i think
1) if not too much trouble, remove the glass from specticle. the reflection from his left glass is distracting.
2) something about the light, the shadow is thrown upwards. dont really like it.
3) still on the lighting, but no on the balance. i feel the lighting of the book cover is too strong.
4) the reader's eye brow, it looks like he is forcing his eyes to open wide. not sure if this is a surprise look you as a photog wanted to show, not quite there is that is want you wanted.
5) maybe can do more like flash coming from the book itself direct to the reader, as if its a magical book the give golden glow (as per your title).
i think if i do what i write above, it will look like the rebbina advertisment. ha ha ha.