I have been a Terry McMillan fan for years. I can remember sneaking through my mother’s books on her nightstand as a young girl in the 90s getting familiar with novels like Mama, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and Disappearing Acts. Secretly devouring these books late into the midnight hour by the small lamp in my bedroom fueled my love of reading. It’s Terry McMillan’s way of telling stories of family, love, and relationships that made me feel like I was growing into a part of a sisterhood no one had told me about. Flipping those pages was a rite of passage! I was reading things that I had only heard about while eavesdropping when my mama’s friends came by (because of course I was not allowed to be in the room). I have experienced so many stages of life through the lens of a fictional Terry McMillan character that resembled my mom, aunt, grandmother, and other loved ones. I’ve grown up on Terry McMillan novels and will brake for anything she pens, automatically.

All of that brings us to my experience with It’s Not All Downhill From Here. I read the synopsis and couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy! I was fascinated by the premise of a 68-year-old owner of a beauty empire with a full life. I dived in head first with Loretha and could not wait to see what kinds of gems she would share in this read. 

Loretha was the owner of a beauty empire, which, as a beauty enthusiast, I loved. I did not love, however, how everyone in her family thought she was Daddy Warbucks because of this, though. Reading about Loretha’s family made me realize how much we rely on the matriarch of the family for so much support—whether it be financial, emotional, or otherwise. However, early in the book, Loretha experiences an unexpected loss. Thankfully, she can rely on her good girlfriends of over 50 years to offer her the emotional support she needs.

The friendships Loretha has with Sadie, Korynthia, Lucky, and Poochie seem to keep her afloat, mostly. When she isn’t discussing the trials of life with these ladies, she’s helping her family the best she can—including her daughter Jalecia, who doesn’t seem to want her help. While sometimes I wondered what would happen next with any character, other times I just wanted to move on to the next thing. The pacing read like Lo’s diary and I wanted so badly for her to do something that would shake some things up!

Speaking of pacing: when I got so far into the book, I started feeling like that scene in Life where Ray and Claude are new to the camp and the fellow inmates learn they can read. Everybody wanted their letters read, but each one was so depressing. After a while, nobody else wanted their letters read for fear of more bad news. I was like, damn. “Don’t nobody bring me no [more] bad news!” But just as the book suggests, it’s not all downhill from "here." There were happy moments. With all the tragedy and bad news I read in this book, I suppose these are the breaks and this is real life. I read a review that said this book was escapism, but it sure didn’t feel that way for me. Escapism for me reads like romance and HEAs. This one seems more real than anything I've read lately. And it made me sad.

While this may not be my favorite Terry McMillan book, I enjoyed reading it. Lucky might have gotten on my nerves a time or two too many. I might have been way too worried about Jalecia to even remember Lo had other family members. And I might have cringed every time Lo or her mother said certain phrases to "keep up with the times." But overall, It's Not All Downhill From Here taught me the importance of living this thing called life while we have it and loving your family members as they are.

Major thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for the ARC of It's Not All Downhill From Here in exchange for an honest review.

⭐⭐⭐🌟 (3.5 Stars)

This was one of the funniest books I have read in quite a while. The characters were all lovable. There is happy events as well as sad. It was like you were hanging with your friends and cutting up.  The characters are older in their high 60's and 70's but that doesn't stop them from having fun.  
Terry McMillan is a wonderful author and I highly recommend this book to anyone.

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

Terry McMillan a 15 ans de plus que moi. J'ai lu tous ses romans (Waiting to Exhale reste mon préféré) et j'attends toujours le suivant avec impatience. Je ne dirais pas que Terry McMillan est ma life coach, mais comme le vécu transparaît toujours dans ses romans, elle m'aide à comprendre ce qui va m'arriver alors que j'avance en âge (et à prendre des mesures avant qu'il ne soit trop tard ?). Vous trouvez peut-être que j'exagère ? À peine.

Loretha va fêter ses 68 ans. Comme elle en a assez des surprises-parties (au sens américain du terme), Carl, son troisième mari, décide de l'emmener en week-end en amoureux. Après avoir travaillé des décennies sans relâche, ils ont une vie plus que confortable : Carl est maître d'œuvre à la retraite mais refuse d'arrêter de travailler ; Loretha a deux magasins où elle vend des cosmétiques. Elle refuse d'écouter son médecin qui lui recommande de perdre du poids et de faire de l'exercice. Elle est encore trop jeune pour ça et il sera toujours temps de commencer. Malheureusement, Carl avec qui elle comptait finir ses jours (après deux échecs, elle a enfin trouvé le bon) décède. Et Loretha est désemparée.

