"The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin!

Fantasy, as well as (newer for me) speculative fiction. I've definitely read more fantasy this year, but the few spec fics I've picked up have been very cozy and/or thought-provoking in a way that illicits a similar response from my nervous system.

Yeah, I shop very infrequently and mostly secondhand, so for me it's usually whichever happens to be available *and* affordable.

I like hardcovers for big beefy books, as they're easier for me to hold/prop up (and they weather better), but for most books paperbacks tend to be easier on my hands.

"Around the World in Eighty Days" by Jules Verne is a good pick-me-up. It's short, fun, amusing, and has a very sweet ending.

Motivation boosted! I've been mentally preparing to tackle all of these sometime next year, so maybe it'll finally happen, ha ha.

"The Left Hand of Darkness" is superb—and short, so it isn't as visually intimidating as some of the beefier classics. Highly recommend.

Les Mis is an excellent read. Definitely worth all Hugo's (admittedly interesting, but also frequent) ramblings, ha ha.

This one's been on my list since I saw the first film! I'm waiting until after I've seen the second film to hunt down both Baum's original (which I've also not read) and this book.

"... [these very specific books, but only if I can carefully examine them in person at the bookshop first because what if they're written in or damaged or—worst of all—abridged?!]..."

(I have indeed been informed I'm difficult to shop for, ha ha.)