Debbie’s review of 2025 on Goodreads > Likes and Comments

Happy you are back, Debbie and back on your pogo stick. It’s been fun interacting with you. Happy reading in 2026!

Debbie, I didn’t know you contemplated leaving (although deep down I can understand it). Happy Reading in 2026…

Great recap of your "new" reading plan Debbie. If you lose the joy, what good is it? I decided a few years ago to do the same thing and, aside from a few obligations, I try to stick to what I know I will love, plus I'm quick to dnf if I get bored. We have a lot of the same favorites, kindred spirits and all that. Glad to have you back in the fold.

Debbie, Debbie, Debbie!!! FANTASTIC summary!! I think I might be one of your biggest supporters, and I'm happy to say how HAPPY I am—yup... pogo stick HAPPY—that you came back to Goodreads! Or, perhaps I should I say, I'm happy that you 🎶"came back to where you once belonged.”🎶 You're the best, Debbie, and this place would NOT be the same without you. And I think there are 100s of people who feel the same way! You're a real angel, my friend.😇 And while we're on the musical themes.... 🎶"You light up my life..."🎶😉 I hope 2026 is your best year yet!!!

Debbie, Goodreads wasn't the same without you - I'm so glad you're back and that you've found a way to get back to the joy of reading. I love your list. Your favorites are my favorites. You have two on there - The Three Lives of Cate Kay and I see You've Called in Dead that I haven't read and am now adding. Happy New Year and may 2026 be a year of fun reading!

I do enjoy YOU singularly and I’m grateful for the time you take to review your book endeavours. Totally understand your need to pull back, reflect and regain your groove and mojo. Welcome back. I’ve missed you.

I'm so glad you're back, Debbie. Do you have Pony Confidential on your TBR? I just gave it to a close friend for Xmas. I think it'd make you smile. Yes, funny is really hard to find. I'll check out your All Fours link after I click post. I loathe losing my place on this damned feed by daring to go somewhere else in the middle of it Happy New Year. --Betsy in NYC

Debbie, I've always enjoyed your lively reviews and missed you when you left Goodreads. I'm glad that you found your way back here. Happy New Year to you!

I had missed you Debbie, especially your pogo stick reads! So happy that you’re back!
I’ve read many on your list, and I will check into the few that I haven’t!
You are where you belong💕

So glad you are back, Debbie. Your reviews were always well received. Get Back and Come Together were always the coolest tunes.

I love this list and we missed you while you were gone!! I'm glad you read some good ones to get you out of the slump. May 2026 be slumpless!!! All the best and can't wait to see what reading the new year brings, Debbie.

Dear Debbie! I totally understand losing the mojo, and I have experienced my version of it the past few years (I'm still slowly recovering). All I can say is, I'm so happy you did what you needed to do to re-discover your joy of reading and reviewing. For yourself, and also for all of us. Because the world of Goodreads is a much better place with you in it. Really! Best wishes for 2026 for you xx

Antoinette wrote: "Happy you are back, Debbie and back on your pogo stick. It’s been fun interacting with you. Happy reading in 2026!"

Thanks so much, Antoinette! It’s been fun booking it with you, too! My pogo stick was getting rusty but now it’s back to full bounce-ability! Hope your year in books brings many 5 stars! Life is good when there are book gems all around!

Peter wrote: "Debbie, I didn’t know you contemplated leaving (although deep down I can understand it). Happy Reading in 2026…"

Thanks, Peter! I love it that you get it! I thought I might be off the site forever, so I’m super excited that I’m back, with book gems in my pocket!

Diane wrote: "Great recap of your "new" reading plan Debbie. If you lose the joy, what good is it? I decided a few years ago to do the same thing and, aside from a few obligations, I try to stick to what I know ..."

Thanks so much, Diane! I love it that we love the same books! Totally agree, unjoyous reading leads to slumps leads to flat leads to sadness. Sounds like your plan of reading only books you think you’ll really like plus freedom to DNF worked! Aren’t we smart, lol? Have a great new year in books! I’ll be checking out your reads and reviews!

Jodi wrote: "Debbie, Debbie, Debbie!!! FANTASTIC summary!! I think I might be one of your biggest supporters, and I'm happy to say how HAPPY I am—yup... pogo stick HAPPY—that you came back to Goodreads! Or, per..."

Jodi, you are so sweet! You were the supreme nudger to get me back where I belonged, and your nudges and niceness worked! So thank you a billion times! Your support has meant a lot! I love hearing about what you’re reading and love your reviews! And it’s a kick when we have the same favorites, like The Elements and The Correspondent. Pure gems! Anyway, you’re the bestest, I hope you know that! Have a great new year in books!