Une histoire toute simple en somme, même si la vie de Loretha est plutôt compliquée. Elle a un groupe d'amies de longue date avec lesquelles elle partage tout. Son fils vit au Japon et sa fille est alcoolique. Elle ne s'entend pas avec sa sœur jumelle qui est devenue une grenouille de bénitier depuis qu'elle a pris sa retraite de la police. J'aurais pu faire sans l'histoire de la sœur jumelle (apparemment, dans les romans, les jumeaux ne sont intéressants que s'ils ne s'entendent pas ou sont psychopathes), mais bon... Le récit suit son cours simplement, avec quelques retours en arrière de temps en temps.

Et en fait, je n'ai pas grand chose à dire de plus. Même si Terry McMillan aborde des thèmes importants, j'ai trouvé qu'il y avait beaucoup de remplissage et trop de personnages. Le livre ne m'a pas déçue, mais il ne m'a pas emballée non plus.

J'aime beaucoup l'épigraphe : You cannot go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. C'est parfait pour moi qui pense souvent "si j'avais fait ça...".

This was an unexpected love affair after I completed this book. I knew that all the main characters would be the age of my grand parents compared to me but I still just wanted to give it a shot! 

I am thankful  that I not only gave it a shot but that I kept reading through the beginning of this book which for me was slow. Overall I feel like this is a story that my grandmother would tell me of how she and her four girlfriends got through struggles that they weren't expecting in their 70's. Each of the women in this story all have issues that they face at this age that they were not expecting to have to face. For some it's medical conditions, death, taking care of their adult children, finding true love, and the list just keeps going. Regardless of which characters  is facing whatever struggles, one thing that they do have in common is each other. Through thick or thin, smart of stupid decision these women come together to pick each other back up and find their way. I have yet to find a group of women that can do this for me, but I'm hoping by this age I will have a group no matter how big. This book has surprisingly helped me in ways I did not realize I needed and I'm thankful to have read it.

If you are like me and have read all or most of Terry McMillan's books, you will find this one comfortably familiar in style and tone.  The central character Loretha has her world turned upside down while celebrating her 68th Birthday.  Her colorful cast of "besties" are there to help her pick up the pieces. I liked that McMillan shows the strength and resilience of black women and in this case older women. Loretha was a very realistic character to me. We see  her struggle with loneliness and grief while dealing with strained relationships with her sister Odessa and her troubled daughter. Loretha is also a successful business owner that is generous and caring  with friends and relatives in her life.    There are some serious topics tackled in this story including alcohol abuse, depression, aging, health issues and sexual orientation. As we expect, there is plenty of humor, feisty dialogue and "too much cussing" the friends admit. There is a lot going on between Loretha, friends and family, which will take the reader through every emotion. There are also doses of wisdom relating to aging and moving from denial to appreciation. It was the perfect read for me during this mandated " stay at Home"  time, serious enough to keep my attention and  light enough to make me smile.

It’s Not All Downhill From Here is new women’s, multicultural fiction from award-winning and bestselling author, Terry McMillan. 

Sixty-eight-year-old Loretha Curry has a full life as a wife, mother, business owner and loyal friend to a diverse group of women. She doesn’t believe that life is over at sixty-five. Loretha experiences a devastating loss and temporarily loses herself, but amid the turmoil she comes to realize the value of family, friends and self confidence.  

It’s Not All Downhill From Here is a well-written novel told from the first person perspective. The characters are alive and vibrant. The novel is packed with sincere, vividly expressed emotions. Grief, happiness, love, hate and anger all seem real and appropriate. The author explores difficult familial relationships, but there is enough humor to offset the darker emotions. Ultimately, this is a story about love, loss, forgiveness, redemption and resurrected life. It’s never to late to change and improve. I throughly enjoyed this novel and rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys good fiction. 

My thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

This was just like you were reading your own family’s story. It’s funny, heartwarming, entertaining  and emotional at times. It definitely highlights the importance of family and friendships. I would definitely read again, and will definitely recommend to all my friends known as the “ village”. Once again Terry does not disappoint.

3.75 rating

****I had difficulty writing this review and it shows. I will revise at a later date.****

When I read the premise of It's Not All Downhill From Here I was immediately intrigued. Being that I am a women closer to the end of life than the beginning, I now look for stories that involve older characters. Ms. McMillan did not disappoint. There are very important issues in this book. The characters just couldn't accept their issues and get past their denial so, going over said issues became tedious after a while. The character development was strong. After making a diagram, to keep track of all the characters, I was able to lean in and experience them. Many sad moments in this book as well that seemed to happen all at once. I felt, as the reader, I couldn't catch a break. Many life lessons here for the taking. Did I learn anything from this read? Did it change me in anyway? Yes, it reminded me that I need to get my life together sooner than later, the people you choose to keep in your life are just human and to not be so hard on them, and that no matter your age you deserve happiness and love.

