While to Read 21. Classic Recommended to You 22. Villain as a Protagonist 23. Set in the Summer 24. 2024 Bestseller 25. Green Cover 26. Bottom of Your To-Read List 27. Author from Africa 28. Book That Makes You Cry 29. About a Politician 30. Popular Book You’ve Never Read 31. Illustrated Book 32. Audiobook with Multiple Narrators 33. Set in the Suburbs 34. Dark Academia 35. Intriguing Cover 36. Five-Star Read 37. About an Immigrant 38. Banned Book 39. Set in the 1960s 40. With Chapter Titles 41. Dystopian Fiction - "Tender Is The Flesh" by Agustina Bazterrica 42. Author You Love 43. Multigenerational Story - "Oona Out Of Order" by Margarita Montimore 44. Animal in the Title 45. 2025 New Release 46. Out of Your Comfort Zone 47. Thought-Provoking Historical Fiction 48. Book Everyone Is Talking About 49. Romance Book 50. Bestselling Memoir 51. Young Adult Fiction 52. Reread a Favorite

Previous Years:

2024 - 15/50 2023 - 15/50 2021 - 11/50 2020 - 19/50 2018 - 15/50 2017 - 15/52 2016 - 24/40 2015 - 15/52

[aialiterary]

Mid Year Update

We are now at the mid-point of 2024, and I am taking some time to assess the goal I had set for myself at the start of this year and how it has evolved over time. Every year, I participate in the Goodreads reading challenge. For the past three years, I have been able to exceed my original goal, prompting me to set a higher goal for the following year. When I first started this page in 2018,…

[readingwithwrin]

Go Bravely by Emily Wilson Hussem | Self-Help Book Review

Title: Go Bravely Author: Emily Wilson Hussem Publisher: Ave Maria Press Published Date: April 27th, 2018 Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational, Guidance Page Count: 160 Format: Kindle My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ Goodreads Summary:  As a young Christian woman, do you struggle with insecurities and feel bogged down by the pressures and expectations of society? Do you find it challenging to take care of…

[bookmark-lit]

2024 Resolutions and Goals

I’ve been making these posts ALMOST every year since starting my blog (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023). I’ll do a quick check-in on how I did for 2023’s goals at the bottom but dive into my plans for 2024 first. Stay on track or ahead of my Goodreads challenge | I like to keep this one for obvious reasons. I’m still debating about what I want my Goodreads goal to be for the year…

[gtbeauty5]

Goodreads Challenge 2023: Pt 7

This year my Goodreads challenge is to read 50 books which seems like a lot but I have managed to do it before in 2018 and 2019 so I’m hoping I can do it again but I am a book behind so going to have to push through! So far this year I’ve managed to read 45 books so far and for the last few years I’ve written posts about the books that I’ve read with a rating and a bit of a review/summary which…

[roamanddiscover]

Catch-22 Book Summary

Catch-22 Book Summary

Catch-22 is a renowned satirical novel written by Joseph Heller. It delves deep into the life of Captain Yossarian, a B-25 bombardier in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. The book revolves around Yossarian's struggles with the decision-making paradoxes introduced by bureaucratic rule. He is trapped in a paradoxical situation, where his only way to avoid combat missions is to plead insanity. However, his attempts to claim insanity are self-defeating because anyone who wants to avoid military duty will be deemed sane. As Yossarian's fear of combat missions grows, his obsession with survival deepens. He is surrounded by bureaucracy and his commanding officers' indecisiveness, which lead to even more paradoxes. The novel is narrated in a nonlinear fashion, illustrating how Yossarian's past and present experiences blend and overlap with one another. Catch-22 is a commentary on various world absurdities, including politics, war, bureaucracy, and self-interest. The book uses satire to expose the fundamental flaws of the human condition, especially in times of war. It ridicules the military's incompetence and portrays the absurdity of following orders blindly. The novel features several well-known characters, including Milo Minderbender, Major Major, and Doc Daneeka. Heller's skilled use of humor to portray the madness of war and its impact on soldiers' mental health is exemplary. The book is filled with ironic twists and turns and is thought-provoking, relatable, and entertaining. Catch-22 has received numerous reviews from critics praising its satire, humor, and portrayal of war and bureaucracy. The book's overall rating is 4.1 out of 5 on Goodreads and 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon, which is a testament to its popularity and success among readers. First published in 1961, Catch-22 has become a classic of American literature. The book has been adapted into several plays, films, and television shows. In May 2018, a mini-series adaptation of Catch-22 was released, produced by Hulu and featuring renowned actors like George Clooney and Kyle Chandler. Catch-22 is an excellent novel that offers a thought-provoking perspective on life during wartime.