YES! I'm happy you're here and you found your way back to books For the 1st time ever, I didn't make my reading goal. I blame my teen daughter; she loves Grey's Anatomy and I wanted to share that with her. Didn't realize there's 20+ seasons!! Ah well. I share the love for some of your highly rated books and look forward to more next year. Wishing you wonderful things for the year ahead!

It’s been so much fun doing buddy reads with you. Remember all those times when we both had read the exact same percentage? How did that happen so often! Glad you’re back on GR, and I love your lists. Hope we have lots more winners next year too!

It's so good to have you back. I love the way you analyse the books and when the pogo stick is out, then watch out. :-) It's interesting to note the different personalities, even in the beginning, I never stressed about reviewing the galleys, these days, while I barely request any, I'm even less stressed - if I feel like reading them, I will, if not, they're still there (40+). I divest myself of my thoughts immediately after finishing the book, directly on GR (not advisable, as nobody enjoys reading unedited word salads) but I know myself, if I say I'll do it later, I won't. Anyway, may your reading/life mojo stay up and never leave you permanently. Best wishes for 2026! XX

Great to have you here, Debbie - I enjoy your enthusiastic reviews immensely. Now I need to bump up a few on my TBR 😊

Oh Debbie, what a year you have had, and I am so happy that your pogo stick is at the ready and that you are with us. Thank you for your friendship. And all good wishes in the new year!

Oh Debster, I'm with Lorna and all of your other fans when we say we are so glad to have you back and really noticed you missing. Can we talk about the colouring in stage you went through??? But, you know - I did that for a while (along with jigsaw puzzles) during one of my testing periods of my life - very relaxing right?

I LOVE the fact Elements is right up there for you, and you've nudged me to get stuck into The Correspondent and Wild Dark Shore.

But we need to have a fight about Seven Husbands (again). This time no weapons (yes your pogo stick is a weapon Debster) I just turned up with a ham sandwich and a pair of underpants - (God Help Me!!!!!)....during our last 'debate'). Unfair.

Great to have you back 🤗🦘🎈

Debbie, I am so happy that you came back. Congratulations on 500 reviews! I have enjoyed reading your reviews and interacting with you on GR. May 2026 be another fab year in books and other things that matter.

So glad you are back, we missed you! I do love coloring, but it doesn’t hold a candle to reading. 😊

This is a great summary of your reading year, Debbie. I relate to your lost "book mojo." I'm currently going through that same condition, and I hope that it's also temporary.

Your reviews are always interesting and fun to read. Best wishes in the new year!

I appreciate the time you put into writing your reviews. I read every one and have made some great book selections based on them. I probably agree with you 90% of the time. Here’s to a great 2026 year of reading.

Lisa (NY) wrote: "Debbie, Goodreads wasn't the same without you - I'm so glad you're back and that you've found a way to get back to the joy of reading. I love your list. Your favorites are my favorites. You have tw..."

Thanks so much, Lisa! I love it that we share favorites. You seem to like the same books I do, and I go to you for recs all the time. I love that I’m finally able to pay you back with a couple of titles you haven’t read! Have a great new year in books, Lisa! All fivers, right?!

Pamela wrote: "I do enjoy YOU singularly and I’m grateful for the time you take to review your book endeavours. Totally understand your need to pull back, reflect and regain your groove and mojo. Welcome back. I’..."

Thanks so much, Pamela! You’re so sweet! It’s so nice to have my mojo back! I’ve missed the love of books and the great energy that this site generates.

Betsy wrote: "I'm so glad you're back, Debbie. Do you have Pony Confidential on your TBR? I just gave it to a close friend for Xmas. I think it'd make you smile. Yes, funny is really hard to find. I'll check out..."

Thanks so much, Betsy! You’re one of my best sources for recs, so I’m thrilled you stopped by to say hi. I’ve added Pony Confidential; can’t wait to read it! I got a copy cheap, yay! I want some funny for sure.

I see you checked out All Fours. I think it’s a generation thing. The two GR friends who usually have the same taste as me loved All Fours, but they are in their 50s. I suspect others in their 70s feel like we do, and can’t get into it.

Have a great new year, Betsy! May the year bring you lots of 5-star reads!

Holly R W wrote: "Debbie, I've always enjoyed your lively reviews and missed you when you left Goodreads. I'm glad that you found your way back here. Happy New Year to you!"

