Waiting to Exhale

I had seen the film but never read the novel until recently. McMillian's novel centers on Bernadine, Robin, Gloria, and Savannah, four black women in their early 30s who are all struggling in their own way with love and relationships. Bernadine is fresh off a divorce and trying to figure out how to move on. Robin is in a long-term relationship with a man who can't seem to commit. Gloria is dealing with infidelity in her marriage. And Savannah is trying to find love in a city that doesn't seem to have much to offer her.

As the novel progresses, all four women come to realize that the answer to their problems lies not in finding the perfect man, but in learning to love themselves first. Waiting To Exhale is a moving, funny, and ultimately hopeful story about the power of female friendship, and the strength of black women.

If you're looking for a novel that captures the modern black female experience, Waiting To Exhale is a great choice.