CATCH -22

*Catch-22* is a satirical novel written by Joseph Heller, first published in 1961. The story is set during World War II and follows the experiences of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Force B-25 bombardier, and his fellow airmen as they try to maintain their sanity while fulfilling their service requirements.

The novel’s title, *Catch-22*, has become a common idiom representing a no-win situation or a paradoxical dilemma where a person cannot avoid a problem because of contradictory constraints or rules.

In the book, *Catch-22* refers to the absurd logic used by the military to keep the airmen flying dangerous missions. For example, Yossarian wants to be grounded from flying because he fears for his life. However, the catch is that only