Thanks so much, Holly! It means a lot that I was missed! The site, with book lovers like you, is irresistible in the long run! Have a great new year in books!

Karen wrote: "I had missed you Debbie, especially your pogo stick reads! So happy that you’re back!
I’ve read many on your list, and I will check into the few that I haven’t!
You are where you belong💕"

Thanks, Karen! You’re so kind! We have similar tastes so I love checking out your reviews for recs. You never lead me astray! Have a wonderful new year!

Dave wrote: "So glad you are back, Debbie. Your reviews were always well received. Get Back and Come Together were always the coolest tunes."

Thank you so much, Dave! Ha, I forgot about Come Together! That song rocks, too—and belongs in this review, lol! Have a great new year in books!

Canadian Jen wrote: "I love this list and we missed you while you were gone!! I'm glad you read some good ones to get you out of the slump. May 2026 be slumpless!!! All the best and can't wait to see what reading the n..."

Thanks so much, Jen! You’re another one who is a source of many of my great reads—so thank you! It’s a relief (and energizing) to be out of my slump. Slumps suck! I’m on a good roll, so I look forward to seeing what gem-my books 2026 will bring me! Have a great new year!

Robin wrote: "Dear Debbie! I totally understand losing the mojo, and I have experienced my version of it the past few years (I'm still slowly recovering). All I can say is, I'm so happy you did what you needed t..."

Oh, Robin, you are just so nice! Didn’t realize you have had “Missing Mojo” problems, too! Those days suck! I’ve really missed you and all my friends on this site and am so happy to be back!

Your reviews always always entertain me; they are so smart and cool, thoughtful and intriguing—and sometimes funny, too! You always get me interested in secret gems or oldie but goodies, and I appreciate that.

Good luck with your new book—can’t wait to check it out! Right now it’s a mystery! Very curious about genre, plot, etc. Have a great new year, Ms. Robin! Hugs!

Glad you got your reading mojo back!

Wonderful review, Debbie. I couldn't resist loving it from the first line, with the lyrics of my favorite Beatles song ever! The list of great books to check for next year is great, thank you!

Andrea wrote: "YES! I'm happy you're here and you found your way back to books For the 1st time ever, I didn't make my reading goal. I blame my teen daughter; she loves Grey's Anatomy and I wanted to share that w..."

Thanks, Andrea! I think watching Grey’s Anatomy with your daughter is priceless! That show is pretty addictive. Ha, I can’t believe there are 20+ seasons! Binge City can be fun! If you ask me, it’s more important to watch a show with your daughter than meet a reading goal. Mom-daughter time is precious! Hope you find lots of 5-star gems this coming year!

Debbie "DJ" wrote: "It’s been so much fun doing buddy reads with you. Remember all those times when we both had read the exact same percentage? How did that happen so often! Glad you’re back on GR, and I love your lis..."

Doing buddy reads with you has been a complete kick! The two Reynold chicks with their noses in the same books! And we found so many yummy ones! Yeah, that was cool that we were on the same page half the time. Don’t ask me how THAT happened! Woo woo, woo woo!

Bianca wrote: "It's so good to have you back. I love the way you analyse the books and when the pogo stick is out, then watch out. :-) It's interesting to note the different personalities, even in the beginning, ..."

Thanks, Bianca! I’m so jealous that you don’t stress about NG and EW obligations! Give me whatever it is you’re drinking! Ha, yes, different personalities, cracks me up! I’m practicing, though, lol. I probably have close to 40 obligations, too (many from long ago) and I’m trying to be nonchalant about them. It’s semi-working!

I always love your reviews—they are never word salads no matter what you say! Anyway, I did take a page out of your playbook there, writing up a review immediately after reading a book. No fancy editing, just get it out there. Shocked that I was able to do this, since I love to edit, but it has made writing reviews much easier.

You have led me to many good books, so I thank you for that! Some are secret gems—you find some good ones! Hope you have a wonderful new year in books! So glad you’re one of my book buds!

Carolyn wrote: "Great to have you here, Debbie - I enjoy your enthusiastic reviews immensely. Now I need to bump up a few on my TBR 😊"

Thanks so much, Carolyn! I hope you like the ones you do squeeze in. I’m envious of anyone who gets to experience these books for the first time! Have a great 2026 in books!

Lorna wrote: "Oh Debbie, what a year you have had, and I am so happy that your pogo stick is at the ready and that you are with us. Thank you for your friendship. And all good wishes in the new year!"

