September 2009 Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961). The Merrian-Webster Dictionary defines a catch-22 as "a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule." The book takes place toward the end of WW2 in a squadron of bombers flying missions over Italy to support the American advance north. The main character, Captain Yossarian, wants to be grounded. The rules state that if he can be certified as crazy, then he can be grounded. But to request such a certification is only the product of a sane person, so he has to continue flying missions: Catch-22. I read this book 30 years ago in High School and it made an impression on me then. I decided to re-read it this year and it still made an impression. The book is not a linear book, so in that way it's difficult to read. The pivotal experience of the main character is alluded to and partially described throughout the book, but not revealed in it's horrible detail until near the end. The author describes situations from the point of view of several characters, and gets into their thoughts and fears. There is really some good writing in this book. I rented the Mike Nichol's movie adaptation of this book shortly after finishing the book. The movie had a lot of great actors in it (Alan Arlin, Orson Wells, Martin Sheen, Bob Newhart...) and really captured the the flavor of the book and many of the small details. I'm not sure I'd recommend this book to everyone. It's not easy to read, but in my opinion worth the effort. It modulates from very funny stuff to unflinching details of the horror of war.