It's All Downhill From Here

This was an exceptionally enjoyable For Better or For Worse collection. I think it has a nigh perfect mix of strips--some kid centered, some marriage centered, some work centered and some neighbor centered. Of course, it's also the era when John and Elly are around my own age. (Okay, maybe they're still a bit younger; but the older I get, the slower my self image is to catch up to my actual age.) It also contains Ms. Johnston's second attempt at a serious storyline--where John and Phil go canoeing with, um, less than pleasant results.
--J.

Lots of things happening in this book, all of a sudden everyone has changed and grown. In real life that is how it happens... one day you suddenly notice that things have moved on, kids have grown, people are getting old and it is always a surprise. Lynn is such a genius to be able to put that in a comic strip. I love her characters, I love the stories, and I treasure my collection of her books.

John and Phil go on a canoe trip, are swamped and marooned on an island for three days, and are rescued in a touching episode. Lizzie starts 1st grade. Phil and Georgia get engaged. Connie introduces her husband Greg as she and Lawrence visit over Christmas, and we meet his daughters Molly and Gayle. Connie's family buys Mrs. Baird's house after she moves into a senior citizess' home. I'm amazed in this strip how the kids, and even the adults, can grow and develop before our eyes without us noticing. Just like in real life.