Rating: 
Summary: One book you won't wanna MASH to pieces
Review: In 1970, the movie M*A*S*H was released and became a legend. But before the movie was Richard Hooker's crazy take on "Catch-22", entitled "MASH". Funny, sad and outrageous, Hooker explores the Korean War through the eyes of Capt. "Hawkeye" Pierce, Capt. "Duke" Forrest, and Capt. "Trapper John" McIntyre. MASH almost snags a *****, but an un-necessary ending takes it down; overall, it comes out as one book you won't wanna MASH to pieces.
Rating:
Summary: One book you won't wanna MASH to pieces
Review: In 1970, the movie M*A*S*H was released and became a legend. But before the movie was Richard Hooker's crazy take on "Catch-22", entitled "MASH". Funny, sad and outrageous, Hooker explores the Korean War through the eyes of Capt. "Hawkeye" Pierce, Capt. "Duke" Forrest, and Capt. "Trapper John" McIntyre. MASH almost snags a *****, but an un-necessary ending takes it down; overall, it comes out as one book you won't wanna MASH to pieces.
Rating: 
Summary: jill's review that dryfuse made her do...
Review: In my opinion, this was one of my favorite books to read. Maybe I liked it so much because I had already been an admirer of the television series before I ever even picked up a copy of the book, but not without giving credit to the brilliant writing and style of Mr. Hooker. It was a truly well-written story, which in my opinion was creative, truthful, and entertaining. Although it was about war, it did not focus totally on the war aspect, yet it did not completely deny the war component. Both parts of the story were what made it so unique and interesting to read. The characters were a mix of ordinary people, like you or me, drafted into the middle of no where. Their comical situations and heroic attitudes turned them into war heroes and idols. A lack of experience prior to the war, made each character vulnerable to "sticky situations" and by the end of the book, they would be prepared for anything. Throughout the story, a bunch of young "boys", turned into men.
Rating:
Summary: jill's review that dryfuse made her do...
Review: In my opinion, this was one of my favorite books to read. Maybe I liked it so much because I had already been an admirer of the television series before I ever even picked up a copy of the book, but not without giving credit to the brilliant writing and style of Mr. Hooker. It was a truly well-written story, which in my opinion was creative, truthful, and entertaining. Although it was about war, it did not focus totally on the war aspect, yet it did not completely deny the war component. Both parts of the story were what made it so unique and interesting to read. The characters were a mix of ordinary people, like you or me, drafted into the middle of no where. Their comical situations and heroic attitudes turned them into war heroes and idols. A lack of experience prior to the war, made each character vulnerable to "sticky situations" and by the end of the book, they would be prepared for anything. Throughout the story, a bunch of young "boys", turned into men.
Rating:
Summary: The Finest Kind
Review: Like the characters within the covers, Richard Hooker's "MASH", is not so much a work of art, but a piece of work and as dear Hawkeye is so fond of saying,"the finest kind". This book proves the theory that "the book is better than the movie", despite the fact that both the film and tv show were, perhaps, the best in their respective mediums. Put away your images from both and let Mr.Hooker take you to Korea. His prose is not the mystical, lyrical verse of some writers, but it is indeed a story, told masterfully. The characters are full of life, with enough kick to jump start your car, yet their wit is dry as the Sahara, just like the martinis served by the main characters, and prefered by the author himself. An easy read, if not an enjoyable one, that will make you laugh out loud and then, with a simple sentence, fill your mind's eye with the violence and destruction of war on the often forgotten participants. You will never regret the time spent reading this novel, nor will youever forget what it is about.
Rating:
Summary: The Finest Kind
Review: Like the characters within the covers, Richard Hooker's "MASH", is not so much a work of art, but a piece of work and as dear Hawkeye is so fond of saying,"the finest kind". This book proves the theory that "the book is better than the movie", despite the fact that both the film and tv show were, perhaps, the best in their respective mediums. Put away your images from both and let Mr.Hooker take you to Korea. His prose is not the mystical, lyrical verse of some writers, but it is indeed a story, told masterfully. The characters are full of life, with enough kick to jump start your car, yet their wit is dry as the Sahara, just like the martinis served by the main characters, and prefered by the author himself. An easy read, if not an enjoyable one, that will make you laugh out loud and then, with a simple sentence, fill your mind's eye with the violence and destruction of war on the often forgotten participants. You will never regret the time spent reading this novel, nor will youever forget what it is about.
Rating:
Summary: "The Best Comedy ever to be printed."
Review: M*A*S*H is a delightful novel. It is a bold unusual novel capturing the horrors and nightmares of war in a comic format. It is also great fun
Rating:
Summary: Better and more ribald than the movie or series!
Review: My knowledge of the characters and personalities greatly enhanced my appreciation for the movie and the series! In fact, my friends and I called ourselves the "Pros from Dover" after the golf outing of Hawkeye and Trapper to Seoul!!!
Rating:
Summary: Ah'd purely love to see it angry.
Review: Richard Hooker's M*A*S*H is quite a diverse book. It is part dramatic documentary on Korean War combat surgery and the remarkable achievements of the surgeons in spite of their lack of field training, the indequate medical facilities with which they had to work, and the sub-human conditions under which they had to perform miracles.It is also an extremely broad farce. The human sacrifice of Shakin' Sammy and the Jesus Christ personal appearance tour (actually a beer-swilling, half-naked, bearded Trapper John lashed to a crucifix) are a couple of examples of the exaggerated comic stylings. This interspersing of drama and comedy makes this an interesting if somewhat unsual read and also makes it a perfect subject for dramatization. When it is in comedy zone, it is way out there. When it is in drama zone, it is quite serious. According to Hooker's forward, the surgeons in a MASH were exposed to many extremes. With his writing style, Hooker has exposed us to extremes as well. It is one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it to fans of either the movie or the TV series. The film captures more of the book's bawdy, ribald spirit. The TV show captures more of the sentiment. I also recommend "MASH: An Army Surgeon In Korea" by Otto F. Apel if you want the real story of what life in a MASH was. If you are a fan of the film/book/series and think you have an understanding of how rough it was back then, read this. It was a lot worse. An excellent read. Add both of these books to your collection and then thank your lucky stars this isn't 1951 and you are draft eligible.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent work!
Review: Richard Hooker's M*A*S*H should well go down as a classic. It's even funnier than the movie or the series, yet it can also be touching. As hilarious as it is, there is always the constant reminder that a horrific war is going on. The reader soon realizes that the antics of Hawkeye and Trapper are not just for their amusment, but are mechanisms to retain their sanity in a world gone mad. A must read for all interested in life, war, or humour.
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