Waiting To Exhale

By Terry McMillan

Revisiting Waiting to Exhale: The OG Sex and the City for Black Women

Y’all, we’re diving back into Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan, and let me just say—it still hits! I first read this book in my 20s, and now that I’m in my 30s, rereading it was a whole experience. This iconic story about four Black women navigating love, heartbreak, and sisterhood in their mid-30s is just as powerful today as it was back when it first dropped. If you loved the movie (I mean, who didn’t?), the book will have you in your feelings all over again—but in the best way possible.

The women—Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria—are all at different stages in their lives, but they’re all searching for the same thing: love, fulfillment, and maybe a little peace. Set in Phoenix, Arizona, Waiting to Exhale is packed with drama, realness, and all the iconic moments that made this story legendary. Whether you’re new to it or reading it again, this book will have you laughing, crying, and maybe even yelling at the characters because… whew, the decisions they make! Let’s get into it!

Key Themes

The main themes in Waiting to Exhale are love, identity, and survival. It’s all about how these four women survive the emotional rollercoasters in their lives—whether it’s heartbreak, failed marriages, or navigating single motherhood. This novel shows how love—whether romantic or platonic—can make or break you.

Another key theme is independence. Each character is on a journey toward discovering who they are outside of their relationships. The struggles of balancing societal expectations and their personal desires create such a rich, relatable narrative. McMillan showcases the beauty and pain of Black womanhood in a way that still resonates today.

Characters

Let’s start with Savannah—she’s recently moved to Phoenix and is still figuring out her love life, but honey, she’s sensible. She’s been through it, but she’s not about to settle for anything less than what she deserves. Then there’s Bernadine, who finds out her husband is leaving her for a much younger white woman. Can you imagine the insult? It’s not just about him leaving; it’s about what it says about her place in the world as a Black woman.

Now, Robin—she’s the spicy one! She’s fast, loves men, and just wants a husband and a family, but let me tell you, she is chasing after the wrong men. Lastly, Gloria, who is just trying to raise her teenage son and run her salon. She’s given up on love until Marvin, the perfect neighbor, walks into her life. These women are complex, and their stories unfold with so much depth and realism.

Writing Style

McMillan’s writing? It’s like she’s sitting right next to you, talking to you about your aunties, cousins, and best friends. Her dialogue is so real, so familiar—it’s like eavesdropping on a conversation at a family cookout. She knows how to make you feel like you know these characters personally, and she does it with humor, sass, and so much heart.

The pacing is just right too. The book is layered but never feels overwhelming. McMillan has a way of blending serious topics with light-hearted moments, and that’s where the beauty of her writing lies. You’ll find yourself laughing, cringing, and maybe even tearing up—all in one chapter.

Personal Thoughts

I’ve always loved Waiting to Exhale, but reading it again in my 30s hit different. The struggles these women go through—failed marriages, single motherhood, the search for meaningful love—they feel so much more real to me now. And the sisterhood? I loved every moment of it. Each woman is so distinct, and I appreciate the way McMillan gives each of them room to grow and evolve.

But let me tell you, Robin is a mess, and I love it! She’s so entertaining and relatable, even though she’s out here making terrible choices with these trifling men. That’s what makes her character stand out—you’re rooting for her, but you also want to shake some sense into her! This book is like a rollercoaster of emotions, and I loved every minute of it.

Rating & Recommendation

Alright, y’all, I’m giving Waiting to Exhale a strong 4/5 stars. This book is everything, but there were a few parts where I needed just a little more. Don’t get me wrong—Terry McMillan served up iconic characters and moments, and her dialogue is straight-up gold. But some of these ladies… whew, I wanted to shake them! Still, this story stays timeless, capturing all the drama, laughs, and tears we love.

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.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on Waiting to Exhale? Did Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, or Gloria resonate with you? Join the Lex Reads Book Club, and let’s dive into the tea and drama of this incredible novel together. I can’t wait to hear what you think!