A For Better or For Worse Collection #17

Plot

It's the small moments in life that end up meaning so much. In the Patterson clan, those tiny revelations and bits of joy multiply, laying the foundation for a family that loves and grows stronger every day.

Young April dancing in the fall leaves. Elizabeth abandoning her budding maturity to don a bunny costume. Michael pulling an all-nighter, then finding out he's turned in his project a week early. The youngsters in Lynn Johnston's heartfelt For Better or For Worse are growing like weeds--and becoming more special all the time.

In Growing Like Weeds, readers experience a growth spurt of sorts as Michael becomes a man at college. His roommate Weed, while appearing to be a questionable influence ("Never take advice from a guy who crushes beer cans with his head," as Johnston puts it) actually brings out the adult in Michael. A new romance, quality time with Mom and Dad, and a deepening respect for his sister Elizabeth (whom he once called "Lizardbreath") become the way stations in Michael's path to maturity.

But everyone else in the Patterson family is on the move, too. Elizabeth starts to notice boys, while April has become the family's pint-sized philosopher. Elly's dismayed when she feels her bones creak and notices a need for new glasses, while John relives his own "glory" days in college. Then they realize that Michael's friends, Tracey and Mike, are old enough to run a business and have a baby. Everyone, it seems, is Growing Like a Weed.

Fans love the Patterson family because they're a dear and delightful clan who are welcome wherever they go. This latest collection is certain to entertain!