Getting to Happy

By: Terry McMillan

Narrated by: S. Epatha Merkerson, Gloria Reuben, LaChanze

An exuberant return to the four unforgettable heroines of Waiting to Exhale—the novel that changed African American fiction forever.

Terry McMillan's Waiting to Exhale was more than just a bestselling novel—its publication was a watershed moment in literary history. McMillan's sassy and vibrant story about four African American women struggling to find love and their place in the world touched a cultural nerve, inspired a blockbuster film, and generated a devoted audience.

Now, McMillan revisits Savannah, Gloria, Bernadine, and Robin fifteen years later. Each is at her own midlife crossroads: Savannah has awakened to the fact that she's made too many concessions in her marriage, and decides to face life single again—at fifty-one. Bernadine has watched her megadivorce settlement dwindle, been swindled by her husband number two, and conned herself into thinking that a few pills will help distract her from her pain. Robin has an all-American case of shopaholism, while the big dream of her life—to wear a wedding dress—has gone unrealized. And for years, Gloria has taken happiness and security for granted. But being at the wrong place at the wrong time can change everything. All four are learning to heal past hurts and to reclaim their joy and their dreams; but they return to us full of spirit, sass, and faith in one another. They've exhaled: now they are learning to breathe.

Critic reviews

“The Women of Waiting to Exhale have returned…McMillan fans won't be disappointed.” — Dallas Morning News

"It's great to meet up with old friends again." — People

"Required reading for anyone who cared about Waiting to Exhale."

— Miami Herald

"Signature McMillan...[An] earthy, funny, personal voice." — Raleigh News & Observer

"A phenomenal read." — San Francisco Bay View

what a journey

This book was great. I am sad to say that i was getting to a point where i was no longer excited by audio books and this book has jump started me again. After reading all of micheal connelly's books on harry bousch i couldn't find books that made me want to stay in the car after getting home to finish the chapter. But terry mcMillian did her thing and i am hooked. i feel like these women are a part of my family. Thank you terry.

Outstanding! lesson of mindful thinking - living

omg, this was a vivid story, i clearly pictured each character and felt their pain, dispair, joy, laughter, and HAPPY! terry did a wonderful job of Exhaling and then getting to the happy AGAin, after 40 yrs old.. lol.. this is a perfect book to read for ALL women over 40 if you are in or on that journey of "beging life again after 40" loved it all three times i listened to it, wanting to fast forward and rewind each time. i found myself laughing, mad and inspired throughout the book. I cannnot wait until the MOVIE comes out. excellent!!! I am now breathing.....each time i exhale.. lol

Great Read

loved it! First audio book I ever finished. 1st novel in about 15 years. enjoyed felt like I was watching television in my mind

Could not stop listening!

Narration was captivating and sooo enjoyable!!!
Very moving, happy and sad, I truly enjoyed every single second!!! Thank you Terry!!

Not As Bad As I Thought

I impulsively used a credit to buy this before reading the reviews. After I read them I was concerned about Terry McMillan being the only voice I would hear for 11hrs. Thankfully there were others to break up the monotony of her voice. It was challenging to tell which character was speaking when she narrated but other than that it was good to see a follow-up of the ladies we fell in love with in Waiting to Exhale. There was some terribly sad moments but the same can be said about real life. I enjoyed the story overall and would recommend a fan of Waiting to Exhale to read or listen.