Reviews

It's Not All Downhill From Here, by Terry McMillan

pisces1_1318's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love Loretha and the gang. Beautiful story about aging and all the trials and tribulations that come with getting older. 

wellreadsinger's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I realized a few things while reading this novel: 1) When I read literature where the characters are much older than me, I may not connect fully with them. 2) Character driven stories are not my favorite especially if the development takes awhile to make itself known. 3) Despite the two things I just mentioned, a little more than halfway through the book I found myself reinvigorated to finish it and see how these characters evolve. 

If I have the same vigor and wit as Loretha’s mother even when my body does not do what it is used to, I’ll be grateful. If I pour into my friends the way Sadie, Lucky, Korynthia, Loretha, and Poochie did with each other, I’ll have a bond that can stand the test of time. If I find the courage to love even when grief  and loss change life as I’ve known it, I think Kory and Lo would be proud of me. If I remember that no matter my age that there is still life to live, I should wake up everyday with a renewed sense to keep going as long as I have breath. 

Although it took me awhile to become fully invested in the story and the character development seem to happen at a snail pace, the payoff at the end made it all worth it. Before the final chapter, I found myself celebrating these characters and all they went through to realize they needed to live life to the fullest. Even when your body breaks down, you lose loved ones or maybe even yourself, and life pushes you to the limit, the best is still yet to come if you believe it so. When life is going downhill, remember to look up so you can remember  it’s a blessing that it’s going regardless. 

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5 

ryndolyn's review against another edition

5.0

Cutest book ever! Miss Loretha is an amazing character

eajohnson's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

shannanh's review

4.0

Loretha's life was going in the direction she planned so far, until an unexpected event changes everything. With the help of those closest to her, she goes on a journey that will bring about forgiveness, growth and reconciliation.

I thought this was a very good story, not only geared for Seasoned women, but for women of all ages. It showed ups and downs of life and also shows why you should strive towards living life to the fullest. Although it did seem to start off a little slow, I felt It was a great story and I enjoyed it all the way through.

I received a copy of this book via netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

leftleaning's review against another edition

4.0

For Feb, in celebrating Black History Month, I read Terry McMillan's newest novel (because i'm such a 90s baby - How Stella got her Groove Back & Waiting to Exhale). Enjoyed reading from characters in their mid-life. Good to know with age it only gets better!

lspmmc15's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed this book. The story held my interest and kept me reading late until the night. I appreciated the deep-rooted friendship of the characters. I enjoyed catching glimpses of the evolution of their friendships throughout the story. The support the main characters gave to each other and their adult children was heartwarming. The flare and zest they displayed in their 60's and 70's personifies the term"growing old gracefully". It is nice to read a story where the characters are not only comfortable with their age and minor imperfections but relish in them. I want to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

thain's review

4.0

An older woman copes with a sudden loss, health problems, and a troubled daughter with the help of her circle of close friends. While touching on some serious issues, this breezy novel with relatable characters is ultimately a feel-good read.

jadapnj's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

If there is a such thing as a "coming of age" story for folks who are already grown, this is it. This is book about life, growth, grief, and the possibilities of all of the things beyond the age of 60. Telling the story of women of in their 60's is a rare find, talking about grief and evolving in your 60's is even more real. This story felt... real. The conflict of the story was not over done, nor did the protagonist dwell on it in the same ways that you may see in other novels, but by no means were the they absent. This novel really asks (and answers) hard questions like: 

- Coming to terms with an aging body + knowing that you do not have to be complacent with your aging body. 
- Losing someone you love + the prevalent fear and reality of loss. 
- Trauma and mental health
- Love and honesty (self and others) 
- Identity 

This was a unique one for me, especially considering how close to home this is for so many people.

why913's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0