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Getting to Happy  By  cover art

Getting to Happy

By: Terry McMillan
Narrated by: Terry McMillan, S. Epatha Merkerson, Gloria Reuben, LaChanze
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Editorial reviews

It’s been 15 years and the four women you loved from Waiting to Exhale are back with a few more wrinkles, a few more pounds, but the same old man issues. Savannah (voiced by author Terry McMillan), who was single when we last knew her, has now been married for 10 years and is falling out of love. Robin has a 15-year-old daughter and is trying her hand at internet dating. Bernadine, now twice divorced, is drowning in her prescription drug addiction. And Gloria, the only woman out of the four with a good man and a happy home is dealt a tragic blow, which brings all four of the women even closer in support of their friend. The same personalities that made the original novel so great are still there, but the bitterness and unhappiness that pervades these women’s lives gets tiresome in this sequel.

McMillan’s portrayal of Savannah is especially bitter and acid-laced and one can’t help but wonder if her own failed marriage inspires the tone. The other three characters, voiced by S. Epatha Merkerson, Gloria Reuben, and LaChanze, sound strikingly familiar to the actresses who portrayed the women in the movie Waiting to Exhale. Whether on purpose or not, it’s easy to picture the characters as their on-screen personas and get involved with them all over again.

If you loved Waiting to Exhale and are curious about where these women ended up, this book is worth a listen. But if you’re hoping they all found a happy ending or have learned something about men and love in the past 15 years, you’re bound to be disappointed. Colleen Oakley

Publisher's summary

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.

©2010 Terry McMillan (P)2010 Penguin Audiobooks

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)

What listeners say about Getting to Happy

Average customer ratings
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This is a great read!

I love every book by this great author and this one’s no exception! Love her books about “real friendships”, which is very hard to find in today’s world!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Just what I needed

I’m so happy to have finally heard these ladies stories since Waiting to Exhale. The book was just what I needed to know how their stories ended ( or began in so many ways). I loved the narration by the various voices. Awesome!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Did they really get back to happy?

4.5 rating. Really love McMillan. The chlidren seem a bit confused. The children had no boundaries; thats not realistic. Robin's plight was predictable and boring. Savannah's story was stupid. Her 50 year old behind threw away Issac over porn. His obsession could have been resolved. Bernie's and Gloria's stories carried the book. Good book club novel.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Very enlightening read

The is a book of why one must never forget whom they are and make sure they no matter what happens in their life to always remember to do what makes you happy. Most of all take the time to step out of your comfort zone once in a while. Make sure to have a great support channel.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great sequel! really enjoy it!

I wish a movie could be made. But overall the story was excellent!over the book!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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This too me back!

I really enjoyed this sequel! Waiting to Exhale left us wanting more. This completed the circle.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Would have been better, if there was never a movie

If you could sum up Getting to Happy in three words, what would they be?

Good ,bad,sad.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Didn't like it.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Narration was fine

Who was the most memorable character of Getting to Happy and why?

Bernie. I jus can relate to her.

Any additional comments?

Waiting to exhale was such a empowering movie for women. Women going through different relationships and have different perspectives on relationships. I Won't say I didn't get caught up in the story , oh I cried. Lol. I enjoyed it but I would have been satisfied with out a sequel

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

LOVED IT!!

Terry McMillan has yet to disappoint me!! I'm looking forward to downloading more audio books that she has written!! ;-)

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Nice story not the best performance

I liked the story and I like Terry voice that I wish she would read all of her books. I didn't like the voice-acts (like crying load and so on). looking forward to more books from her.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Getting to happy

The story line was good some of the things I wish it would’ve been different but this is Terry McMillan‘s vision not mine but the narrator for Savannah horrible......everyone else was good

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