The Science of Book Reading

I am, or certainly have been, an avid reader. One or two books per week was my staple. Pretty much anything goes as long as it holds my interest for a bit, and from there on in it's a sure thing that I will probably be able see it through to the end. There are a few books I have started but have been unable to pursue. I can't think of any right now, but there are a few. I have spent many years and many books pressing on to the end despite extreme boredom or confusion or a combination of both.

I should come up with a formula to a) ensure I never choose one that's a non-starter, or b) enable me to put it down with less umming and aahing about whether or not to give it a chance.

This formula would have to consider:

1. Choosing a book by its cover. Is this wrong? A good cover covers a multitude of literary sins. And looks good on the shelf. Especially if it matches your colour scheme.
2. Level of excitement and/or interest within the first say 10 pages. A good first paragraph is hard to find, but when it's there it can buy another 20 pages at least.
3. Did someone recommend it? You would have to be able to report back to them, not only knowledgeably but also truthfully. Truth is important I think. Particularly if they're your friend. Yes indeed. Perhaps this could be manipulated a bit if they are say just a colleague.
4. If it's required reading for a course of some variety can you get away with watching the movie adaptation? This worked very well for some of my classmates, especially as Mel Gibson made for very worthwhile Hamlet eye candy (though much less so since the "sugar tits" episode).
5. How easy it is to skip to the sex bits, if any.
6. Everyone's talking about it.

Having thought of those off the top of my head, I now have no idea how to create a meaningful formula. So I'll move on to my next point. Or go back to it. For various reasons, I have not read a book for some months now. Either partly or wholly. The time has arrived. I am ready. I am willing. I bought one from ASDA for £3 and I am determined to keep still long enough to read it through, with or without scientificated formula. It's called A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka. Here's to getting lost.