With its reviewer and student-praised narrative approach, Rothwell's IN MIXED COMPANY offers students a combination of theory and application, which enables them to apply small group communication concepts not only in class but also in their own lives. The text follows the central unifying theme of cooperation, and the communication competence model continues to guide discussions of key small group concepts and processes. The inclusion of systems theory remains a key theoretical component of the text, and the unique focus on power in groups continues to be addressed throughout the text. To encourage critical thinking, the seventh edition not only has captions to accompany photos and illustrations but also offers interactive quizzes related to the visual. The text's approach, clear theoretical foundation, and applied nature are what make IN MIXED COMPANY the best learning tool for the small group communication course.