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.

Terry McMillan

Adult

Novel

Waiting To Exhale

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Waiting to Exhale and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Waiting to Exhale Summary and Study Guide

Background

Waiting to Exhale Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

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

character

Character Analysis

Waiting to Exhale Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Waiting to Exhale Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Waiting to Exhale Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Waiting to Exhale Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Waiting to Exhale Essay Topics

Waiting to Exhale

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Waiting to Exhale?

Reading Age

Book Details