For me, the most recent book regret is Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. Predictable from the get-go, bland, boilerplate sci-fi ideas, too many of these way-too-convenient plot devices just to push the story forward. I frankly don’t get the hype, and I am a pretty big science fiction guy.
Another one is Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. I read this in college and this whole book should have been a one-page essay. It was too repetitive, and the whole premise of “trust in your snap judgments and gut reactions” is way too simplistic and honestly stupid. Like all Gladwell books, it was anecdotal, superficial, and a waste of time.
Damn. I loved Dark Matter.
Same. It wasn’t deep, or life-changing, but it’s a page-turner. Very tight story, doesn’t spend too much time on science or character development. So while it may not have beautiful prose, or very deep characters, the story itself is really enjoyable and keeps you locked in.
At least that was my experience. I can see how someone might not like it though, especially if they want more focus on the science, deeper characters, or flowery prose.
I’ve read like 30 books this past year and pretty sure Dark Matter is top 5.