Thursday, February 25, 2010

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

I enjoyed it but expected more. The book sat on my shelf for many years at four different homes. Wow, I hadn't actually realized how much moving I'd done since 2005. Ch-ch-ch-changes. Anyway, the book was good, but I wasn't blown away. The best part for me was the assorted characters and their various antics. Heller must have had a hell of a good time writing this, as it was a hoot to read at parts. Many good turns of phrase, but to the point of repetition, which may have been Heller's point in regards to his thoughts on war.

Catch-22 on BookCrossing.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Words cannot express

Dear Mrs., Mr., Miss, or Mr. and Mrs. Daneeka:
Words cannot express the deep personal grief I experienced when your husband, son, father or brother was killed, wounded or reported missing in action.
-- Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

The impersonalness ought to be taken personally.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

long white legs and supple, callipygous ass

He enjoyed Nurse Sue Ann Duckett's long white legs and supple, callipygous ass; he often neglected to remember that she was quite slim and fragile from the waist up and hurt her unintentionally in moments of passion when he hugged her too roughly.
-- Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

I finished reading Catch-22 in Malaysia (and left it with starbytes) and made some notes for posts on this here book blog upon my return. I didn't know what callipygous meant when I read it, and finally looked it up just now. While I hope to say and write callipygous regularly from here on out, reality will likely see me use it a few times and then never again. If you say it or write it to me, I will go weak at the knees.