Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 37 votes)
5 stars
13(35%)
4 stars
11(30%)
3 stars
13(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
37 reviews
July 14,2025
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For those who truly love the works of Heller, this particular piece is an absolute must-read. It offers a unique perspective and engaging narrative that is sure to captivate the reader from start to finish.

The official review, which can be found at http://www.timferro.com/wordpress/arc..., provides further insights into the quality and significance of this work.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Heller or new to his writing, this is a book that should not be missed. It has the potential to leave a lasting impression and add to your appreciation of his literary genius.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this book and embark on a literary journey that you won't soon forget.
July 14,2025
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**Title: A Decent Experience with 3.5 Stars**

I recently had an encounter that I would rate 3.5 stars.

It wasn't perfect, but there were definitely some亮点. The service was generally good, with the staff being friendly and helpful. However, there were a few minor issues that could have been improved.

The quality of the product or service was also decent. It met my basic expectations, but it didn't really stand out. There were some areas where it could have been enhanced to make it more outstanding.

Overall, I would say that it was a satisfactory experience. While it didn't blow me away, it was still worth the time and money. I would consider giving it another try in the future, hoping that they would address the areas that needed improvement and take it to the next level.

With a little more effort and attention to detail, this could easily become a 4 or 5-star experience.
July 14,2025
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Let's just say, if you are looking for Catch-22, you are going to be disappointed.


This is because Catch-22 is not a tangible thing that can be easily found. It is a complex and often paradoxical situation that defies simple solutions.


It represents the absurdity and contradictions that exist in many aspects of life, such as in the military, in society, and even in our personal relationships.


So, instead of expecting to find Catch-22 and solve it, we should perhaps learn to recognize and navigate these kinds of situations when they arise.


We need to be flexible, creative, and willing to think outside the box in order to find ways to deal with the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that Catch-22 presents.


In conclusion, while Catch-22 may be frustrating and difficult to understand, it is an important concept that can help us to better understand the world around us and to become more effective problem-solvers.
July 14,2025
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It's not Catch-22, but the snippets that didn't make it into Catch-22 are truly funny.

These snippets offer a unique perspective and add an extra layer of humor to the already remarkable work.

They provide a glimpse into the creative process and the wealth of ideas that the author had.

Good times indeed are had when exploring these overlooked gems.

They can bring a smile to your face and make you appreciate the genius of the original work even more.

Whether it's a witty dialogue, a hilarious situation, or a clever observation, these snippets are a testament to the author's talent for creating humor.

So, take the time to discover these hidden treasures and enjoy the good times they have to offer.

You'll be glad you did.
July 14,2025
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The overall experience was not great, but still enjoyable. Heller's dialogue has the potential to be truly amazing. There are two particularly good pieces that stand out.

The first exchange goes like this: "You mean we weren't introduced?" and the response is "It can be arranged if you find the present relationship offensive." This simple yet clever dialogue showcases Heller's ability to create engaging and thought-provoking conversations.

The second piece involves a Drill Sergeant who gives some rather unusual advice. He says, "Don't just lie there while you're waiting for the ambulance. Do push ups." This unexpected instruction adds a touch of humor and quirkiness to the situation, making it all the more memorable. Overall, these two examples demonstrate the unique charm and creativity of Heller's writing.
July 14,2025
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Hit and miss - the best parts have a very similar tone to Catch-22.


This statement implies that the work in question has elements that oscillate between being excellent and not quite hitting the mark. The comparison to Catch-22 suggests a certain style or tone that is present in the best sections.


Catch-22 is known for its satirical and absurd take on war and bureaucracy. It uses dark humor and a complex web of circumstances to create a unique narrative. If the best parts of the other work have a similar tone, it likely means they also employ satire, irony, and a sense of the absurd to make their points.


However, the "hit and miss" nature indicates that not all of the work reaches the same high standard. There may be sections that are less engaging, or that don't quite capture the same essence as the best parts.


