How would Bernice even know what her mom reads? She hasn’t spent time with her in ages.
And maybe Bernice’s mother enjoys reading erotica, in private, and she has no clue about it.
Luann is asking the wrong question. She should ask Bernice how she would feel if her mother, secretly, gave her lusty novels to read. I somehow don’t think she’d be happy.
Bernice is smart, though. She sucks up to Nancy, to keep getting free rent and meals.
Luann needs to grow up and realize that her mom is a person in her own right and not just someone who cooks and cleans for her—things Luann should be doing herself.
Since when did Luann turn into such a judgmental fuddy-duddy? Shaming someone for liking romance fiction’s a bit insulting especially coming from Luann who’s spent countless dollars on gossip/fashion-trend magazines that ALWAYS give her bad/contradictory advice. Sometimes a person wants to read about a couple falling in love. If Nancy and Bernice were into “true crime” podcasts and discussing other women getting chopped up by a serial killer, Luann probably would have less of a dramatic reaction since that particular niche’s gotten big with women, and (judging by the comments about this storyline) it’s less stigmatized than just reading a romance novels. But, either way, it’s uncool to shame your loved ones over wanting to read some romantic escapism.
I’ve kinda gone back and forth a bit on the way Bernice and Nancy being romance novel buddies this arc. Is it a weird thing to share with your daughters friend? Kinda. But honestly, if this Coverly author writes a series involving an on-going cast of characters with fantasy elements (like mermaids) and so on, maybe they just like discussing the couples and the enjoyable things that happen in the books and it’s not strictly limited to the sex scenes. I feel like that’d be awkward to discuss but we have no reason to think that’s specifically what they talk about when sharing the books.
When Luann swung the book back over the table in front of Bernie, dreadful shame that was not a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee sitting right in front of Bernice to go over in her lap.
Again that weird feeling that Bernice is now more Nancy’s BFF than Luann’s. It seems that Luann is now starting to have the same feeling too… Awesome! A story I would never expected!! Will she and Bernice argue, talk to each other and understanding or slowly grow more and more part away? Will Luann try to read romance novels to understand? I hope she goes with them to that “Meet the author”, that would be good for her as an author.
The artist needs to learn something about anatomy. There is no way Luann could turn her head that way in the last panel without partially turning her body or breaking some vertebrae.
What? Luann doesn’t know this about her own mother? Then why was Nancy working so hard to keep it hidden? I had assumed Luann had scoffed about it years earlier. But, if Nancy had been working so hard to keep it from Luann how did Bernice find out?
Better would have been Luann demanding, “Mom! You still read this stuff? I thought you’d grow out of your phase!”
Bernice’s mom gave away Bernice’s bedroom for a very contrived, weird reason. That’s why she hasn’t got a cool mom. And her brother is uncool if he still lives there.
And once again Mrs. Halper gets a put-down from her own daughter. Exactly what does Karen and Greg intend to gain from this? Are they in favor of families being estranged??
SUPPOSEDLY her brother was allowed to move in when Bernice was still in a room at the dorm, then she lost the dorm room and went crying to Luann about her cruel mom and being homeless. I have never really believed that story.
It’s the same old story. The kids are embarrassed that their parents know, and, participate in certain activities. Now someone else’s parents, that’s cool.
“You see, your mom gives me free room and board, and all I have to do is:”
1) Keep her books
2) Prepare her taxes for free.
3) Clean my room.
4) Make pancakes.
5) And share a laugh at you behind your back.
“Therefore your mom is cool, unlike my mom who’s not. Don’t believe me? Well when my brother is finally written out of the Strip, would you like to swap households?” – Bernice
In fact, Nancy is showing to be the most diverse and developed character in the strip. She started as a stay at home mom. Was revealed to be the bookkeeper for the family and The Fuse. Went to work to replace Pru leaving. Was Momma Bear toward Ann Eiffel. Got hit on as bartender at the fuse – and was excited (titillated?) by it! Enjoys reading romance novels – so what?
