I've tried to read this book over the course of a year, and now, 3/4 of the way through, I'm giving up. I want so desperately to enjoy this book due to the wisdom that is still relevant today. I find it interesting that his criticism of education, and our pursuit of ownership and status that requires a relentless pursuit of work is relevant today. His thoughts on minimalism and living simply completely resonate with me. However, the wisdom is scattered throughout his constant ramblings about the sounds of nature, every chirp in the forest, and every little detail that he notices happening around him. While I think that sitting back and enjoying the simple life is important, conveying that in the most minute detail does not make for an enjoyable read. If you are going to attempt to read this book and garner the important wisdom within, let me save you some time: read the first three chapters, the chapters on visitors, and the very last chapter. The rest is mostly ramblings by a someone who's spent way too much time making his daily journal into a book.