Book recommendation: Catch-22

"It's a wonderful book." —Washington Irving

No but really, Catch-22 is definitely one of my favourites, and I'm very glad I finally read it. It's about Yossarian, a captain during World War II. This book is actually the origin of the term catch-22. Here is one of the instances of this wonderfully-dissonant logic in the novel:

There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he were sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle.

The novel is very funny, and the non-linear timeline is interesting. It was an extremely entertaining experience—one of those great books that makes you sad after you finish reading it because it's over. In fact, finishing the book was so disappointing that I went back to re-read the best parts (the chapters in Rome are very good). And if that isn't the mark of an excellent novel, then what is?

Catch-22 on Wikipedia
Catch-22 on Amazon (this is an affiliate link; buying it using this link will cost nothing extra for you, but it will allow me to buy more books to review!)
Here is the non-affiliate link. It's the same price, so please consider using my above link!

Introducing Chopin: Etude Op.10 No.11

(This is the first of what will hopefully be a series of posts introducing some of my favourite pieces by my absolute favourite composer, Frederic Chopin. Look out for more, when I have some free time.)

Eleven is not only my favourite number, but Chopin's étude op.10 no.11 is also one of my favourite pieces for the piano. By any composer. Period.

Each and every one of Chopin's études presents a unique technical challenge alongside the beauty and elegance of a Chopin piece, and this étude is no exception. The melody is woven into the relentless rolled chords that is this étude's main feature. It makes your wrists hurt just watching someone play this piece.

When properly executed, this étude, with its flowing legato, its heart-melting rubato, and its intricate harmony, come together to make an unquestionably fantastic listening experience. Valentina Lisitsa's interpretation is among the best ones (if not the best one) I've heard of this piece.

She was kind enough to upload it to YouTube. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.