A solid read, with a well-balanced mixture of one-off strips and continuing tales of parenthood, new single life (for one of the mom's friends), and more. ( )

After enjoying the last collection so much, I decided to read through this one from 1982. In it, we see the introduction of Farley, the Patterson's dog, as well as Michael's entry into the second grade. Life continues along its regular road with the rest of the friends and family, sharing moments and giggles along the way. One thing I always find so precious are all the reflective moments we experience as we realize the children are getting older and how those moments of toddling pass so quickly. I could picture Chantale reading this collection and picking up Kyle for a hug, kiss, and snuggle every couple of pages just based on that :0 I love this strip for the fact that it's such a real reflection of the world we (parents) find ourselves in. Wonderful, timeless, and classic. ( )

This second For Better or For Worse collection shows the development of some of the supporting cast and the beginnings of extended storylines. In this case we're treated to the visit of Elly's brother Phil and, later on, the Patterson's camping holiday at friend Ted's cabin.
--J. ( )

The Patterson family is like old friends; I've been reading and collecting this strip for over 20 years. Michael and Lizzie are six and two here. This book introduces Mrs. Baird and Farley, and Elly's brother Phil, who starts dating Connie, Michael's new friend Gordon, and John's parents. Page 16 with Farley exploring while outside to "do his business" is a classic. And in a case of misplaced foretelling, Michael declares on pg. 38 that he is definitely going to marry somebody other than Deanna - whom he marries 20 years later. In another romantic development, Connie begins dating Ted. Much foretelling going on in this book. ( )