I was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

Terry McMillan doesn't shy away from topics of importance in her latest book: It's Not All Downhill from Here. Instead of allowing older characters to serve as ancillary characters (at best) or be invisible (at worst), McMillan highlights that life isn't over for women in their sixties (and beyond) through the dynamic portrayal of Loretha Curry. 

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

I really wanted to to love this book! I did love the subject or the idea of this book! I found the characters relatable and interesting! It’s refreshing to read a book about older women dating, running businesses and trying to figure out who they are or what they need. I love this author. That being said, at times I felt there were too much going on at times. So much that I was tired for Loretha. I do understand that it is like that for some women but I just wanted more for the women in this book. I would and have recommended this book! It is definitely a good read.

Terry McMillan is back with more lovable, yet complicated, characters for readers to get to know - but this time a little older. Though the main character, Loretha, is nearly twice my age, I enjoyed following along as she navigated triumphs and challenges with her family, career, and friendships. The story is told from Loretha's point of view, but the presence of her girlfriends is felt throughout and provides further insight into the main character's desires and conflicts. This is my fifth McMillan novel and I continue to appreciate the way she reflects the voices of Black women who exist outside the binary of Huxtable vs. hood. Her characters feel real - like my aunts and their friends. This nuance is important and significant and I will forever support her work for this reason.

INADFH is a lovely novel that addresses issues that are prevalent among people entering their later years (death, chronic illness, retirement, financial responsibility) but has plenty to offer younger adult readers, including reflections on identity, desire, friendship, and love. I will definitely be purchasing a copy for my mother for mother's day and it's a great choice for buddy reads/book clubs as well. 

***i received a time-limited digital copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I recently saw a quarantine-related Facebook quiz that designated the cast of the latest book you read as your quarantine companions. It helped me realize that I would immensely enjoy being quarantined with this group of ladies. I've read all of Terry McMillan's books and often find that I would like to be friends with the women she writes about. This book was no exception. I also very much appreciated how she wrote about women her age (70ish) and what they were facing (which I'm sure is a target audience vastly underrepresented in women's fiction) instead of writing a story for a different generation. That authenticity shines through -- the book doesn't try to be anything other than what it is, which is a realistic reflection of what life must be like when you're dealing with health and mobility challenges, family issues, and the loss of loved ones. That realistic reflection doesn't prevent an upbeat, positive ending, even at a time of life where some think that most of the good years are behind them. As long as Terry McMillan keeps writing, I'll keep reading.

I was provided an advance copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

It's Not All Downhill from Here by Terry McMillan. Y’all I ate this book up in less than a day! This character driven novel that had me smiling, laughing and on the verge of tears (I didn’t cry). McMillan brings us a set of characters that you will either love or hate.
_
Our protagonist, Loretha, is trying to cope with the loss of her husband, Carl, passed away from a heart attack on her 69th birthday. Carl, is Loretha’s world, so you know his death crushed her. Odessa, Lo’s sister, is jealous of her success and pretty much is a financial leech. Jalecia, Lo’s only daughter is an alcoholic and into subscription drugs.

These two characters will have you cursing up a storm! Please don’t get me started. Ugh!
_
Lo’s besties are riot! Sadie is having an affair with her pastor; Korynthia has a son who is in trouble with the law; Poochie is struggling with her health; and Lucky is overweight and in a dead-end marriage. Look, getting older doesn’t get easier, but it’s helpful to have friends support you through the tough times.
_
With all the foolery going in this book, all you want to do is keep flipping the pages to find out what’s going to happen next. I wasn’t completely blown away by the writing, but I really did enjoy this read. Over all this was a 3.5/5 star read for me.

I loved Loretha's feisty character in this novel. Let's hope we have even more such older women protagonists in fiction. While the story starts off a bit slow, it picks up pace and gets us rooting early for Lo and the ups and downs she's dealing with. Her acerbic voice keeps us engaged and her insightful observations about everyone around her keep us well-entertained. Occasionally, there's a bit too much unnecessary digression but Ms McMillan cleverly makes this a necessary age-related character attribute that we soon come to expect and appreciate -- much like we would with an elderly, much-loved relative. All in all, this is a book worth spending time with. There are strong, resilient women like Loretha all around us. This book shows us how to pay closer attention to them rather than rendering them invisible simply because they're past a certain age.

