I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan

Published: June 7th 2016 by: Crown

Genres: Women’s Fiction, Adult Fiction, Chick Lit

Format: Hardcover Source: Gift

My Rating: All The Stars!! 

ADD TO GOODREADS

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Waiting To Exhale is back with the inspiring story of a woman who shakes things up in her life to find greater meaning

In I Almost Forgot About You, Dr. Georgia Young’s wonderful life–great friends, family, and successful career–aren’t enough to keep her from feeling stuck and restless. When she decides to make some major changes in her life, quitting her job as an optometrist, and moving house, she finds herself on a wild journey that may or may not include a second chance at love. Like Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, I Almost Forgot About You will show legions of readers what can happen when you face your fears, take a chance, and open yourself up to life, love, and the possibility of a new direction.

 

Review

Calling all women’s fiction lovers!! Terry McMillan’s latest novel is not to be missed. It’s the perfect summer read to add to your beach bag.

The thing I love most about this novel is the genuineness. There is no sugarcoating Georgia’s reflections about her life, and the things she’s done. Okay, that sounds ominous. She’s not a serial killer or anything like that. What I mean is, her past relationships and how she’s matured over the years, her career, her friends, family, etc… I think the most engaging thing about women’s fiction is the wisdom of the protagonists. I also love the reflections they experience. And, yes, sometimes those reflections lead to regrets. I related to her somewhat on one aspect of her life, so I was really into this story.

Dr. Georgia Young is a successful optometrist, who is twice divorced and is in need of a change. That need only intensifies as she learns that her college love, Ray, has passed away. She starts reflecting on all the men she’s loved throughout her life, and she’s thankful for all that she learned from that relationship. She decides to track them all down and just let them know how much she treasures what they all gave her during their time together. So thus begins the road to self discovery, and there are plenty potholes along the way. As Georgia recalls how she met each one, you can see why she fell in love with him, or why she broke it off. There are lots of laugh-out-loud moments to get through, so this is not a “woe is me” fest. I loved getting to know Georgia and her history. I love the romantic ending; which felt like a younger Georgia falling in love all over again. *sighs*

I love the minor characters, Wanda and Violet. It’s so refreshing to have these 3 ladies still friends for decades. Even those friendships haven’t been all rainbows and sunshine, which really makes this story so much more real. Again, there’s no sugarcoating. I connected with Wanda more, as she was more present. When you are looking for a change in your life, your best friend always has to set you up on blind dates. I also love Georgia’s mom, Earlene. The woman is 81 and still getting around better than some young people. I liked that there was a class reunion, even though it was a little cliche’ with this being women’s fiction. What I loved most about that particular part of the story is the way Georgia didn’t let the snobs get to her. Her mom insisted that she take a date, but Georgia doesn’t really care what her classmates think of her. After 40 years, a lot has changed for everyone. Amidst all the face lift, economy, marriage, divorce, kids/grandkids, death, career talk, Georgia came out a more better person than when she first arrived. The pop culture references also gave this story flare. Georgia’s kept up with the times, in terms of indulging in popular crime shows (I love me some Detective Goren) and knowing the slang of today’s youth (God, help us all). All of that really made this story feel so sentimental, even if you aren’t hip to what’s hot and what’s not. Most of all, it really showed Georgia’s growth; her past, present, and future. Which looks pretty bright to me.

Terry McMillan did an excellent job bringing Georgia to life. I’m still thinking about some of my favorite scenes, and smiling as I type this. If you are into women’s fiction, or if you’re looking to make some changes in your life, I think this book will introduce you to some possibilities on which directions to take and avoid. The journey wasn’t all great, there were bumps along the way. Georgia is a character that I truly enjoyed reading about and I’m glad to have read this. I have no doubt that this will make my top 10 favorites list in December. I highly recommend this book!