I’ve now delved into 3 out of the 5 novels that Joseph Heller penned, excluding Catch-22 and its sequel. And I firmly believe his name deserves a spot on the list of the most underrated.

Don't be concerned; I have that list stashed away somewhere. It's patently clear that he's an outstanding writer. His satirical take on men, family, art, and religion is of the highest caliber. He's uproariously funny and crafts unforgettable characters that keep you hooked and turning the pages. Well, at least that's how it was for me.

I'm quite certain you've read Catch-22, but I encourage you to give another one of his novels a try. I still have Picture This and God Knows left to read, but I can't fathom changing my mind about his brilliance.

Heller's works offer a unique perspective and a wealth of entertainment. They are well worth exploring beyond the well-known Catch-22. So, go ahead and discover the hidden gems in his other novels.

As one of the reviewers on my edition astutely put it, this work does for Washington DC (specifically in the '70s) precisely what Catch-22 so effectively did for the military.

It is truly a remarkable piece that manages to find humor in the often absurd and convoluted world of politics and bureaucracy. In certain places, it is side-splittingly funny, with its sharp wit and incisive observations. However, it must be noted that there is not an overly complex or intricate plot.

Instead, it seems to rely more on the power of its characters and their interactions to drive the narrative forward. While this may disappoint some readers who are seeking a more traditional, plot-driven story, for others, it will be a refreshing and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on a particular time and place. Overall, it is a work that is well worth exploring for its humor, its insights, and its ability to transport the reader to a different era.

Well, it's most definitely not a Catch-22 situation.

I firmly believe that there wasn't a solitary likable character throughout this entire book. The main character was truly abhorrent. The manner in which he treated his daughter, in particular, was truly sickening.

There were a few humorous lines here and there, but they were not in the same league of hilarity as those in Catch-22. The characters all engage in this absurd behavior where they contradict themselves with every sentence.

The plot meanders aimlessly for 500 pages, going absolutely nowhere. It's a story of awful people existing in a pointless world.

Moreover, the overarching narrative suggesting that Jews have it rough and can never get ahead is rather bizarre considering that Jewish people hold leadership positions in nearly every single important industry in the country.

It's extremely disappointing as I've regarded Catch-22 as my favorite book ever since I was still in high school. Perhaps it's time to reread it.

This is supposed to be semi-autobiographical, and if that's the case, Heller must've really been an insufferable jerk.

According to Heller, his perspective on life is both intelligent and humorous. He has a unique way of looking at the world and finding the absurdity and comedy in everyday situations. His intelligence allows him to analyze and understand the deeper meanings and implications of events, while his sense of humor helps him to lighten the mood and make even the most difficult circumstances more bearable.

Heller's approach to life is refreshing and engaging. He doesn't take himself too seriously, but at the same time, he has a profound understanding of the human condition. His intelligent and humorous take on life can inspire others to look at their own lives in a new way and find the joy and laughter that exists within them.

Overall, Heller's intelligent and humorous perspective on life is an excellent example of how we can approach the world with a sense of curiosity, creativity, and lightheartedness. It reminds us that life doesn't have to be taken too seriously all the time, and that we can find meaning and happiness in the simplest of things.

It is between 4 and 5, but rather closer to 4.5 :)
I was having an amazing time, and Heller is great!

The experience was truly wonderful. I found myself completely immersed in the activities that were going on. The value of what I was experiencing was definitely in that range between 4 and 5, leaning more towards 4.5. It was a level of enjoyment that is hard to put into words. And Heller, who was involved in this whole thing, was just outstanding. His presence added so much to the overall atmosphere and made the whole event even more memorable. I can't wait for the next time I get to have such a great experience with Heller and all the wonderful things that come along with it.

Heller embarks on a journey that delves deep into the government and the Jewish experience within America. He has a remarkable talent for writing about the ordinary, day-to-day interactions among people. He has the ability to uncover the irony hidden within these interactions and transform them into an engaging and involving story. It is quite possible that this work is the most autobiographical one of Heller's. "Good as Gold" showcases Heller at his absolute best, with his acerbic wit, sarcastic remarks, and flippant attitude shining through. This novel not only provides a captivating read but also offers valuable insights into the complex world of government and the unique experiences of the Jewish community in America.

Flawed, overlong but Somehow Brilliant

This is one of the rare novels that made me laugh out loud. After 30 years, I decided to pick it up again. Ostensibly, it's about the Jewish experience, especially in New York. For me, it's the family discussions around the dinner table that are truly hilarious. Gold's brother Sid's crackpot observations and misquotations, his father's boastful misanthropy, and the exasperation and misery it causes to Gold - all these elements combine to create a truly entertaining read.

