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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

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Entering Chapter 50 is the beginning of life!!

The characters were very well thought out! Each character was relative! I think that I most connected with Savannah and Robin. Friendships like the ladies in this book are rare, but not impossible - love, honesty, good-hard advice are all foundational necessities for such sisterhood! I enjoyed it very much!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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Great story of mid-life girl friends…

Terry McMillan hits a home run in girlfriend stories with real life grit and humor.

The performance was good with one sister telling her story, but when in a group setting it was confusing and annoying to keep hearing so n so said.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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it was ok

Not what I was expecting but it was bearable. took longer to listen then I expected

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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It was refreshing

I truly enjoyed the story. It was refreshing witty, funny, sad, very entertaining. Thank you.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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True friendships!

I love TM…I’m so glad we got to see how the ladies friendships are still THRIVING! This book takes us on a journey throughout all 4 ladies lives. It was such a joy to peek into their day-to-day life experiences. I especially LOVED the narration by S. Epata Merkerson! Her voice is so soothing & u can really get into the character changes. Terry’s voice also transforms me into the character seamlessly. I just ADORE them both. All narration was top notch & I never got lost. Hope we can someday get a movie. Bravo Terry! 👌🏽

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The ladies

I started this book paperback I long time ago. It was very familiar considering I know the characters. 10/10 love me some T Mac fa sho.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • KC
  • 10-01-10

"PUSH PASS Terry's narration"

I had been waiting for this one to come out. So I downloaded 'before' I read the reviews. I "RE-started" 3 times - I had to try to get pass Terry's voice - All of the reviews are right about that comment. Little did I know, Terry is not the only voice. So PUSH PASS how hard it is to listen to Terry's narration because after a while it gets easier. I was able to really enjoy the audiobook. .... I can see another movie and another book from here!!!

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15 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Monotone asf

She reads so dryly….. for her to be the writer she needed help with voices

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Great Read!

Great read! I enjoyed every part of this book. I would definitely recommend to my friends!!

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Go Girls

Excellent Read. It is just what I needed. This book puts you right in the story.

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