Sunshine & Shadow: A for Better or for Worse Collection

This book is in a class by itself. Nobody in cartoon history has created such delightful (save for April with her fresh mouth) and believable characters. Nobody else has been brave enough to confont issues like breast exams, death of family members and loss of pets as well as homosexuality. It is a brave new look at a superior caliber of comics that is more than just a comic.HATS OFF TO LYNN JOHNSTON!

This newest collection of FBOFW deals with the every day happenings and the tragic one in a life time events. She is always able to nail these situations right on the head, grasping her readers and making her one of the greatest cartoonists!

"For Better or for Worse" has long been known as much more than a comic strip; it is a slice of life, at times painfully real life. Johnston addresses each trial and tribulation with style, and puncuates them with welcome comic relief. It is this unique blend of down-to-earth humour and thoughtful social commentary that makes the lives of the Pattersons so near and dear to us. Those titilated by the lower calibre of the average comic strip may disagree, but such is their loss.

Lynn Johnston has again been able to touch the hearts and souls of her readers while keeping them smiling. Only someone who has lived through the "Sunshine and Shadow" of life could give her readers the insight of coping with illness, dying and bereavement. The "boomer" generation is now coping with children, careers, spouses and the care of aging parents. In showing how Elly, John, Liz, April and Michael cope with the death and dying of Grandma Marion while supporting Granddad support is given to those who are coping or will be coping with similar challenges. Other story lines are followed as well. We learn how April is growing and changing, how Liz coping at school and with boyfriend Anthony and how Mike is continuing his education at University. A wonderful collection which should be on your bookshelf. Well done Lynn!

I have to say that I love Lynn Johnston and her view of life and families. Here she touches on one of the hardest journeys we take, losing a loved one. She faces the subject head on, in a way we can all relate to---as a family pulling together. This was one of the more touching of her collections, along with her dealing with Lawrence's homosexuality, in which she doesn't shy away from life's real situations. I applaud her, her artistic accomplishments, her writing ability, and her honesty. I shall mourn deeply when this strip leaves us.