Surely the most multi-dimensional character in the strip.
Such an interesting flipperroo in this set of panels. Luann is completely gob smacked by Bern’s punch line; that Nancy is a “cooler” read better Mom than Bern’s. One thing we know is that there is a major issue Bern’s and her brother’s parent’s. He is raising kids at the family home, after he had been given up by them for another world-traveling couple, leaving Bern to be raised alone. Thank God for Lu actually. She is so important in Bern’s world as is the DeGroot family.
I don’t think the author is the important thing here. What’s probably important is Luann objecting to ‘romance novels’ and why. Because she thinks they are trashy, or because her mom reads them?
It is weird that Nancy doesn’t say a word in today’s comic. She does not answer Luann’s question and she does not defend Bernice’s mom from criticism. She seems to be distracted or comatose.
Awwww. See, my mom likes MOST things I do. ESPECIALLY rock music, as she went to DOZENS of concerts as a teen! She also used to read Stephen King in her youth.:D
All of these comments about moms reading or not reading romance novels reminds me of a time when I came upon my (single middle-aged) sixth grade teacher going through the book rack in the local pharmacy. I always liked her so I started up a conversation, until she finally told me to get lost so she could buy some books.
I generally really LIKE arcs that feature Bernice, as Bernice is one of my favorite characters here. But… I have to admit that several of the days last week had me cringe, as it seemed a bit TOO tawdry the various character’s reactions….
1. However, do not get me wrong…. though “romance fiction” is most assuredly NOT my preferred fiction genre, I see nothing wrong with it for folks who happen to enjoy it.
2. The part that was “tawdry” to me was the covert twittering and discussion between Nancy and Bernice. I kind of wish they had just been more “matter-of-fact” about their appreciation of this (to me, silly) genre…. then it would not have felt “tawdry”.
But, now that I see today’s effort, I have a better understanding of how I believe this is going to pan out and why the previous week WAS at least helpful to the story arc, even though it felt a bit “tawdry” to me:
1. The twittering/whispering type of discussion those two had was needed in order to juxtapose with Luann’s displeasure (or if not displeasure, incredulousness) at finding out the two of them read the genre.
2. This dichtomy between Luann & Bernice is what allows the focus to now shift to how Bernice feels Nancy is “cool” and “admirable” and a sort-of “mentor”….. to contrast with Luann’s presumed opinion that Nancy is just a “dowdy Mom” like she may be envisioning all Moms of that age-range.
3. I suspect this arc is now ultimately going in a direction where Luann will begin to realize that her Mom is more enlightened/more interesting/more diverse/more creative than she ever gave her credit for previously….. in other words… I am thinking this is ultimately a “growth arc” for Luann.
My hope (though not expectation) is that Luann, after several days of gags and debates over romance novels, will be challenged to produce a better (more acceptable) romance novel herself. And that she will have some minor success in that endeavor.
I wish you all would quit trying to instill your puritanical beliefs on to a comic strip! I think it’s a funny thread that is quite innocent. What about Peanuts? Where are the adults? They have Christmas parties without supervision! And on, and on, and on…..
Luann doesn’t see her mom as a person – just a mom. That says she is not grown up yet or mature. She has an image of what mom is – virginal, pure, motherly, protector, etc. Luann does not see her mother as a 3-D person with her own interests, could be naughty, complex etc. Bernice, on the other hand, sees Nancy as such simply because Nancy is not her mother. She doesn’t think her mother reads trashy romantic novels. Time for you to go home and get to know your mother better as Luann is just now.
I was so disappointed when I opened this page and saw this arc continuing. No matter what the subject of the conversation is or could be, from romance to tatting to auto mechanics, the way Nancy and Bernice are acting gives me nausea. Yes, Luann is clueless. Yes, she takes her mother for granted. But to have people treat her in this unfeeling, “We’ve got a secret and you’re not in on it” manner is, to me, inexcusable. Bernice might have some small excuse of being young, but Nancy’s puerile attitude is revolting. Even comic characters should not change this much, IMO.
lvlax almost 2 years ago
How would Bernice even know what her mom reads? She hasn’t spent time with her in ages.
