Coffee Talk
Welcome to Elly's Coffee Talk, where every day we feature some of the comments we get from Lynn's devoted readers, and occasionally we'll share a message from Lynn herself. If you have a comment or a story that relates to FBorFW, please share it by clicking on "Spill Your Beans Here"!


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Thursday the 27th

I have read For Better or For Worse for about as long as you've been writing it and love it. When you announced that you were going to do a hybrid strip, I wasn't too sure I'd like it, but it works very well. It's like visiting old memories.

Rose, Kansas


I love this story, and it's normally the first thing I check on my computer every morning. However, the "flashbacks" lately have been really tedious. Obviously, the strip (and the writer's talents) have become more sophisticated over time, and the old stuff just doesn't cut it. The flashbacks look so amateurish in comparison to the latest strips that they remind me of the Family Circus comics where Bill Keane supposedly lets his kids scribble the day's strip as a "gift" on Father's Day. One of the great things about this strip has been that the family did realistically grow up, evolve, and wasn't stuck at one point in time. I can understand that Lynn is getting older, has some health issues, and doesn't want to spend as much time on her strip as she has in the past. But this new "hybrid" is a cop-out. She should continue to do the strip well, or bow out gracefully and retire before things deteriorate any further.

Rachael S, Washington DC


I have loved FBOFW for a very long time. i grew up with the pattersons, and since the introduction of the hybrid version, I admit I wasn't sure on how my reaction would be. But its nice going back in time to read the first comics that i missed. Looking forward to what happens with Elisabeth and Anthony who by the way belong together.

Kat H, Lucknow ON


I wasn't sure about the hybrid at first, but it's rapidly growing on me. It's interesting seeing Michael look back on the past with his adult perspective. My little girl and I are reading the Little House books and I'm telling her about my first experiences with Laura Ingalls from 30 plus years ago - something like Michael looking over his old memories.

Ms. Lynn - take care of yourself. We're rooting for you.

Ginny T


Shortly after Jim's stroke, my husband had one as well. I follow Jim's progress (and I know how slow it can be) and identify with so much of what he and Iris are going through. Jim is about the same age, and in the same condition, as my husband so I often wonder if he/they will get much better. Real time is like that

Lynn G, Arden Hills Minnesota


Our St. Paul Pioneer Press today ran a story about your interview in Editor and Publisher. I had missed why the strip was running stories from the past. I want to express my sympathy over the recent turmoil in your life and let you know how much a part of mine you are, and how I consider the Pattersons my friends and family, too. My daughter was born on April's birthday. My Dad has the same birthday as Grandpa--How do you know?! :) I love your work...please keep it up!!

Betsy S, Woodbury, MN


Lynn, I would like to say thanks for your devotion to the strip & the characters for so many years. I'm a long time reader & have always looked forward to the newspaper delivery so I could get to the strip. I hope that you will continue to evolve the strip & these great characters for years to come.

Hershel R, Trinity NC