Book Description

The satirical novel Catch-22, written by Joseph Heller, is a social commentary on the absurdities of the world. The novel highlights the challenging decision-making paradoxes introduced by bureaucratic rule, especially in times of war. The story follows the journey of Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. Catch-22 is a witty and humorous book that provides a unique insight into the world of war, politics, bureaucracy, and self-interest. Through its satirical approach, the novel explores how the world functions and how people relate to each other. It portrays the machinations of war, the bureaucracy, and the absurdities that come with it. The novel presents various themes, such as the futility of war, the constraints of bureaucracy, the importance of self-interest, and the destructive power of greed. It also emphasizes the existential challenges faced by individuals when they try to navigate through a world that is overwhelmingly senseless. Catch-22 shows that in such environments, it is difficult to find meaning and purpose, and people are often trapped in a cycle of irrationality. The novel's characters are complex, ranging from the rebellious Captain Yossarian to the war profiteer Milo Minderbinder, and the disillusioned Major Major. Each character provides a unique perspective on the war and the bureaucracy that governs it. The novel's humor and satire make the characters more relatable and add depth to the book's commentary on the world. Catch-22 is an iconic novel that delves into the human condition, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of war. It blends humor and satire to offer a compelling critique of society. The book's unique perspective has made it a classic of American literature, inspiring plays, films, and television shows.

