I swear this isn't meant to be as pretentious as it sounds...
I feel like Franzen's Freedom has somewhat ruined reading for me at the moment. It's not that like nothing compares or some dumb shit like that, but everything I've read since then just feels bare bones and kind of lifeless. I don't know if it's just been the choice of books afterward, but both Three-Body Problem and Earthsea have just sort of felt brief in a way.
I'm still enjoying reading them, I just can't get the thought out of my head that I'm wanting more from the characters and stories I'm reading and they're just giving me plot plot plot.
I also really enjoyed Freedom. Have your read Donna Tartt's Goldfinch? It might be what you are looking for (and I think it is better than Freedom).
Just curious what is the verdict on Franzen's Purity? I have been thinking about giving it a spin.