It can be quite hard to read a book cover to cover, especially when one is in an A.D.D reading phase. However, in such a situation, certain works can still prove to be perfect. Take the cut chapters from Catch 22, for example. They are truly amazing. Joseph Heller, the author, once shared a story. A fan asked him why a particular chapter was omitted when Catch 22 was first published. Heller initially argued with the fan and firmly insisted that the chapter was indeed included. But then, when he read the published version at that time, he realized that the fan was actually correct. As a result, he decided to contribute that chapter as a short story in Playboy Magazine. This incident not only shows the author's integrity but also adds an interesting footnote to the history of Catch 22.

The finish date is just a guess.

There were indeed some really interesting and fun ones included here.

I have a particular fondness for the George Bush one.

I read it some time ago, and unfortunately, I don't remember a great many details.

However, I do recall that it had a certain charm and perhaps some unique aspects that made it stand out.

It's always interesting to look back on these things, even if our memories are a bit hazy.

Maybe one day I'll come across it again and be able to relive those moments.

For now, I can only rely on my general impression and the fact that it was one of the more enjoyable ones among the bunch.

Who knows what other hidden gems might be waiting to be discovered or rediscovered in the future?

I would rate this book with four stars.

The reason for this rating is that the writings at the end of the book are truly amazing. They are so captivating and engaging that they really make the whole reading experience worthwhile.

However, in my opinion, the rest of the book is just okay. It doesn't have the same level of excitement and brilliance as the ending.

Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad book by any means. It has its moments and the story is interesting enough to keep you reading.

But it's just that the ending stands out so much that it makes the rest of the book seem a bit lackluster in comparison.

Overall, I would still recommend this book to others, especially if they are looking for a book with a great ending.

A fascinating look at Heller's life reveals a complex and talented individual. His writing journey was filled with both triumph and challenges. The unexpected success of Catch 22 catapulted him into the literary spotlight. However, his subsequent efforts with works like Something Happened and Good as Gold aimed to replicate that same level of success. Heller was truly a remarkable writer who opened my eyes to the delights of language. I will always hold him in the highest regard and worship at his feet!

Some of the most interesting aspects of his life were his reminiscences about his war service as a bombardier. These memories added a unique depth to his writing. Additionally, his subsequent trips to Europe to visit the scenes of his action provided him with a wealth of inspiration and material. It is through these experiences that Heller was able to create such vivid and engaging works that continue to captivate readers to this day.

I think I would have derived even greater enjoyment from it had I read it in closer proximity to Catch 22. However, it has been over a decade since I last read that particular work. As a result, the tangential stories within this piece were somewhat challenging to follow. The connections and references that might have been more apparent had I read Catch 22 more recently seemed a bit elusive.

Nonetheless, I truly relished the sections that featured original characters. Their unique personalities and the storylines that were developed around them held my attention and engaged my imagination. It was interesting to see how these new characters interacted within the context of the overall narrative and how their experiences contributed to the larger story. Despite the initial difficulty with the tangential elements, the presence of these original characters made the reading experience worthwhile and left me with a sense of satisfaction.

Terrific so far. Heller shows as much adroitness with deep emotions and the complexities of life as he usually shows with wit and irony. And the funny is still there, sometimes. It's truly remarkable how he can seamlessly transition between these different aspects. His ability to handle deep emotions with such skill makes the story all the more engaging and relatable. We can feel the characters' joys, sorrows, and struggles as if they were our own. The complexities of life are also portrayed in a very realistic way, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. And yet, despite all the seriousness, there are still those moments of humor that lighten the mood and bring a smile to our faces. It's a masterful blend of different elements that keeps us hooked from start to finish.

Nothing in Catch As Catch Can truly measures up to Catch-22 in terms of either brilliance or form.

However, despite the name of the story compilation suggesting a comparison between the two, there is really no need for that. These stories were penned over a span of decades. Heller's voice and ideas underwent changes now and then, yet he always appeared to be a proficient writer.