Character Analysis

The characters in Catch-22 are all unique in their own ways, each with their own struggles and perspectives on the world around them. The most prominent character in the novel is the rebellious protagonist, Captain John Yossarian. Yossarian is a bombardier in the US Army Air Force during World War II and is constantly struggling with the decision-making paradoxes introduced by bureaucratic rule. In addition to Yossarian, the novel also features Milo Minderbender, a war profiteer who manages to turn a profit while others die in combat. He creates a food syndicate that becomes increasingly profitable as the war continues. Another character, Major Major, is an introverted character that becomes disillusioned with the bureaucracy of the Army and decides to take matters into his own hands. Doc Daneeka is another important character in Catch-22. He is a flight surgeon who holds a unique responsibility - he is responsible for officially declaring dead and alive the men who go on bombing missions. Despite his authority, the character is constantly struggling to assert himself and be taken seriously by his colleagues. - Captain John Yossarian: The rebellious protagonist who becomes obsessed with survival - Milo Minderbender: A war profiteer who creates a food syndicate and manages to turn a profit while others die in combat - Major Major: A shy, introverted character who becomes disillusioned with the Army's bureaucracy and decides to take matters into his own hands - Doc Daneeka: A flight surgeon responsible for officially declaring men dead or alive but struggles to assert himself Each of these characters brings a unique perspective to the novel and helps to further the overall theme of the satire and absurdity of war and bureaucracy. Heller's character development highlights the human condition and the complexities involved in survival in a senseless world. Captain John Yossarian Captain John Yossarian is the protagonist of Joseph Heller's celebrated satirical novel, Catch-22. He is a rebellious bombardier who becomes obsessed with living and avoiding his military duties at all costs. His trauma from the war and the loss of his friends has left him fearful for his own survival, leading him to believe that the only way out is to feign illness or injury. Yossarian soon realizes that the bureaucratic rules and regulations of the army make it almost impossible for him to escape his military responsibilities. The "Catch-22" conundrum, in which Yossarian finds himself, compounds his desperation as he is unable to leave the military unless he is deemed insane, but wanting to leave the military proves his sanity. Yossarian's character is one of rebellion and opposition to authority, but he is also deeply affected by the horrors of war. His attempts to escape the military's grasp are fueled by his desire for self-preservation and his realization that his superiors do not have his best interests at heart. He is a dynamic character who struggles with the choices he must make in order to stay alive. Motivation for Survival Yossarian's motivation for survival is the catalyst that drives the plot of Catch-22. His character is not just concerned with his own survival, but also that of his friends and fellow soldiers. He sees the absurdity of war and the bureaucracy surrounding it and is determined to survive despite the odds stacked against him. His struggle to live is both humorous and heartbreaking. Yossarian's Relationships In Catch-22, Yossarian forms various relationships with the other characters. His interactions with other fliers in the squadron are often tense as he tries to protect himself, but he also forms friendships with several other soldiers. Yossarian is especially close to Clevinger, with whom he shares his thoughts about the war and the military. Conclusion Captain John Yossarian is one of the most memorable characters in American literature. His rebellion against authority and his obsession with survival make him a relatable and complex figure. Yossarian's struggle to evade his military duties in Catch-22 is a perfect representation of the absurdity of war and the dysfunction of bureaucracy. Given his character and motivations, Yossarian is a perfect embodiment of the themes explored in the novel. Milo Minderbinder Milo Minderbinder is one of the most defining characters in Joseph Heller's satirical novel, Catch-22. He is a war profiteer who cleverly takes advantage of the situations around him, earning huge profits by creating a food syndicate. His ability to manipulate the system to his own advantage often astonishes the reader. Milo's character is well developed throughout the book, revealing a shrewd businessman who appears more interested in making a profit than in supporting his comrades. He does, however, donate generously to worthy causes and often goes out of his way to help others, albeit for a fee. Milo's actions gradually become more corrupt and ruthless as the novel progresses. His manipulative ways reach their peak when he profits from the death of his fellow soldiers by selling their supplies in the camp market, leading to a betrayal that even his clients could not forgive. In Catch-22, Joseph Heller uses Milo's cynical character to expose the moral corruption and profiteering that often accompany war. As seen in the novel, Milo's lack of moral obligations and penchant for unscrupulous behavior leads to the deaths of many soldiers. Milo's character illustrates how the individual's drive for self-preservation and wealth comes at the cost of others' lives. Joseph Heller's portrayal of Milo Minderbinder continues to be a significant source of inspiration for many modern-day business practitioners who seek to strike a balance between profit and ethics. Major Major Major Major is one of the central characters in Joseph Heller's satirical novel, Catch-22. He is a man who is plagued by feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are compounded by his experience in the Army. As a young man, Major Major is mocked by his peers for his name, which is a source of internal turmoil for him. He struggles to establish relationships with others, and as a result, he becomes an introverted character who tends to keep to himself. Major Major's disillusionment with the Army's bureaucracy is an integral part of his character arc. He is a man who wants to be heard, but he is constantly overshadowed by the men in power who refuse to listen to him. This leads him on a path toward rebellion, which he ultimately embraces as a way of asserting his individuality and autonomy in the face of oppressive authority. Despite his initial shyness and lack of assertiveness, Major Major proves to be a strong and resilient character. He is able to navigate the complexity of the bureaucracy and find his own way through the absurdity of war. Ultimately, his decision to take matters into his own hands is a symbolic representation of the human desire for self-determination and the assertion of personal agency in the face of overwhelming systems of power. Throughout the novel, Major Major's journey serves as a reminder that even the most introverted and reserved among us have the capacity for great strength and resilience when faced with adversity. His story is one of hope and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, and his character is a testament to the complexity and nuance of the human experience.

