
About this episode
Easily the funniest book I've ever read!
'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is fictional novel set on a US air force base on an island off Northern Italy during WWII. It follows Yossarian whilst he tries to avoid flying missions as everyone is out to kill him. He is joined by a collection of other wacky characters as they all show their peculiar idiosyncrasies. The book highlights the absurdity of army politics, the waste that is generated by bureaucracy and the mundanity of war (with brief flashes of intensity).
I summarised the book as follows. "To say this is funny is an understatement. It is absolutely hilarious although it does contain disturbing/gory scenes, as it is after all about war. Catch-22 has become mainstay of the English language due to the absolute perfection of Heller in creating situation of paradox that can't be resolved. One of the best books I've ever read!"
I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!
If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3zmGbIH
Timeline:
(0:00) - Intro
(0:30) - Synopsis
(3:11) - Catch-22: The funny side of paradox
(6:58) - The Wastage Of War: Ridiculous, futile bureaucracy in action
(11:41) - Personal Observations/Takeaways
(15:17) - Summary
Connect with Mere Mortals:
Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show
'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller is fictional novel set on a US air force base on an island off Northern Italy during WWII. It follows Yossarian whilst he tries to avoid flying missions as everyone is out to kill him. He is joined by a collection of other wacky characters as they all show their peculiar idiosyncrasies. The book highlights the absurdity of army politics, the waste that is generated by bureaucracy and the mundanity of war (with brief flashes of intensity).
I summarised the book as follows. "To say this is funny is an understatement. It is absolutely hilarious although it does contain disturbing/gory scenes, as it is after all about war. Catch-22 has become mainstay of the English language due to the absolute perfection of Heller in creating situation of paradox that can't be resolved. One of the best books I've ever read!"
I hope you have a fantastic day wherever you are in the world. Kyrin out!
If you would like to support the channel, you can grab yourself a copy of the book here! https://amzn.to/3zmGbIH
Timeline:
(0:00) - Intro
(0:30) - Synopsis
(3:11) - Catch-22: The funny side of paradox
(6:58) - The Wastage Of War: Ridiculous, futile bureaucracy in action
(11:41) - Personal Observations/Takeaways
(15:17) - Summary
Connect with Mere Mortals:
Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/Support the show
Get every episode summarized
Each time Mere Mortals Book Reviews publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Dario Amodei’s AI Warning: We’re Closer Than People Realise
Mere Mortals Book Reviews
Mar 10, 202616:49failed

This Book Predicts the Future (And It’s Terrifying) | Accelerando Book Review
Mere Mortals Book Reviews
Feb 17, 20269:14pending

The Habits of High Performers | Book Review (James Laughlin)
Mere Mortals Book Reviews
Jan 27, 202612:21pending

Tolkien’s Final Battle | The Return of the King Book Review
Mere Mortals Book Reviews
Jan 20, 202610:57pending