And maybe Bernice’s mother enjoys reading erotica, in private, and she has no clue about it.
Luann is asking the wrong question. She should ask Bernice how she would feel if her mother, secretly, gave her lusty novels to read. I somehow don’t think she’d be happy.
Bernice is smart, though. She sucks up to Nancy, to keep getting free rent and meals.
C almost 2 years ago
A week of cat fights
J. Scarbrough almost 2 years ago
Boy! Talk about a SICK BERN!!
beb01 almost 2 years ago
I’m not sure reading romance novels makes one cool but as someone who reads a lot of pulp fiction from the 20s and 30s who am I to judge,
overtherainbow almost 2 years ago
God, Lu’s a prude.
Darsan54 Premium Member almost 2 years ago
We all had lives before we had children …….. generally that’s how we got the children.
live2read almost 2 years ago
Luann needs to grow up and realize that her mom is a person in her own right and not just someone who cooks and cleans for her—things Luann should be doing herself.
RolloTheGrouch almost 2 years ago
At this rate, it’s going to be weeks before we find out who D. Coverly is. If ever.
ronaldspence almost 2 years ago
Not sure cool is the adjective I would choose…hot and bothered maybe but not cool…and my prediction for the writer…Aaron Hill under a pen name!
Rockabore almost 2 years ago
Since when did Luann turn into such a judgmental fuddy-duddy? Shaming someone for liking romance fiction’s a bit insulting especially coming from Luann who’s spent countless dollars on gossip/fashion-trend magazines that ALWAYS give her bad/contradictory advice. Sometimes a person wants to read about a couple falling in love. If Nancy and Bernice were into “true crime” podcasts and discussing other women getting chopped up by a serial killer, Luann probably would have less of a dramatic reaction since that particular niche’s gotten big with women, and (judging by the comments about this storyline) it’s less stigmatized than just reading a romance novels. But, either way, it’s uncool to shame your loved ones over wanting to read some romantic escapism.
I’ve kinda gone back and forth a bit on the way Bernice and Nancy being romance novel buddies this arc. Is it a weird thing to share with your daughters friend? Kinda. But honestly, if this Coverly author writes a series involving an on-going cast of characters with fantasy elements (like mermaids) and so on, maybe they just like discussing the couples and the enjoyable things that happen in the books and it’s not strictly limited to the sex scenes. I feel like that’d be awkward to discuss but we have no reason to think that’s specifically what they talk about when sharing the books.
Uncle Kenny almost 2 years ago
This is the same Bernice who friend-zoned Nil because she was feeling too passionate?
The_Cracker almost 2 years ago
What’s with all the goofy facial expressions in this arc?
SHIVA almost 2 years ago
A Eureka moment, for someone!!
Brdshtt Premium Member almost 2 years ago
When Luann swung the book back over the table in front of Bernie, dreadful shame that was not a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee sitting right in front of Bernice to go over in her lap.
Bernedoodle almost 2 years ago
Did Luann just have a Linda Blair moment?
Calliope almost 2 years ago
“Your mom reads a super popular, poorly written genre of literature, in the loosest sense of the word. She’s cool!”
Aladar30 Premium Member almost 2 years ago
Again that weird feeling that Bernice is now more Nancy’s BFF than Luann’s. It seems that Luann is now starting to have the same feeling too… Awesome! A story I would never expected!! Will she and Bernice argue, talk to each other and understanding or slowly grow more and more part away? Will Luann try to read romance novels to understand? I hope she goes with them to that “Meet the author”, that would be good for her as an author.
dadoctah almost 2 years ago
I’m trying to remember if we’ve ever met Bernice’s mom in the strip, and I’m coming up blank.
raebrek almost 2 years ago
It may be a setup to let Bernice run into her mother at the authors event!
sueb1863 almost 2 years ago
The artist needs to learn something about anatomy. There is no way Luann could turn her head that way in the last panel without partially turning her body or breaking some vertebrae.
