It Was the Way She Said It

Short Stories, Essays, and Wisdom

By: Terry McMillan, Kristine Bell - editor, Ishmael Reed - introduction

Narrated by: Robin Miles, Christopher Grant

“This stunning collection from one of the great writers on Black culture covers the gamut: aging, love, poverty, trauma and plenty of lightness in between.”—People

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Waiting to Exhale comes a remarkable, career-spanning collection of previously published short fiction and nonfiction pieces, as well as never-before-seen works.

Before Terry McMillan found success as a novelist in the early 1990s, she published provocative, boundary-pushing short stories, capturing the struggles and triumphs of Black life in America with vitality and honesty, from the workaday factory man’s malaise in “The End” to the cast-aside lover’s resolve in “Touching” to the elderly woman’s wiles in “Ma’Dear.” McMillan’s inimitable voice bravely explores the dark corners of human relationships with compassion, humor, and nuance. This collection also features five unpublished stories that reveal how she wrestled with controversial topics rarely addressed in short fiction, from domestic abuse in “Mama, Take Another Step” to extreme poverty in “Can’t Close My Eyes to It.”

Whether she’s revealing life lessons, pontificating about aging, recalling her sources of inspiration, or laying bare the beginnings of her life as a writer, McMillan approaches every piece with enduring candor, wit, and fearlessness.

Devoted fans and new readers alike will be delighted to discover these treasures spanning McMillan’s long, groundbreaking career. Indeed, it wasn’t only what Terry McMillan has said that made her so beloved . . . it was the way she said it.

Critic reviews

Praise for It Was the Way She Said It

“This stunning collection from one of the great writers on Black culture covers the gamut: aging, love, poverty, trauma and plenty of lightness in between.”—People

“Terry McMillan . . . has assembled a collection of short stories and essays that portray candid vignettes of Black American life. With unflinching honesty and verve, McMillan writes stories that suck readers in from start to finish.”—Harper’s Bazaar

“Decades after Stella got her groove back, Terry Mcmillan just gets better. . . . McMillan's new book shows the author at the top of her game. . . . This collection contains a multitude of truths.”—The Washington Post

“The best part of reading this entertaining collection of published and unpublished fiction, sketches, and nonfiction is the sheer delight of immersing yourself in the works of a writer who has plenty to say and has never been afraid to say it. . . . An entertaining reminder of McMillan’s storytelling abilities and unflinching honesty.”—Kirkus Review, starred review

“McMillan is a sharp writer who never fails to give readers memorable, richly developed characters and powerful insights.”—Library Journal


Praise for It’s Not All Downhill From Here

“A wise and wisecracking novel of aging, heartbreak, and the quest to ‘pump up the volume’ in late midlife.”—O: The Oprah Magazine

“[A] baldly honest, laugh-out-loud story.”—Good Housekeeping

“A hopeful and hilarious novel.”—Travel & Leisure

“I couldn’t put this book down.”—BuzzFeed

“This is a story of the power of women and the inspiring lives they lead.”—She Reads

“McMillan proves once again that she is a skilled master.”—Associated Press

“Lively, perceptive . . . Terry McMillan writes with a staggering depth of feeling, credibly capturing the characters’ emotions as she unpacks their interpersonal conflicts. This delightful novel balances inspiration for renewal with the hard facts of aging.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Enjoyed The Short Stories!

The short stories were written well. Thank you very much for sharing this series of stories.

Short, sweet, and to a desired end

I loved that even though the stories were short, the characters still had enough "time" to develop a heartbeat & a personality. There was just enough time to feel and empathize w/the storylines.

amazing

this woman is amazing her writing her ability to reach your inner self and let you know you are someone who deserve to be here you belong I am so fascinating by her writing her gift of giving thank you.

Awesome

I have been a fan of Terry Mcmillan since the book mama I love her books. They are deep inspirational eye-opening makes you think as a woman and as a black woman this book is so good.I’m going to recommend this to all of my friends. This should be a required reading for all and if she says, can’t we all just get along

I loved the diverse subjects and variety of characters. Something for everyone.

I enjoyed these stories. Forever a fan! I loved the diverse topics of the short stories and variety of characters