Catch-22 by Joseph Heller is my favorite novel. It's not just my favorite among Heller's works or my favorite American novel. As of this writing, it's the favorite novel I've ever read. I've written multiple papers about it, and it's highly likely that I'll write about it again in the future. It achieved things that I didn't think were possible in the form of a novel, or really in any form.

So, I approached God Knows with significant misgivings. I was afraid it would be a decidedly minor work, a bloated and wheezing gas bag of a formerly great novelist resting on his laurels and not so much creating a work as scratching a wandering itch. But I was wrong. I was very wrong.

Now that I've just finished the novel, I'm not able to say whether God Knows is worse than the earlier Catch. I won't say it's better either, but in its own way, it might be just as good. Why is this? Because through his portrayal of the life and times of King David, a parody told at times in a pseudo-Biblical English and at times a Borscht Belt patois, Heller charges forward between a particularly Jewish self-deprecatory slyness and maudlin introspection, touching on all the themes he knows so intimately. These themes - life, death, youth, age, love, lust, regret - are all woven with the mastery that comes only with hard-earned and little-regarded authorial skill.

A more Conservative Jewish mindset might dismiss this work as simply "self-hating," and others might deride the tonal shifts as being so at odds. But, if you'll indulge me, I feel that Heller, whether intentionally or not, has constructed a work in the mold of its own protagonist. This novel, like the titular David, is brilliant yet also ignorant, strong yet also weak, a lover yet also a philanderer, fit yet also decrepit. In short, this novel combines the various aspects of Diasporic Jewish identity through the lens of the Biblical in a way that few other writers, both inside and outside of Israel, would dare to attempt, let alone complete.

But Heller does it. Flawed as the work may be, he accomplished it. In reading this, we see the ultimate tragedy of life and aging, the glorious pleasures of love and victory, and the degradation and shame, all under the guise of God's near-complete silence. This is the journal of a Jewish soul. Beautiful, flawed, unique in its generality to that one people, mine, that has suffered so much for so little, and been made so ugly, and yet somehow so incredibly beautiful because of this suffering.

Read this book. Endure it and withstand it. Once you have, you will see just how maddening, how funny, how ignorant, and how unutterably genius the Judaic soul can be.

A haunting, hilarious, and tragic contemporary retelling of the biblical story of King David has emerged. It is a work that manages to blend these diverse elements in a way that is truly captivating.

I found myself laughing harder than I have in a long time while reading this. The humor is sharp and unexpected, adding a unique layer to the narrative. At the same time, it also prompts deep and thorough contemplation about one's own relationship with God.

No other work of fiction has had such an impact on me in this regard. It forces you to examine your beliefs and values, and question how they align with the events and characters in the story.

However, it should be noted that this retelling contains some potentially triggering content, including sexual assault, homophobia, and violence. So, it is important to approach it with caution.

Overall, I highly recommend this contemporary retelling of the story of King David. It is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

I'm going to begin by addressing my one gripe about this book right away. The chapter lengths are just way too long! I'm a passionate reader, but with a demanding career, two kids, and trying to maintain a semblance of a social life, I don't have a whole lot of time to read. When I do manage to squeeze in some reading time, it's usually just 10 minutes here or 15 minutes there. This book really penalizes a reader like me. I often found myself not picking it up for weeks at a time because I needed a significant chunk of time to reach a natural stopping point. Or, if I did try to read in short bursts, I would have to put it down and then backtrack to figure out what was going on when I picked it up again. I understand that this might not be an issue for many readers, but for me, it somewhat dampened my enjoyment.

Now, for the good parts. Everything else! The book is at times humorous, at other times melancholy, and at still other times downright depressing. It reads beautifully. The author is incredibly talented. It's a book that is easy to read without sacrificing depth. The prose is excellent, and the conversations between the characters feel so natural. The anachronisms thrown in are hilarious, like "quickly send a wire!" The book just works on every level and is a joy to read.

It leaves you unsure about David, and that's intentional. Should you be laughing with him? Feeling sorry for him? Hating him? I think each reader will come to their own conclusion. For me, it was almost a sense of pity for how things ended up for him.

Overall, it's a great read.

DNF - seemed uninspired

DNF, which stands for "Did Not Finish," is a term often used in various contexts, such as in sports or competitions. When someone or something DNFs, it gives the impression of lacking inspiration or motivation.

It could be that the individual or team simply didn't have the drive or passion to complete the task at hand. Maybe they faced unexpected challenges or setbacks that demoralized them. Or perhaps they simply lost interest along the way.

In any case, a DNF can be a disappointment not only to the person or team involved but also to those who were rooting for them. It serves as a reminder that inspiration and motivation are crucial elements in achieving success. Without them, even the most talented individuals or teams may struggle to reach their goals.

However, it's important to note that a DNF doesn't have to be the end of the story. It can also be a learning experience, an opportunity to反思 and figure out what went wrong and how to do better next time. With the right mindset and a renewed sense of inspiration, those who have DNFed can come back stronger and more determined than ever.

I truly did enjoy this book. It offers a highly satirical portrayal of the life of King David.

I have always struggled to get through the Old Testament. I usually find myself getting lost somewhere within Exodus and thus have never managed to reach the story of King David. However, upon reading this book, I discovered it to be quite interesting. The dialogue in the book somewhat reminds me of a Mel Brooks film, with its unique brand of humor.

