Extra Books – February 21 to 27

Posted 27 February 2011 in more books archive /1 Comment

Well, this isn’t really a novel or nonfiction book that I can review properly. It really depends on what translation you have, but I didn’t really pay attention to the translator’s notes/interpretations. On the whole, a very handy little book. I love stuff like this that’s still relevant and meaningful thousands of years later.

I FINALLY FINISHED IT OMG. I buckled down on Tuesday and read 300 pages or so.
I really did enjoy this book, promise. I’ve never really read any war novels or books so satirical as this one, so this was a first for me. I can see why everyone makes such a big deal about it, though! I love the balance of humourous and serious moments. When you finally read about the event that transformed Yossarian, it’s pretty heartbreaking.
Hrrm…it’s too big for me to reflect upon -.- (yeah, I’m being lazy XP I have a lot on my mind right now, gah).
I particularly liked Yossarian, Major Major and the chapters about Milo (although I didn’t like Milo himself, of course).
I particularly liked The Soldier Who Saw Everything Twice. There were lots of other parts I remember. But that one sticks in my mind :/ And the chapter Colonel Catchart. Silly Colonel.

I am in love with the writing style used in this book. There isn’t much more to say there XD Everything about it, I love. This book will probably serve well as future inspiration.
In class we discussed how it isn’t really about two characters, it’s about the relationship. I completely agree. The portrayal of the father/son relationship is part of what makes this book so strong.
Sometimes with the pronouns it would get confusing. Because it’s just ‘the man’ and ‘the boy’ so all pronouns are he and I got a little lost in some sentences. But that’s an exceptionally minor complaint.
I was highly disappointed in the last five pages or so, however. SPOILERS AHEAD.
I was quite prepared for the father to die of his illness, but I thought there would be more tragedy. I was sure the boy was going to die also and I thought it would be at the hands of the bad guys or the man being forced to shoot him. Alas, it was not so. The ending of the book was the least emotional part for me :/ Oh well, at least I was more invested in the style of the book than the story!