Johnnyrico almost 2 years ago
Booooooorrriiinnnnggg…
murphraven almost 2 years ago
Bernice’s mom is the author
LawrenceS almost 2 years ago
What? Luann doesn’t know this about her own mother? Then why was Nancy working so hard to keep it hidden? I had assumed Luann had scoffed about it years earlier. But, if Nancy had been working so hard to keep it from Luann how did Bernice find out?
Better would have been Luann demanding, “Mom! You still read this stuff? I thought you’d grow out of your phase!”
Count Olaf Premium Member almost 2 years ago
Yep. Nancy and Bernice are cougar cubbie tousey-mousey. And you all bash Ann Eiffel.
Judy Hendrickson [Unnamed Reader - 852856] almost 2 years ago
What was the reason for Bernice leaving home in the first place?
Caldonia almost 2 years ago
Bernice’s mom gave away Bernice’s bedroom for a very contrived, weird reason. That’s why she hasn’t got a cool mom. And her brother is uncool if he still lives there.
cabalonrye almost 2 years ago
comic reader 22 almost 2 years ago
And once again Mrs. Halper gets a put-down from her own daughter. Exactly what does Karen and Greg intend to gain from this? Are they in favor of families being estranged??
ctolson almost 2 years ago
kluAnn has just been hamstrung with her argument.
Ellis97 almost 2 years ago
Bernice, you narcissistic, sneaky little troll.
Aficionado almost 2 years ago
Great strip!! Love all of the facial expressions and body language.
comic reader 22 almost 2 years ago
SUPPOSEDLY her brother was allowed to move in when Bernice was still in a room at the dorm, then she lost the dorm room and went crying to Luann about her cruel mom and being homeless. I have never really believed that story.
WilliamVollmer almost 2 years ago
It’s the same old story. The kids are embarrassed that their parents know, and, participate in certain activities. Now someone else’s parents, that’s cool.
NoNameOntheBullet Premium Member almost 2 years ago
This comic should be changed from “Luann” to “Clueless”!
Anon4242 almost 2 years ago
Every generation likes to think they invented sex.
Teens like to imagine they were results of virgin births.
It’s a shock for them to discover their parents / grandparents have a love life.
Mordock999 Premium Member almost 2 years ago
“You see, your mom gives me free room and board, and all I have to do is:”
1) Keep her books
2) Prepare her taxes for free.
3) Clean my room.
4) Make pancakes.
5) And share a laugh at you behind your back.
“Therefore your mom is cool, unlike my mom who’s not. Don’t believe me? Well when my brother is finally written out of the Strip, would you like to swap households?” – Bernice
Tyge almost 2 years ago
In fact, Nancy is showing to be the most diverse and developed character in the strip. She started as a stay at home mom. Was revealed to be the bookkeeper for the family and The Fuse. Went to work to replace Pru leaving. Was Momma Bear toward Ann Eiffel. Got hit on as bartender at the fuse – and was excited (titillated?) by it! Enjoys reading romance novels – so what?
Surely the most multi-dimensional character in the strip.
lorenkinzel almost 2 years ago
I suppose Bernice could think Nancy is cool. I was thinking hot. Really hot.
Don Bagert Premium Member almost 2 years ago
Has Bernice’s mom ever appeared in the strip?
luann1212 almost 2 years ago
Such an interesting flipperroo in this set of panels. Luann is completely gob smacked by Bern’s punch line; that Nancy is a “cooler” read better Mom than Bern’s. One thing we know is that there is a major issue Bern’s and her brother’s parent’s. He is raising kids at the family home, after he had been given up by them for another world-traveling couple, leaving Bern to be raised alone. Thank God for Lu actually. She is so important in Bern’s world as is the DeGroot family.
