Nothing learned.
Nothing gained.
Time is a precious resource that once lost, it will never come back. However, even though we may feel that we have not achieved much or learned a great deal during a particular period, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is a cause for regret.
Sometimes, the process of trying and not succeeding can still teach us valuable lessons.
The book being described as "milktoast" might suggest that it lacks excitement or substance. But perhaps within its pages, there are hidden gems of knowledge or ideas that could prove useful in the future.
We should not be too quick to dismiss our experiences or the things we encounter, as they all have the potential to contribute to our growth and development.