Joseph Heller's Catch-22 is a darkly comic masterpiece that exposes the absurdity of war and bureaucratic logic. Following bombardier Yossarian's desperate attempts to survive World War II, Heller creates a circular nightmare where the rules designed to protect soldiers actually ensure their destruction. The novel's title has entered the language as shorthand for impossible situations, testament to its enduring cultural impact.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Heller understood that sometimes the only sane response to insanity is laughter, even when nothing is funny. Catch-22 remains the definitive anti-war novel not because it's preachy, but because it shows how systems can make madness mandatory. It's hilarious until suddenly it's not, and that's exactly the point.

DETAILS: • Author: Joseph Heller • Publisher: Simon & Schuster • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: April 5, 2011 • ISBN: 9781451626650 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days