Out of the books I’ve finished this year (aka not counting DNFs), I would say Letters to a Young Scientist. Rather than continuing the genuine, humble spirit of Letters to a Young Poet (its inspiration), the author used it as a platform to aggrandize himself and his particular career path despite the breadth of the scientific field.

I’ve personally had mixed experiences with his works. I really enjoyed The Remains of the Day but didn’t like Never Let Me Go or Klara and the Sun as much.

I usually do decent research before starting a book so I try to give it at least 20% before bailing. I’ve had several like that lately.

Somehow I don’t remember that from my Holmesian middle school years!

I seem to remember Tolstoy using “rapture” a LOT in W&P. There have been other examples but that one stands out

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. I may even re-read it before the year’s end to dwell on the themes of the book and my reading in general this year.

I’ve had 1Q84 on my shelf for a few years and I’ve been debating keeping it. Maybe I’ll give it a shot next year!