Author: Joseph Heller
Publisher & Date: Simon & Schuster, 5 Apr 2011
Page Count: 544 pages
ISBN: 978-1451626650
Age/Reading Level: 14-18+/Grades 9-12+
Representation:
Other Information:
Book Information
Set in Italy during World War II, this is the story of the incomparable, malingering bombardier, Yossarian, a hero who is furious because thousands of people he has never met are trying to kill him. But his real problem is not the enemy—it is his own army, which keeps increasing the number of missions the men must fly to complete their service. Yet if Yossarian makes any attempt to excuse himself from the perilous missions he’s assigned, he’ll be in violation of Catch-22, a hilariously sinister bureaucratic rule: a man is considered insane if he willingly continues to fly dangerous combat missions, but if he makes a formal request to be removed from duty, he is proven sane and therefore ineligible to be relieved.
Challenges & Bans
The book has been challenged, citing it’s exploration of the themes of misogyny, racism, and violence. Additionally, its anti-war sentiment and its criticism of bureaucracy, have also been viewed as controversial.
Specific challenges:
Strongsville, Ohio (1972): The book was banned due to indecent language. The ban was later lifted after a federal appeals court ruled that students had a “right to receive information”.
Snoqualmie, Washington (1979): A ban was considered over the book’s references to women as “whores,” but it was eventually returned to the curriculum after students appealed the decision.
Alaska (2020): The novel was removed from a high school curriculum, along with other classics, due to concerns over its content.
Awards & Accolades
National Book Award Finalist
