Yes, I often feel that there are so many books and so little time. But I recently came across this quote by one of my literary heroes, Mortimer Adler, that helps me when I get anxious to hurry through the book I am currently reading:
It's not now many books you get through, it's how many books get through you.
I have recently discovered the joys of unabridged audio books, and that's how I'm able to "read" Don Quixote at the same time that I'm reading How to Think about the Great Ideas. I listen to Don Quixote in the car on my way to school and it puts me in a great frame of mind for teaching.
I myself have given up trying to keep up with new books. I have been burned on so many new titles that have turned out to be duds, that I am pretty much sticking to the great books. Take, for example, The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman. Many people were raving about this book, so I checked it out from the library, and was very disappointed in it. Occasionally, however, something new will really grab me, like Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel by Susanna Clarke, or Father Elijah by Michael O'Brien, for instance; but for the most part I am reading a list I compiled from several great books lists.
I am very much a fan of the Britannica Great Books of Western Civilization and the Great Ideas Program. I know that people have criticized those programs for being too Euro-centric and male-dominated, and to some degree those criticisms are valid, but I have other lists that help to fill any gaps. I've been reading off of my self-compiled list for several years now and have yet to really be disappointed.
Next on my list is Aristotle, and then I think maybe some Plutarch or Montaigne. I also have a bunch of audio books lined up for when I finish Don Quixote.
Your book Star-Crossed looks interesting. I'm a huge fan of the Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian, and reading about your book reminded me of that series.