Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan captures the essence of African American women's lives through relatable characters and strong friendships. Positive responses highlight McMillan's witty, candid prose and engaging storytelling. Some criticisms point to predictable plotlines and uneven pacing. Overall, it resonates with readers for its authentic depiction of mid-life challenges.

Readers who would enjoy Terry McMillan's Waiting to Exhale are often fans of contemporary African American literature, exploring themes of friendship, love, and personal growth. Similar audiences might appreciate Alice Walker's The Color Purple or Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan follows the intertwined lives of four middle-class, professional Black women—Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria—as they navigate romantic, professional, and personal challenges while supporting each other through lasting friendship. Themes include midlife introspection, romantic betrayal, and cultural dating expectations. Includes depictions of infidelity and a heart attack.

Emotional / Inspirational / Romantic / Contemplative / Bittersweet

- Waiting to Exhale was a groundbreaking novel that catapulted Terry McMillan into mainstream success, spending several months on The New York Times Best Seller list after its release in 1992.
- The success of Waiting to Exhale was notable for its focus on the lives of African American women, making it a trailblazer for diverse voices in popular fiction.
- The novel's popularity led to a 1995 film adaptation directed by Forest Whitaker, which featured a star-studded cast including Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett.

**Savannah Jackson**  
A 36-year-old professional woman who relocates to Phoenix. She navigates the pressures of finding love, balancing her ambitions with societal expectations.  

**Bernadine Harris**  
A woman who copes with the end of an 11-year marriage. She seeks to rediscover her identity and goes through significant personal changes after her divorce.  

**Robin Stokes**  
A professional in her thirties who desires marriage and family life but faces challenges in finding the right partner. She learns to rely on herself and navigates personal growth throughout the narrative.  

**Gloria Matthews**  
A single mother and hair salon owner who raised her son independently. She supports her friends emotionally while seeking love and personal health improvement.

Terry McMillan

Adult

Novel

Waiting To Exhale

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Waiting to Exhale Summary and Study Guide

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Waiting to Exhale Background

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Chapters 1-6

Waiting to Exhale Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

Waiting to Exhale Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

Waiting to Exhale Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-23

Waiting to Exhale Chapters 19-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-28

Waiting to Exhale Chapters 24-28 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Waiting to Exhale Character Analysis

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Themes

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Waiting to Exhale

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