Catch-22 is a novel by Joseph Heller about several World War 2 soldiers and their plight to de-enlist from the army. The characters learn that the only way out is to plead insanity, however, doing so exhibits a desire to live that only a sane man could have, rendering your plea invalid. In real life these dire situations came to be known as Catch-22s.

The book received heavily partisan reviews when it was first released and still polarises readers to this day. Regardless, it has seen several reprints and adaptations since release.

It was released in October 1961, and has recently celebrated its 50th birthday.