A Reader’s Dilemma: To Quit or Commit?

By Susan Koshi | Lady Flava Reads 🌻

There’s a certain magic I look for when I open a book.

I want to feel the story—not just read it. I want to visualize the setting, hear the distinct voices of the characters, and understand where I am in the world the author has built. If I can’t sense those things early on, I begin to drift. I might reread the same paragraph three times, still unsure who’s talking, where we are, or what just happened.

That’s what happened when I opened a book written by someone I know. Out of respect, I want to read it from cover to cover. But I’ll be honest—it hasn’t drawn me in yet. I’ve only finished one chapter, and I already feel like I need a nap. The vocabulary is dense, the scene feels chaotic, and I’m struggling to grasp the heart of the story.

But I’m not giving up.

I’ve decided to keep going, page by page, in hopes that the story will eventually find me—or I’ll find it. Either way, this experience has reminded me of what I do love in a book:

📚 What Captures My Reader’s Heart:

Clear character voices – I love when I can hear them speak in my mind, each voice distinct and purposeful. A vivid sense of place – Let me smell the air, feel the mood, know where I am. Emotion I can feel – Whether it’s subtle or raw, I want to connect emotionally. Flowing storytelling – I’m drawn to writing that feels like a rhythm, not a riddle. Real dialogue – Conversations that sound authentic, not overly scripted or academic. Moments of pause – I appreciate when an author gives me space to reflect and breathe between the action.

Sometimes a story isn’t hard to follow because it’s bad—it’s just built differently than how I receive stories best. And that’s okay. Every book isn’t for every reader.

But as a lifelong lover of words, I believe in giving a story a chance. So I’m here, coffee in hand, cloudy skies above, and page 5 waiting for me.

Let’s see where this goes.

💫 A New Chapter Begins…

This book marks the first story I’m opening for A Flava Review.

Once upon a time, I was an avid reader who dove into books with passion and purpose. That love led me to become a book reviewer, supporting independent and self-published authors—especially voices from marginalized communities.

Life took me in different directions, but now I find myself circling back to the written word. Picking up this book feels like a quiet invitation to return to a world I once knew deeply… and it feels good.

So here I am, turning pages again—with fresh eyes, open heart, and a pen ready to share my thoughts. This is only the beginning.

Would you like me to create a Flava Review logo or graphic style to go with this new journey? Something simple with a book, your signature leopard print, and sunflower vibes? 🌻📚🐆 Let me know, and I’ll get to work!

Lady Flava of Flava Reviews

I’m Trying To Get Into This Book

Stay Tuned…