New York Public Library System

So I set out on a very noble adventure this summer: read books for pleasure. Everyone else does it and they're all smart, so I might as well try to fit in (though let's be clear, I stand no chance of that). Regardless, I thought I might even learn something while reading all these books about poverty, the collapse of societies, and the costs of medications. Might I even have a tasty nugget of information for my next conversation partner at those fancy manhattan cocktail parties I've never been to (nor will I probably ever attend)? The NYPL would surely give me the opportunity.

I set off to the library to procure myself a library card. Unfortunately, I am lazy, and the library is many (2) blocks away so this took a few days. When I finally got around to it, making it all the way to the library, the library gods laughed at me as it was July 4th (yes, I know and I wear a dunce hat everyday) . After the crushing disappointment, I finally got my card, rushed home and signed up for as many interesting books as I could. As I, like every other New Yorker, signed up for only NYT's Bestsellers, all the books had long hold lines (of 100's of people). Herein lies the crux of the matter:

How am I suppossed to educate myself on freaky economics when my 16 day wait for Freakonomics has moved me 229 spots up on the hold list...all the way to 725. At this rate, the economy of freaks will surely mutate rapidly before I get to day 60 (which at this rate will be when my book will be ready). That's right, two months to get a book from the trusty NYPL. No wonder most NYers are such dufuses like I am. (Not to embarass myself, but in my latest library trip, I attempted to enter via the exit turnstile and then proceded to attempt a speedy exit via the entrance turnstile. I'd have you know that the turnstiles are quite effective in only rotating in one direction.)

NYer's affection for the NYT's bestsellers non-fiction list has left me reading books that no one wants and that must mean that they suck. However, reading a crappy book is better than waiting two months for what very well could end up being a crappy book. Any book suggestions?