Nevertheless, I must admit that I felt like Heller rambled a bit at times. He repeatedly touched on the same themes and ideas, which, in my opinion, made this book seem much longer than it actually needed to be. But perhaps this was his comedic style and art, and some readers may really appreciate and enjoy that aspect.

Overall, it is still a brave and bold take on an ancient story. I have no doubt that Heller had a great deal of fun while writing this book, and more power to him for that. I do not regret spending my time reading it. In fact, it has actually made me want to give the Old Testament another try and see if I can make it through this time.

Dark humor and the Old Testament make for an interesting combination.

Just like in other books by Heller, he seems to lack the ability to know when to stop and instead keeps rehashing the same situations and ideas repeatedly.

However, despite this flaw, there are still some moments that can bring about good laughs.

Yet, when I finished reading it, it didn't leave me with a strong desire for more.

It's as if the book had its moments of entertainment but ultimately failed to fully engage me on a deeper level.

Perhaps it's because the constant repetition became tiresome after a while.

Nonetheless, it's still an interesting work that explores the intersection of dark humor and religious themes.

It makes one think about how these two elements can be combined in unexpected ways to create a unique reading experience.

Overall, while it may not be a perfect book, it does have its merits and is worth checking out for those who are interested in dark humor and the Old Testament.

I truly had a great liking for this book.

It offered a novel perspective on some extremely old and outdated information that gets recycled every Sunday morning throughout this nation.

At certain moments, it is explicit, while at other times, it is uproariously hilarious.

However, it is not suitable for the far-right conservatives.

This book manages to bring a new life to the otherwise tired and overused topics.

The author's approach is both bold and engaging, making it a captivating read.

It challenges the traditional way of looking at things and forces the readers to think outside the box.

Overall, it is a must-read for those who are open to new ideas and enjoy a good laugh.

I vividly remember perusing a portion of this book several years ago. However, for some unknown reason, I never managed to complete it.

King David takes center stage as he narrates his own tale, which is interspersed with copious amounts of humor and anachronisms. It appears to be a recurring motif in Jewish comedy to have the ancient Jewish figures speak and behave in a manner that resembles modern-day Jewish stereotypes. In this account, the characters in ancient Judah communicate in Yiddish, and Saul's daughter Michal is playfully dubbed a Jewish-American Princess.

David is also attributed with a plethora of songs and quotations that wouldn't come into existence for centuries after his era, including a significant portion of Shakespeare's works. He even offers his thoughts on translations, once pondering, "I theorize that the singular reason men like Joseph, Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Samuel, and me were chosen by the tides of destiny to distinguish ourselves from the ordinary was that we all possess solid English names that are recognizable and familiar."

Solomon is depicted as a greedy simpleton who simply parrots everything David utters, and his father claims that "he was dead serious when he proposed cutting the baby in half." There is much that is uproariously funny, yet it is also a remarkable retelling of the stories from the Bible, providing greater depth and understanding of David's character.

A very different David than the one I've learned about has emerged. On one hand, although some of the new revelations about him make really good sense, on the other hand, other parts are pretty troubling. When it comes to the telling of this story, I found it a really good read. It was very engaging and held my attention from start to finish. I think the title truly captures the author's ambivalence. It presents a dilemma: either it's all a load of hooey and the new account of David is completely baseless, or maybe God is the only one who really knows the truth and we mortals, including David himself, just can't figure it out. This uncertainty adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the narrative, making it all the more captivating.

Sheer futility, Qoheleth says. Sheer futility: everything is futile!

Ecclesiastes 1:2

When God bestows power and riches upon you, will you find true happiness in God? Or will you be left wondering why, out of all the people in this world, you are the chosen one? Chosen to brave the dangers that very few will face, to overcome the heartaches and pains that very few will endure. And as you grow old and decrepit, will you realize that all this pain and sorrow was for nothing? That all is vanity, and nothing truly matters?

This might very well be what was running through King David's mind as he struggled with his final sickness. He could no longer eat well, sleep well, and not even the presence of a hot babe in his bed could keep him warm. God Knows examines the story of King David with fresh perspectives and witnesses the rise of the rejected shepherd to the rejected old man rotting on the throne. Indeed, life truly comes in circles, doesn't it? Only God knows why your life has turned out this way. Only God knows...

Heller's take on the story of King David is truly unique.

Unlike his other books, this one places more emphasis on humour, which makes it a delight to read. However, it also contains a healthy helping of satire, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to the narrative.

The way Heller retells the story is both great and quite alternative. He brings a fresh perspective to the well-known tale, making it accessible and engaging for modern readers.

Overall, this is a must-read for fans of Heller's work and anyone interested in a new take on the story of King David. It's a book that will make you laugh, think, and perhaps even see the story in a whole new light.

One of the truly remarkable novels that often goes unnoticed in the literary world is "God Knows". It stands in fierce competition with "Catch-22" as Joseph Heller's finest work. The story unfolds through a continuous narrative by King David, who is on his deathbed. This unique perspective offers the reader an intimate and genuine look into the life of David, including the events that shaped him and the people who surrounded him. Moreover, it vividly illustrates the numerous difficulties that arise when dealing with the God of the Christian-Judeo tradition, who, as depicted in the novel, often behaves in a rather unlikable manner. "God Knows" is not only hilariously funny but also masterfully written, with its engaging plot and well-developed characters. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and is highly recommended for its thought-provoking themes and entertaining narrative.