Also, the double talk and unthinking hypocrisy in government are both funny and chilling. However, the novel gets a bit messy two-thirds in when the author briefly breaks into the first person. It's probably too long, and I could have done without the relentless antisemitism of Conover.

Nevertheless, it resolves nicely and touchingly over a sensitively described family funeral. It made me want more. While it's less surreal than Catch 22, it's definitely dated in style and parts even reminded me of Pynchon and Tom Robbins, perhaps due to the era in which it was written.

If you like "Jewish" novels like those by Roth, comic novels, or a touch of the surreal, then this book might be for you. But don't expect perfection. A lot of the "fun" is in the set pieces. Overall, it's not a five-star book for the reasons mentioned above, but it does deserve four stars for justifying my recollection of its brilliance and making me laugh and smile again.

A delightfully funny yet highly complicated political drama awaits within the pages of this remarkable book. I was truly drawn to the character of Gold, with his chaotic Jewish family and his intricate relationship with the world of politics. The continuous jabs at Henry Kissinger were not only hilarious but also, in a strange way, necessary. I mean, seriously, how is he still around? It occurred to me that this book seemed like something my father might enjoy. However, I'm not entirely sure if that's a compliment or not. The story is layered, filled with moments that are both soul-crushingly sad and laugh-out-loud funny. It's a very solid piece of literature that I wholeheartedly recommend, especially if you have an interest in politics. It offers a unique perspective and a captivating narrative that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Joseph Heller is the writer who had the most profound impact on me during my youth. His unique blend of satire and humour truly resonated with me.

I vividly remember "Catch 22" and "Something Happened" as remarkable works, and I also have a special place in my heart for "Good as Gold".

Even today, I still find his portrayal of the Jewish family in this book to be filled with hilarious moments. However, aside from that, he seems to recycle the concept from "Catch 22" and transplant it into the White House setting.

Moreover, his animosity towards Henry Kissinger takes up a significant portion of the narrative, yet it doesn't really contribute to the story in a meaningful way.

I'm glad that I had the opportunity to revisit Joseph Heller's world once again, although this time with a bit less of the awe and admiration that I had when I was 20.

All I can think about is that line from Hannah and Her Sisters.

"How am I supposed to know why there was a holocaust? I don't know how the can opener works!"

This line really makes me stop and think. It highlights the vastness of the world's mysteries and our own limitations in understanding. The Holocaust is such a complex and tragic event that defies easy explanation. It makes us realize how little we truly know about the forces that shape our world.

At the same time, the mention of not knowing how a can opener works is a humorous and relatable touch. It shows that even in the simplest of things, there can be elements that elude our understanding.

This line serves as a reminder that we should approach life with humility and curiosity. We may never fully understand the big questions, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep asking and seeking answers. And even in the face of our own ignorance, we can still find joy and wonder in the world around us.

Heller is truly a master. This book is humorously engaging in all the right aspects. It may bring to mind Catch 22, yet it is truly distinct. The plot, for example, is far more ordinary and straightforward to follow. You would be completely lacking if you were to abandon reading a literary gem like this. The writing is of the highest quality, and the characters and situations are both uproariously funny and poignantly sorrowful. It also has a playful charm. Heller includes references to himself, and it seems as if this is a book about writing a book, but done exceptionally well, so it is not a tiresome concept at all.

I adored it. I was devouring 50 pages in a single sitting, and considering I don't have much time or focus lately, that speaks volumes.

The part about protestant children pulling down a Jewish boy's pants and spitting on his penis is still so amusing that I wonder how Heller conceived of it or if someone he knew actually experienced such a thing. And it's not even the best part.

The book overstays its welcome and repeats the same beats continuously. There are indeed some incredible scenes and dialogue, along with a legitimately funny and insightful premise. However, it gets beaten down so much that by the time I reached the last 100 pages, I was begrudgingly slogging through them. When I went back and looked at the things I had flagged as funny, they just weren't as humorous on a second viewing because I had read the same joke over and over again in the subsequent pages.

I understand that this might come from an indulgent moment in American literature, but someone really needed to chop 150 - 200 pages out of it.

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"Self-denial, like the self-punishment of jogging, made him feel virtuous and savagely bad-tempered." This line provides an interesting perspective on the concept of self-denial.

"'I have an open mind,' said Gold. 'I think I could really get behind such issues as busing and integration now that my own children won't be affected by them.'" This dialogue offers a satirical look at people's attitudes towards social issues.