Even from his earliest story about a husband and wife engaged in an argument, he exhibits a smooth pace and a clear concept. There are seldom any astonishing twists like those one might encounter from Roald Dahl, but each story is precisely targeted and launched, never squandering your time.

There is one story about a young boy who is requested to sleep with a rich man's wife. And that is the essence of the story. It has tension, a touch of mystery, and some mild commentary on the upper class, but it is really just an idea that was skillfully put to paper. Some short stories are like that. In and out.

MacAdam's Log is one that we read for a Short Story Club, and it is perhaps the one with the most experimental interpretation. The main character becomes lost in his fantasies, somewhat similar to Walter Mitty, but it seems Heller is delving deeper here. The events occurring in his life outside of his fantasies perhaps imply that he is actually getting high on opium, or perhaps just succumbing to senility. It is not clear, and that is what I found appealing about it.

I probably would not wholeheartedly recommend this entire collection, but you wouldn't make a wrong choice with it. The stories never overstay their welcome, and even if the subjects of the stories are not always overly exciting, it is very evident how capable Heller was as a writer.

So, I have to say that I don't have a great fondness for short stories.

And the ones I'm referring to here are really short stories. They are like amuse bouche, but unfortunately, they don't bring much amusement.

I remember loving "Catch-22" and "Something Happened". However, this collection of stories is not in the same league as those books.

In fact, I gave up reading about halfway through. There's nothing objectively wrong with any of the individual stories. They are quite readable and even mildly pleasant.

But there's just something lacking. There's no real substance or depth. It's as if there's no "There, there". So, I'll have to pass on this one.

Maybe for some people, these short stories might be enjoyable, but for me, they just didn't hit the mark.

For Heller completests' only.

The early stories of Heller, as he himself admits in 'Now and Then', aren't very good. At best, they manage to evoke a 1940's B-movie film-noir feel. It's as if they are still in the process of finding their true voice.

However, things start to improve as Heller develops his comedic double-talk style. The later stories are much better. There are two harrowing tales of drug addiction that grip the reader and make them think about the darker side of life. Additionally, there are some good follow-ups to Catch-22 that continue to explore the themes and ideas that made the original so popular.

The autobiographical writings and reminiscences about WW2, Coney Island, and Catch-22 are also very enjoyable. They offer a unique perspective into Heller's life and the experiences that shaped him as a writer. Overall, while the early stories may not be up to par, the later works and autobiographical pieces make Heller's body of work a must-read for any fan of literature.

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Joseph Heller is undeniably a great writer.

However, it's important to note that he doesn't always produce works of the highest caliber.

Catch-22 is an outstanding book, one that holds a special place among my favorites.

Closing Time was also a remarkable piece of literature.

The characters in his works seem to write themselves, as the best of his short stories and novels incorporate them in a seamless way.

This collection contains several truly excellent shorts that have no connection to Catch-22, along with some interesting history about the famous novel.

I bet you assumed he named the book after an existing phrase, but in fact, it was originally intended to be Catch 18.

He changed his mind because another book with 18 in the title was set to be released in the same year.

What a brilliant decision that was!

Overall, while Heller may not always write at the peak of his abilities, his body of work is still highly regarded and continues to captivate readers.

As is often the case with this type of books (collections of texts of different types and written at very different times), the volume is somewhat irregular.

Nevertheless, some of the stories in the first part (those that had been previously published) are magnificent and it is also a pleasure to know more about Yossarian and some of his comrades.

It is also curious the text in which Heller talks about the vicissitudes of the film adaptation of Catch-22 and the story that closes the volume, "Coney Island: The Fun is Over".

This book offers a diverse range of literary works that provide both entertainment and deeper insights. The different styles and themes add to its overall charm. While the irregularity may be a minor drawback, it does not overshadow the quality of the individual pieces.

The inclusion of Heller's thoughts on the film adaptation and the final story add an extra layer of interest, making this collection a worthwhile read for fans of his work and those interested in exploring different literary perspectives.