YorkGirl Premium Member almost 2 years ago
Some readers should review April 27-28, 2022 during the Bernice/Nil episode to better understand Bernice’s relationship with Nancy.
The Wolf In Your Midst almost 2 years ago
“You can’t be a rounded human being! You’re my MOM!”
LyleGorch1 almost 2 years ago
Berrrrrrrrn.
ElyseLaura almost 2 years ago
Bern’s right Luann, what could be more cool than a mom who openly discusses p0rnography with your best friend at the kitchen table?
Cincoflex almost 2 years ago
Annnd we’re going to find out that the author IS Bernice’s mom, right?
gigagrouch almost 2 years ago
They’re the “gateway drug” to Anais Nin…
Argythree almost 2 years ago
I don’t think the author is the important thing here. What’s probably important is Luann objecting to ‘romance novels’ and why. Because she thinks they are trashy, or because her mom reads them?
MuddyUSA Premium Member almost 2 years ago
Oh shucks!
198.23.5.11 almost 2 years ago
If you read too many Harlequin books,does The Joker’s girlfriend show up?
FassEddie almost 2 years ago
I’m avoiding LVLAX’s morning talk show to say that I continue to enjoy this story arc.
Fooey on LV’s grandstanding and inflammatory statements.
David Huie Green DecisionsMatterGoodAndBad almost 2 years ago
Nanny nanny boo boo.
Joe1962 almost 2 years ago
Luann your mom is open minded who enjoys reading books with Bern.
locake almost 2 years ago
It is weird that Nancy doesn’t say a word in today’s comic. She does not answer Luann’s question and she does not defend Bernice’s mom from criticism. She seems to be distracted or comatose.
tutibug5 almost 2 years ago
Nancy found her ring again and put on her left hand.
KEA almost 2 years ago
very hard for children to understand that parents are people too
Templo S.U.D. almost 2 years ago
you really don’t know your mother and best friend that well, do you, Luann?
dlaemmerhirt999 almost 2 years ago
Awwww. See, my mom likes MOST things I do. ESPECIALLY rock music, as she went to DOZENS of concerts as a teen! She also used to read Stephen King in her youth.:D
raybarb44 almost 2 years ago
There’s more to your mother than meets your eye. The same with all mothers…..
comic reader 22 almost 2 years ago
“She would never”…is that even English?? Someone needs to re-take English 101.
donwestonmysteries almost 2 years ago
Picture Bernice Smug.
paulscon almost 2 years ago
All of these comments about moms reading or not reading romance novels reminds me of a time when I came upon my (single middle-aged) sixth grade teacher going through the book rack in the local pharmacy. I always liked her so I started up a conversation, until she finally told me to get lost so she could buy some books.
circleM almost 2 years ago
The author is probably Elwood Druit.
The Quiet One almost 2 years ago
Lighten up Luann.
Decius Premium Member almost 2 years ago
I think Bern might be surprised. And then they could form a book club :)
Vilyehm almost 2 years ago
Nancy let’s D. Coverly autograph her tattoo.
Pipe Tobacco Premium Member almost 2 years ago
So…..
I generally really LIKE arcs that feature Bernice, as Bernice is one of my favorite characters here. But… I have to admit that several of the days last week had me cringe, as it seemed a bit TOO tawdry the various character’s reactions….
1. However, do not get me wrong…. though “romance fiction” is most assuredly NOT my preferred fiction genre, I see nothing wrong with it for folks who happen to enjoy it.
2. The part that was “tawdry” to me was the covert twittering and discussion between Nancy and Bernice. I kind of wish they had just been more “matter-of-fact” about their appreciation of this (to me, silly) genre…. then it would not have felt “tawdry”.
But, now that I see today’s effort, I have a better understanding of how I believe this is going to pan out and why the previous week WAS at least helpful to the story arc, even though it felt a bit “tawdry” to me:
1. The twittering/whispering type of discussion those two had was needed in order to juxtapose with Luann’s displeasure (or if not displeasure, incredulousness) at finding out the two of them read the genre.