An enjoyable read, Like many of the Terry McMillian novels there is a deeper meaning in the book. Love the fact that it focuses on women of color. Would definitely recommend.

I love Terry McMillan. She continues to gives us stories about Black women that are relate-able and so very much needed.

Its Not All Downhill From Here tells the stories of friends who are much older in life. We get their POVs as they go through retired life, death, dealing with not so good and good family, and walks down memory lane. INADHFM lets us know that women of a "certain" age don't have to "sit down". They can still enjoy life as they see fit. I enjoyed it for the most part. BUT, this story reads the same as her previous stories and that's what disappointed me the most about it.

I will continue to read Ms. McMillan because of my love for her and her love of Black women but I'm going to need for Sis to open them windows/blinds and gives us some new characters and....some new stories.

This book is for the die-hard fans, it truly is. If you're new to Ms. McMillan (I'm side-eyeing you), you'll enjoy it as well but I would recommend going back through her catalog and try some of her older works. But at the end of it all? It's Not All Downhill from Here is a Goodread.

I loved this book from front cover to back. I could relate to the older characters because I am of a certain age myself, lol. There were some parts where I felt it was a bit to clinical, but for the most part, I truly enjoyed it. The characters seem like people we know and love, and teach us valuable lessons of family, friendship, loyalty, love, and hope. It was a great reminder for me, especially with today’s current events that life is too short, you are never too old to try new things, or to start over again. I would recommend this book to everyone looking for a comfortable, “feel-good” read.

This is a coming of age novel but the age isn’t adulthood. It’s coming of age when the age before you means greying (and thinning hair) joint replacement, disease, weight problems, grandchildren, and problems with adult children. In It’s Not All Downhill from Here, Terry McMillan, using her signature laugh out loud humor to take aim at all these problems, introduces us to a sassy group of lifelong friends.

After feisty Lu, a beauty supply store entrepreneur, is hit by a sudden tragedy, her friends rally to support her. There’s Poochie, who takes care of her mother at the expense of her own health, Sadie, looking for love and finding problems, the statuesque hip hop teacher Korynthia and Lucky, who is deciding whether to stay or leave a troubled marriage. Don’t see the humor here? You will. Snappy dialogue and quick repartee move the story through travel, exercise , illness and diets. There’s sadness here too. No one’s life is without problems and these ladies have their share with siblings, addictions, troubled children, married men, and elderly parents. 

I loved It’s Not All Downhill from Here! From the first chapter, I felt like Lu, Sadie, Lucky, 
Poochie and Korynthia were my friends and all their relatives were also mine. The problems were real and I loved the wisdom that older age had given each of them. Definitely 5 stars.

It’s Not All Downhill From Here by Terry McMillan is an excellent book that brings the reader into the middle of a warm embrace that is comprised of a wonderful collection of a group of girlfriends (pretend sisters as well as real) of “old” souls that are truly young at heart. 

This is the second book I have read by Ms McMillan, the first being “Waiting To Exhale”. This was one of my favorite books growing up and I am so surprised I waited this long to bask again in the glow of a great, feel-good read. I am so glad I came back home.

I know I just met all of these ladies, and gents, but I really felt I was a part of their family as time went on. I cheered with them during their triumphs and successes, I cried with them during their frustrations and losses, and my heart burst with pride when I was able to see their transformations, their awakenings, their acceptances, and finally their love for each other and themselves to end up in happiness. 

I loved Loretha Curry, her best friends: Poochie, Korynthia, Lucky, Sadie, her Ma, and her family: Odessa, Cinnamon, Kwame, Jackson, and even Jalecia and Peggy ( I am so glad how things ended up with them). I loved all of their faults, strengths, weaknesses, and their successes. Every one of the characters were real and passionate, and perfect for this book. I loved every one’s journeys, and so glad that they were able to support and love each other. I thought the names of Pretty and Handsome were endearing. I even loved B.B. King and Billie Holiday. They made this story extra sweet. 

I thought the concepts that were central to this journey: love, loss, family, friendship, perseverance, acceptance, forgiveness, loyalty, hope, and life were the perfect  themes to remind everyone: that life is too short, you are never too old to try new things and start out again, you are never alone, life is a journey best spent with those we cherish and love, and there will always be a way home. 

Excellent, excellent, excellent. 5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and RandomHouse/Ballantine Books for this excellent ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N (posted under Rachel_Denise on 3/31) accounts upon publication.