The Patterson clan—Elly, John, Michael, and Lizzie—continues to charm moms, dads, brothers, and sisters with the lighthearted and engaging chronicles of their family in this For Better or For Worse collection, Pushing 40. Cartoonist Lynn Johnston's presentation of daily battles, bungles, tears and smiles has endeared her to a loyal following across the country. Pushing 40 provides new dimensions of Johnston's lively and entertaining portrayal of family life—bringing nods of recognition with her sensitive insight and wry sense of humor.

Prestigious private school comptroller Rob Carmichael likes the safe bets in life. A few weeks before his fortieth birthday, though, Robs ordinary existence spins out of control. A heart attack claims Robs childhood friend. He alienates his kids and his fiance. His ex-wife wont leave him alone. Hes in trouble on the job. Needing an escape from his problems and a chance to regroup, Rob joins the American Association of Afterlife Arrangers for their annual Las Vegas convention. In the desert, surrounded by people whose business is death, Rob discovers the safe bets are off, and that if he wants his life back, hell need to bet against the house for a change.

The purpose of this book is to act as a tonic to nourish and rejuvenate our souls in order to turn our life into a fountain of bliss. Words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels. Just a few words at the right time and place have the power to raise one’s vision to a higher level of thought and purpose. This book is a collection of such thoughts. These thoughts provide inspiration and solace to touch perceptions that might otherwise have remained idle and forgotten in the back of the mind. Like short fiction, each piece leads to a point of illumination, evoking an original, spontaneous response that we are sure to treasure. Let these thoughts serve as a change agent and provide a sense of fulfillment. It is a rare book that changes a life, a poor one that adds nothing to it. Let this book be a pathway of life that might lead to one’s highest good.

Fifteen powerful women and writers you know and love—from the pages of The New Yorker, The New York Times, Vogue, Glamour, and The Atlantic—offer captivating, intimate, and candid explorations about what it’s really like turning forty—and that the best is yet to come. The big 4-0. Like eighteen and twenty-one, this is a major and meaningful milestone our lives—especially for women. Turning forty is a poignant doorway between youth and...what comes after; a crossroads to reflect on the roads taken and not, and the paths yet before you. The decade that follows is ripe for nostalgia, inspiration, wisdom, and personal growth. In this dazzling collection, fifteen writers explore this rich phase in essays that are profound, moving, and above all, brimming with joie de vivre. With a diverse array of voices—including Veronica Chambers, Meghan Daum, Kate Bolick, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Sloane Crosley, KJ Dell’Antonia, Julie Klam, Jessica Lahey, Catherine Newman, Sujean Rim, Jena Schwartz, Sophfronia Scott, Allison Winn Scotch, Lee Woodruff, and Jill Kargman—On Being 40(ish) offers a range of universal themes—friendship, independence, sex, beauty, aging, wisdom, and the passage of time. On Being 40(ish) reflects the hopes, fears, challenges, and opportunities of a generation. Beautifully designed, this is “a must read for anyone 40ish or beyond...Like a pep talk from your big sister, favorite cousin, and wise best friend” (Joanna Goddard, Cup of Jo).

There's only one rule in Larry's book: don't push the button. (Seriously, don't even think about it!) Even if it does look kind of nice, you must never push the button. Who knows what would happen? Okay, quick. No one is looking... push the button. Uh, oh.