2. This dichtomy between Luann & Bernice is what allows the focus to now shift to how Bernice feels Nancy is “cool” and “admirable” and a sort-of “mentor”….. to contrast with Luann’s presumed opinion that Nancy is just a “dowdy Mom” like she may be envisioning all Moms of that age-range.
3. I suspect this arc is now ultimately going in a direction where Luann will begin to realize that her Mom is more enlightened/more interesting/more diverse/more creative than she ever gave her credit for previously….. in other words… I am thinking this is ultimately a “growth arc” for Luann.
Scoutmaster77 almost 2 years ago
Who’s the prude now?
Jesus almost 2 years ago
have a blessed day
Pipe Tobacco Premium Member almost 2 years ago
I am of the camp that hopes that D. Coverly turns out to be Mr. Fogarty. :)
JonGoss almost 2 years ago
All the pearl clutching in the comments this past week has been awesome.
nightflight almost 2 years ago
What does Nancy have that those two immature, little girls will never have? Answer: a wedding ring.
TravelinMan almost 2 years ago
My hope (though not expectation) is that Luann, after several days of gags and debates over romance novels, will be challenged to produce a better (more acceptable) romance novel herself. And that she will have some minor success in that endeavor.
BlitzMcD almost 2 years ago
The shameless hussy!
BuckarooDave almost 2 years ago
the week is young, and the young are weak! :-/
Rhetorical_Question almost 2 years ago
Panel #3 Luann not happy?
Rhetorical_Question almost 2 years ago
It would be hilarious if Bernice’s Mother was D. Coverly.
Rhetorical_Question almost 2 years ago
Nancy Degroot, Bernice’s Benefactor & Cool mom is being judged by L…..?
Rayborg almost 2 years ago
I wish you all would quit trying to instill your puritanical beliefs on to a comic strip! I think it’s a funny thread that is quite innocent. What about Peanuts? Where are the adults? They have Christmas parties without supervision! And on, and on, and on…..
The Orange Mailman almost 2 years ago
My Mom has a sister that I always thought was the “cool Aunt”. Looking back I’m very glad I had exactly who I have for a Mom.
jfikse Premium Member almost 2 years ago
I’m hoping this storyline doesn’t last much longer. It’s not amusing, just weird.
BuckarooDave almost 2 years ago
tomorrow: Frank wanders through and wonders why everyone stopped talking ..
9thCapricorn almost 2 years ago
Luann doesn’t see her mom as a person – just a mom. That says she is not grown up yet or mature. She has an image of what mom is – virginal, pure, motherly, protector, etc. Luann does not see her mother as a 3-D person with her own interests, could be naughty, complex etc. Bernice, on the other hand, sees Nancy as such simply because Nancy is not her mother. She doesn’t think her mother reads trashy romantic novels. Time for you to go home and get to know your mother better as Luann is just now.
JPuzzleWhiz almost 2 years ago
I love Luann’s double-take in the last two panels! “EXAC— wait, what?!?!”
Sisyphos almost 2 years ago
Zing! Bernie scores a big win! Tough times, Luann….
finnygirl Premium Member almost 2 years ago
I was so disappointed when I opened this page and saw this arc continuing. No matter what the subject of the conversation is or could be, from romance to tatting to auto mechanics, the way Nancy and Bernice are acting gives me nausea. Yes, Luann is clueless. Yes, she takes her mother for granted. But to have people treat her in this unfeeling, “We’ve got a secret and you’re not in on it” manner is, to me, inexcusable. Bernice might have some small excuse of being young, but Nancy’s puerile attitude is revolting. Even comic characters should not change this much, IMO.
DaBump Premium Member almost 2 years ago
Well, if you can’t win the argument, you can be happy to have “I’ve got the cool mom” as a takeaway.