One dark comedy novel that often makes its way onto “best of” lists is “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller. Set during World War II, it follows the absurd and often illogical experiences of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier. The story revolves around Yossarian’s attempts to maintain his sanity while navigating the bureaucratic madness of the military. The title itself refers to a paradoxical situation in which airmen who are sane enough to request to be grounded from dangerous missions are considered insane for wanting to avoid them, but those who continue to fly are deemed sane enough to do so. Through a series of darkly humorous and sometimes surreal episodes, Heller satirizes the absurdities of war, bureaucracy, and human nature. The novel delves into themes of mortality, morality, and the inherent contradictions of human existence, all while delivering biting wit and incisive commentary. With its sharp humor and memorable characters, “Catch-22” remains a classic example of dark comedy in literature.