Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

What can I say? I loved this book. I loved Heller's descriptions of characters. I loved his use of deja-vu to bring across an important point. I loved his hilarious and ridiculous circular reasoning (my favorite "catch-22" can be read here). But most of all, I love Yossarian, one of Catch-22's main character.

No, he's not a perfect man. But really, what man is? Whatever his faults are, he makes up for them with a idealistic view of justice and honor. Despite, or rather because of, the fact everyone thinks he's crazy, Yossarian is perhaps the most sane character in the novel. He is one of the few who confronts his fears, and stands up to the government. Instead of shrinking away from conflict, he welcomes the challenge of defending what he thinks is right. And, on top of all that, he fights fair: despite the intolerable ill-will his superiors have shown him, he refuses to enter in an assassination attempt against them.

But what makes Catch-22 a great read is its portrayal of the idiotic bureaucracy. It's not too hard to believe that there are Generals out there as crazy and malicious as General Peckman. It's enirely plausible that supposedly the bravest men in our country are cowards who risk thousands of innocent lives in order to save face. And I am sure that the men who do fight honorably for our country are killed and then forgotten all too quickly.

Yet despite the tragedy and violence described in this book, Heller's message is hopeful. Sometimes good can triumph over evil, and all can be right with the world. All you have to do is speak out against the horrors, and to stand up for what you believe in.

If only more people in the world were able to stand up for their rights, the world could be a better place.