I get a high ratio by reading old books that are still highly regarded.

If it’s been around for generations and people have and continue to find it worthwhile, it’s a pretty good indicator that it will be a good use of time.

It’s not perfect, but the hit rate is much better than when I dip into pop psych/business/self-help books.

I do still read modern books, but only when something strikes me as particularly worthwhile.