Overall, this description suggests a work that has the potential to be truly great, but also has some room for improvement. It makes the reader curious to explore the work further and discover which parts are the "hits" and which are the "misses".
July 14,2025
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Catch as catch can. The collected stories and other writings - what an amazing book! I'm not typically a fan of collected short stories, but this one truly captured my heart. It is so diverse, encompassing both the comic and the tragic, the cynical and the hilarious. You can discover a kind of written experimentation that foreshadows 'Catch 22'. There are stories of love, misunderstanding, and life, as well as autobiographical anecdotes and different examples of literature. This collection is not only great but also extremely powerful. It takes you on a journey through various emotions and experiences, leaving you with a profound sense of appreciation for the written word. Whether you're a lover of short stories or not, this book is definitely worth a read.

July 14,2025
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I found this at a TJ Maxx, of all places.

Surprisingly, it's a British edition.

The most astonishing thing is that it was only three dollars.

I'm still puzzled as to how such a find could be made in a TJ Maxx.

Maybe it was a random occurrence, a stroke of luck.

But it makes me wonder about the journey this British edition took to end up in this particular store.

Was it a misplacement during shipping?

Or perhaps it was part of a special deal or clearance.

Regardless of the reason, I'm glad I came across it.

It's a unique item that adds a touch of mystery to my collection.

Every time I look at it, I'm reminded of that unexpected discovery at TJ Maxx.

And I can't help but be curious about what other hidden treasures might be waiting to be found in such unlikely places.

July 14,2025
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Like any collection of short stories that span an author's life, this one was uneven.

The bad stories, to be sure, were no Catch-22, but they were never rancid either. They might have lacked the brilliance and depth of Heller's masterpiece, but they still had some redeeming qualities.

And the good stories - some of which dealt with characters from Catch-22 - were Heller at his best. They were filled with his trademark wit, irony, and social commentary. They made you think and feel, and they left a lasting impression.

The lesser stories didn't put much of a damper on all of the good ones. In fact, they served to provide some balance and variety to the collection.

Overall, I'd highly recommend this collection. It's a great way to get a taste of Heller's work and to see how his writing evolved over the years.

The last story, "Coney Island: The Fun is Over," was a particular surprise. It was quite good, with a poignant and bittersweet ending that left me feeling both satisfied and a little sad.
July 14,2025
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Joseph Heller is truly a remarkable author, and you simply can't go wrong with his works.

The beginning of his books is often nothing short of fantastic, captivating the reader from the very first page. However, as we near the end, it sometimes doesn't quite maintain the same level of brilliance.

Take, for example, after "Clevinger's Trial" in "Catch-22". Even though I had already read the book, this particular part had me literally laughing aloud. It was a moment of pure comical genius. But after that, it just didn't seem to be as outstanding.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad by any means. It just didn't meet the extremely high expectations that I have come to have from Heller. His works are usually so masterfully crafted that when something doesn't quite measure up, it stands out. Nevertheless, I still highly recommend his books to anyone looking for a unique and thought-provoking read.
July 14,2025
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Some stories were truly excellent. They had engaging plots, well-developed characters, and the ability to draw the reader in.

However, there was one aspect that really grated on my nerves. He tried way too hard to be funny at times. His attempts at humor often felt forced and out of place.

It got to the point where it made me so frustrated that I actually had the urge to burn the book and throw it across the room. I just couldn't take the constant barrage of unfunny jokes and comical asides.

I understand that adding humor can enhance a story, but it has to be done in a natural and appropriate way. In this case, it felt like he was sacrificing the integrity of the story in an attempt to be entertaining.

Overall, I was disappointed because the potential of the stories was great, but his overzealous efforts at humor really detracted from the reading experience.
July 14,2025
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Love, love, Catch-22!

The Yossarian pieces are truly outstanding and deserve 4 stars. They offer an in-depth and fascinating exploration of the complex character.

The behind-the-scenes look at the movie Catch-22 is also very interesting and refreshingly honest, which earns it another 4 stars.

However, the other short pieces didn't quite catch my attention at the moment. They seemed a bit lackluster compared to the main story.

But to be fair, I wasn't really in the mindset for those particular parts when I was reading the book.

Overall, despite the slight dip in quality with the shorter pieces, Catch-22 remains a remarkable and thought-provoking work that I would highly recommend.
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