Analysis

Catch-22's satirical approach to the human condition has made it a celebrated novel. The book highlights the absurdities of bureaucracy and war, providing a sharp commentary on these institutions and the individuals working within them. Through his characters, Heller explores the limits of rationality and questions the value of human life. Yossarian's attempts to question the logic of war demonstrate the irrationality of military operations, as his superiors attempt to persuade him to continue flying even when death seems inevitable. Milo's food syndicate is another example of the absurdity of military operations, as he uses his position to profit from the war effort at the expense of others. The theme of bureaucracy is explored through Major Major's character, who becomes disillusioned with the Army's rules and regulations. As he attempts to take matters into his own hands, he realizes that escaping from bureaucracy is nearly impossible. His character demonstrates the challenge of navigating bureaucratic systems and the often-illogical rules that they set. Catch-22's satirical analysis of these themes makes it a unique and insightful novel. By using humor and irony, Heller presents a poignant critique of the human condition and the institutions that govern our lives. Catch-22's continued relevance is a testament to its enduring message and the power of satire to expose and critique the flaws in society.

Reviews

Catch-22, the satirical novel by Joseph Heller, has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication. Many critics praise the novel's humor and satire on war and bureaucracy. The novel is often compared to works by other prominent writers such as Kurt Vonnegut and John Barth. Catch-22 explores the challenges of surviving in a world that is often senseless, and the irrationality of war and bureaucracy. The novel's theme resonates with readers, and many praise Heller's use of humor and satire to provide a compelling look at the human condition. Critic Philip Toynbee praised the novel as "some of the most bitterly funny, sustained, and finely written satire in the language." The book has achieved a cult status and its influence can be seen in popular culture. The novel has been adapted into several plays, films, and television shows, including a mini-series adaptation in May 2018 produced by Hulu and starring George Clooney and Kyle Chandler. Catch-22 has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 on Goodreads and 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon, which is a testament to the novel's enduring appeal. The novel has been regarded by many as one of the greatest works of American literature and remains popular with readers of all ages. Catch-22 is a witty commentary on the world's absurdities, and its analysis of the bureaucratic dysfunction and absurdity of war makes it a must-read for anyone interested in both satire and humanity.

Details

Catch-22, a satirical novel by Joseph Heller, was first published in 1961 and quickly became a classic of American literature. Heller's unique and humorous approach to writing about war and bureaucracy captured the attention of readers and critics alike, and the book has since been translated into numerous languages. Catch-22's popularity has led to many adaptations in various forms of media. The book has been adapted into plays, films, and television shows. In 1970, a film adaptation was released, directed by Mike Nichols and starring Alan Arkin. The film was a commercial success and was nominated for an Academy Award. The novel was also adapted into a play that premiered in London in 1963. The play has been performed around the world, including on Broadway in 1971. In May 2018, a mini-series adaptation produced by Hulu was released, starring George Clooney and Kyle Chandler. The adaptation received positive reviews and was praised for its faithful portrayal of the book. Catch-22's impact on literature and popular culture is significant. The book's themes of bureaucracy, war, and the absurdity of human existence have resonated with readers for decades. The novel is often compared to other works of satire, such as Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five and John Barth's Giles Goat-Boy.. Catch-22 has not only become a classic of American literature, but it has also inspired numerous adaptations across different forms of media. The novel's appeal lies in its ability to combine humor and satire with the serious themes of war and bureaucracy, making it a timeless classic.

