Waiting to Exhale

Terry McMillan

“Waiting to Exhale” by Terry McMillan follows the lives of four African American women—Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria—who are each navigating the ups and downs of love, friendship, and personal fulfillment. The women are all in their 30s and 40s, living in Phoenix, Arizona, and each struggling with the complexities of relationships. Savannah is tired of waiting for the perfect man to sweep her off her feet, while Bernadine is reeling from the collapse of her marriage after her husband leaves her for another woman. Robin, successful but unfulfilled, moves from one unsatisfying relationship to the next, hoping to find true love. Gloria, a single mother and hairstylist, is focused on raising her son while longing for romance.

As the novel unfolds, the women come together in moments of joy, heartbreak, and self-reflection, supporting one another as they strive to “exhale” and release the stress and frustrations that have built up in their lives. Through their bond, they find strength and empowerment, learning to prioritize their own happiness and self-worth. McMillan weaves a compelling narrative of female friendship and resilience, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the journey toward self-discovery and independence. The book offers a vivid portrayal of modern African American women, capturing their experiences with humor, heart, and authenticity.

This edition

Pages

480

Format

Paperback

Genres

Fiction, Romance, African American, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Drama

Published

06/07/2011


Lex Reads Review

“If you’re about that life—real, relatable characters and messy, beautiful friendships—this book is for you. Whether you’re deep in the trenches of love or just living for the tea, Waiting to Exhale will definitely keep you flipping pages.”

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Great Book

October 2, 2024

This book is amazing. You’ve got to pick yourself up a copy asap! Absolutely one of my top 10 fav books of all time. I just love it!!!

Stacey