So many books, so little time.

I though I'd start with something easy. Like reading. I already like to read, I just usually choose to read books that one might not necessarily call literature. Remedying that is my first goal. I found there are a large number of necessary reading lists floating around the Internet, each more pretentious than the last. Perfect. That, combined with a small list of books I had planned to get around to reading left me with a hefty list of books that should occupy me until my demise at age 95. Oh my. At least I've already read a few of these books.
So along comes Sunday morning. After placating Steve with fresh pancakes and coffee, I convince him to come with me downtown to the best used book store in my realm of existence. Not having a read a novel since High School, he is hard pressed to share in my excitement. His demeanor is improved, however, when I mention that there are many books in the non-fiction section about cars and building things. Himself thus occupied, I steal away upstairs, freshly printed list in hand, to peruse the shelves for literary gems at a discount price. I have a few books pre selected and am delighted to find that they are of a reasonable length. Apparently literary genius does not equal 1000 pages of monotony.
All is well and I am happy as a clam until I start to look for Kurt Vonnegut Jr's Slaughterhouse Five. Vonnegut is no where to be found in literature, general fiction, sci-fi or fantasy. Curious. Maybe the store owner has a hate on for him? Refuses to stock him in the store? These are the kind of idiosyncrasies that make people interesting. Overcome with curiosity, I decide to ask someone who works there. She informs me that all the "subversive culture" books are kept in a locked cabinet. Subversive culture? Sweet. I like this Vonnegut guy already. But my excitement was short lived. Apparently they have a hard time keeping said book in the store. It being a used bookstore, the rely on people bringing in their books. I guess everyone likes Vonnegut. I eye my pile of books with fresh eyes. They don't keep Fitzgerald or Faulkner locked up..how interesting can they be?
But before I can consider replacing the books I've already chosen with other books, Steve appears at my elbow, Woodworking 101 and Wiring a Volkswagen in his hands.
"I'm ready to go." He says, eyeing my collection of paperbacks, "You don't need more than 4 do you?"
I suppose not. Another day Mr. Vonnegut, another day.