[wallflower]

I remember discovering "The Electric Kool Aid Acid Test" in my high school library. I eventually stole it by taking out the plastic-encased metal security dingy and devoured it more. I read it over and over until the paperback fell apart. It introduced me to a world so foreign and sparkly and rusty dangerous and yet so real. RIP Tom Wolfe for bringing us into your worlds of observation and intrigue.

[52-6F-62]

The way you speak about that book reminds me of my equally teenage love of Kerouac (Might be a virtual right of passage for my age range). I got in well enough with the small Ontario town high school librarian to gain access to the “banned books” they stowed in the back but never disposed of. Wolfe lived back there as well as a number of notable Canadian and American poets. I hope I don’t sound too assuming when I say that I think I know exactly what you mean.

[mturmon]

Just to chime in: Although I'm a big reader, I finally got to Kerouac when I was married and in my 30s. It simply did not click by the time I was that old! I agree that you have to hit it at the right time in your life - not necessarily a numerical age, of course.

[segmondy]

You denied other's the chance to do the same. You need to make amends.

[dang]

wallflower has more than made amends by providing some of the best reading on Hacker News for many years.

[bch]

I’m not really fussed by ‘wallflowers transgression, but I find rationalizing stealing from a public library by posting in an a Gucci tech/business website a bit problematic.

[dang]

Oh I agree, but was just trying to mitigate the harshness with a little good feeling. We all have enough to point fingers at ourselves about.

[wallflower]

Thanks, dang! I appreciate all you do for this community.

[bch]

Well, I can get behind the intended spirit. Cheers

[wallflower]

I never really thought about it that way back then. You are right. I will buy a few copies of this book and leave them in the train stations or on park benches. Thanks.

[coldtea]

He inspired others to do as he did -- and he added a nice story to the universe.

That's more than non denying others the chance to read a specific book at the library -- which 99.999% wouldn't have read even if they could anyway.

[rexpop]

No, no, a book wants to be read to exhaustion, and the new "you" who reads it a second time is as deserving as a stranger.

[pboutros]

"Repent, sinner!!!"

[openforce]

The only copy in my local library had over 30 holds. They said they used to have a second copy until ...

[MisterTea]

Information wants to be free.

[syndev]

Books in a library seem more free than privately owned books.