News about Catch-22

In May 2018, a highly anticipated mini-series adaptation of Joseph Heller's Catch-22 was released, produced by popular streaming service Hulu, and featuring a star-studded cast that included George Clooney and Kyle Chandler. The mini-series is set to introduce the novel to a new generation of readers and viewers, offering an exciting and unique perspective on the absurdity of war and bureaucracy explored in the book. The mini-series was well received by critics, who praised the production for its attention to detail, humor, and satire. Many also noted the strong performances of the cast, with George Clooney's direction and acting being a particular standout. Hulu's Catch-22 stays true to the story's satirical roots, exploring the irrationality of war and the absurdities of bureaucracy. The series manages to capture the essence of the book while also providing new insight and commentary on contemporary issues related to politics, war, and power. The mini-series proved to be a popular addition to Hulu's extensive collection of original programming, with many fans eagerly awaiting the next season following the first's successful release.

Ratings

Catch-22 is a highly acclaimed novel that has been enjoyed by many readers. According to reviews on Goodreads, the book has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5. The rating indicates how much readers enjoyed the story, characters, and themes explored by the author. Readers have praised the book's humor, satire, and commentary on war, bureaucracy, and self-interest. On Amazon, the novel boasts an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. This rating is a testament to the book's enduring popularity and wide appeal. Catch-22 is a classic of American literature, and its ongoing success demonstrates its lasting relevance. The high ratings on Goodreads and Amazon indicate that readers have found Catch-22 to be an engaging and thought-provoking work. The ratings also suggest that new readers can expect a quality reading experience when they pick up the book.

Book Notes

Joseph Heller's Catch-22 is a satirical masterpiece, exploring the irrationality of war and bureaucracy, and the challenges of surviving in an absurd world. The novel follows the life of Captain John Yossarian, a United States Army Air Force B-25 bombardier during World War II, who is struggling with the bureaucratic rule that introduces him to the paradoxes of decision-making. Heller's brilliant use of humor and satire makes the novel a compelling read and an insightful commentary on the human condition. The absurdity of war and the dehumanizing effects of bureaucracy are some of the major themes that the novel explores. The novel's plot is complex, and the characters are unique, which makes it fascinating to read. Heller's well-known protagonist, Captain John Yossarian, is a rebellious character who becomes obsessed with his survival as he tries to evade his military responsibilities. Milo Minderbender, a war profiteer who creates a food syndicate, and Major Major, a shy introvert who becomes disillusioned with the Army's bureaucracy, are also featured in the novel. Read the full article

[booksofdelight]

I Haven't Completed a Goodreads Reading Challenge Since 2018!

I Haven't Completed a Goodreads Reading Challenge Since 2018!

While updating my Goodreads, I saw on the side bar of all my reading challenges. What I saw was a bit disappointing. I haven’t completed a Goodreads Reading Challenge since 2018. My 2018 Reading Goal Before I get into some of the reasons why I haven’t completed one since then, it is important to talk about 2018. That was the year when I aimed for the moon. The goal I set for myself was a 100…

[strinak]

once again trying to reconstruct my "books read" lists from years past and it is So Annoying.

i started keeping the list in 2015 because of a couple of media consumption challenges i was doing (books + movies and tv). 2016 i continued because of the goodreads challenge and then i have just...fallen into keeping it up forever?

idk, it's way more useful than i thought. OBVIOUSLY i remember what books i have and haven't read, said past me. you're a moron who somehow feels like 2015 was yesterday and also 2020/2021/2022 are all one year, rebuts current me.

just copied down 2017's list and have truly NO memory of some of these bitches.

but 2018 and 2019 are fully missing in action, because i gave up on goodreads and just kept a word document and then my computer died! so fuck me!

also i want a book tracking app but not like goodreads. i want to add a book to a list that STAYS IN TEXT LIST FORMAT and has no ratings and just lets me put that i read it 3 times in 2020 and once in 2021 and then lets me see what book i have read the most times total.

[abookblog]

Reading PSA

So, its the beginning of a new year and everyone is setting up their Goodreads Challenges. I just wanted to take the time to remind you that no one can judge you on the number of books you put down. 

If you exceed that number - great! If you don’t - also great! If you barely hit that number - still great! 

You’re making the effort to read this year and I think thats wonderful. So go you.