Thank you so much, Lorna! I’m so glad I’m back, too! It just feels right! Thank you for your friendship, too—it’s appreciated! May you find all 5-star reads in 2026!

Mark wrote: "Oh Debster, I'm with Lorna and all of your other fans when we say we are so glad to have you back and really noticed you missing. Can we talk about the colouring in stage you went through??? But, y..."

Thanks, Markness! You crack me up, as usual! Funny how you went through a jigsaw puzzle phase, like me and my little fill-in-the-dots “work!” Yes, it’s damn relaxing! Man, does it feel good to be back, though. I love reconnecting with all my fellow book nerds! Books are coming out my ears, which makes hopping on my pogo stick a little dangerous. I take it you’ve gotten the message that my pogo stick is NOT up for grabs. I know you tried to trick me into sending it to you for a supposed “tuneup,” but I am wise to your ways!

Now about Seven Husbands….I’m fascinated that you didn’t love it! What is this? We usually agree! Can you send a link to your review? You sent it in another comment but it went to the book page, not your review page.

You are the ultimate funny man on this site, and you lighten up the lives of many. So thank you! And to boot, you have such a good heart! I’m so glad you’re my friend!

Have a great new year with your new love and your new town and your new life! You deserve it, my friend!

Laysee wrote: "Debbie, I am so happy that you came back. Congratulations on 500 reviews! I have enjoyed reading your reviews and interacting with you on GR. May 2026 be another fab year in books and other things ..."

Thanks so much, Laysee! It’s good to be back! I’m shocked I reached the 500 mark for reviews—that’s just wild, especially since I think of myself as a slow reader!

Thank you for our friendship. I always love to check out what you’re reading, and your reviews are a joy. May the new year bring you lots of 5-star books!

Jenna wrote: "So glad you are back, we missed you! I do love coloring, but it doesn’t hold a candle to reading. 😊"

Thanks so much, Jenna! Ha, I’m glad someone else knows the joy of coloring! I think I really needed vivid colors, scenes of exotic places, and gorgeous animals! But I do agree, books win over coloring any day! Have a great new year in books!

Carol wrote: "This is a great summary of your reading year, Debbie. I relate to your lost "book mojo." I'm currently going through that same condition, and I hope that it's also temporary.

Your reviews are alwa..."

Thanks so much, Carol! Oh, I’m sad you are missing your book mojo! It’s not a fun place to be! It will come back—you love books too much to have it disappear for long! Hope a yummy book seduces you soon and restores your mojo!

Christine wrote: "I appreciate the time you put into writing your reviews. I read every one and have made some great book selections based on them. I probably agree with you 90% of the time. Here’s to a great 2026 y..."

Thanks so much, Christine! So much fun that we have such similar tastes! I’m flattered that you read all my reviews—thank you! May the new year bring you a ton of good reads!

Debbie,
People come and people go, and there is an ebb and flow, but YOU needed to get your white ass back on here, so I'm still celebrating your return!
I think sometimes we need to figure out how much yin and how much yang we're juggling, and get back to balance (like figuring out that you're going to need to be one of the immortals to get through everybody else's three star sh*t reads).
Anyway: go, Debbie, go!
(You don't have a lot on your favorites list that I've read yet, but I was a big fan of LOVED AND MISSED).
Well done!

Chris wrote: "Glad you got your reading mojo back!"


Thanks, Chris! Me, too. Wasn’t fun to be without it! Have a great new year in books!

Debbie wrote: "Mark wrote: "Oh Debster, I'm with Lorna and all of your other fans when we say we are so glad to have you back and really noticed you missing. Can we talk about the colouring in stage you went thro..."

Ohhhh Debster, stop making me tear up!! Thank you my dear friend. Let's make sure 2026 is the best year for us right? No need for jigsaws or colouring in books! No sir!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the link for my review of Seven Husbands.......

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

All I remember is, it wasn't memorable. (Did I just say that?).

Much love to you and all of yours Debster 🎈🎈🎈🎈🦘

Maricarmen wrote: "Wonderful review, Debbie. I couldn't resist loving it from the first line, with the lyrics of my favorite Beatles song ever! The list of great books to check for next year is great, thank you!"

Thanks so much, Maricarmen! How cool that that’s your favorite Beatles song! It’s sure a great one! It is so stuck in my head now, lol, and I like it being stuck there! I hope you like some of the books on my list. (Hope you do a summary so I can see your faves!) Have a great new year, with lots of 5-star gems! (Btw, I think you and Mark are a beautiful couple!)