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The Interruption of Everything
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Terry McMillan comes a “frank, no-holds-barred, humorous look at African-American midlife” (The Seattle Times).“Being a lifetime wife and mother has afforded me the luxury of having multiple and even simultaneous I've been a chauffeur. A chef. An interior decorator. A landscape architect, as well as a gardener. I've been a painter. A furniture restorer. A personal shopper. A veterinarian's assistant and sometimes the veterinarian. I've been an accountant, a banker, and on occasion, a broker. I've been a beautician. A map. A psychic. Santa Claus. The Tooth Fairy. The T.V. Guide. A movie reviewer. An angel. God. A nurse and a nursemaid. A psychiatrist and psychologist. Evangelist. For a long time I have felt like I inadvertently got my master's in How to Take Care of Everybody Except Yourself and then a PhD in How to Pretend Like You Don't Mind. But I do mind.”Today forty-four year old Marilyn Grimes has decided to be something other than a wife, a mother, a sister, or a herself. But first, she has to figure out exactly who that is....
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2003
208 people are currently reading
2702 people want to read
About the author
Terry McMillan
47 books3,515 followersTerry McMillan is an African-American author. Her interest in books comes from working at a library when she was fourteen. She received her BA in journalism in 1986 from the University of California at Berkeley and the MFA Film Program at Columbia University. Her work is characterized by strong female protagonists.
Her first book, Mama, was self-promoted. She achieved national attention in 1992 with her third novel, Waiting to Exhale, which remained on The New York Times bestseller list for many months. Forest Whitaker turned it into a film in 1995. In 1998, another of McMillan's novels, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, was made into a movie. McMillan's novel Disappearing Acts was subsequently produced as a direct-to-cable feature.
Her last novel, Who Asked You?, casts an intimate look at the burdens and blessings of family and speaks to trusting your own judgment even when others don’t agree.
Her first book, Mama, was self-promoted. She achieved national attention in 1992 with her third novel, Waiting to Exhale, which remained on The New York Times bestseller list for many months. Forest Whitaker turned it into a film in 1995. In 1998, another of McMillan's novels, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, was made into a movie. McMillan's novel Disappearing Acts was subsequently produced as a direct-to-cable feature.
Her last novel, Who Asked You?, casts an intimate look at the burdens and blessings of family and speaks to trusting your own judgment even when others don’t agree.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
March 25, 2018
I appreciated the humourous way Terry McMillan delivers this story. It’s funny, really funny! For all the mum’s out there that have felt like life’s one big juggling act will enjoy the heck out of this book. Mum’s who are run off their feet and who feel under appreciated who spend all their time looking after everyone else will feel a real affinity to Marilyn’s predicament. I was certainly the right demographic for this book! Tackling lot’s of real life scenarios, the good, the bad and the ugly but all told with razor sharp wit. Parts of this book felt incredibly relatable and made the characters feel real and lovable. Despite the humour this book tackles lots of serious topics it’s just done in a way that doesn’t get too heavy. I liked that.
So after reading this I wouldn’t hesitate picking up another book by Terry McMillan, as a matter of fact I’m downloading some as we speak!!
So after reading this I wouldn’t hesitate picking up another book by Terry McMillan, as a matter of fact I’m downloading some as we speak!!
February 10, 2008
I finished Terry McMillan's The Interruption of Everything tonight. This is definitely a page-turner. It's a universal story. It's not full of cliches or male bashing or gratuitous sex (I hate that that's what I expected from her, but it sorta was). It's not sugar-coated or exaggerated. It's just real. If we all live long enough we'll experience many of the things these characters do: that mid-life thing they say men go through, menopause, caring for our parents in their old age, empty nesting. I think the author did a great job telling the story of a woman who raised three kids and when she didn't have kids to raise anymore had to redefine her purpose and maintain her sanity while dealing with a shaky marriage, an aging mother and an irresponsible adopted sister, among other things.
Initially, you meet these characters who you immediately want to dislike...a strung-out mother of two, a cheating husband, an overbearing mother-in-law. Then the whys of these faulty characters unfold, and you get to what causes their behavior...loneliness, fear of abandonment or rejection, insecurities. Ultimately, it's impossible to dislike these characters, because you understand the whys. The more you learn about them, the more difficult it is to dislike them. The more the main character learned the whys...the more she came to understand her adopted sister, her niece and nephew, her mother, her husband...the harder it was for her to look at them with nothing but love in her heart. She was also able to look into herself...get to some of her own whys. Understanding is so powerful.
And just like Terry McMillan's other works, this one ends with you wondering what will happen, but knowing everything will be okay. This is a good book y'all.
I can see this one joining How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Waiting to Exhale and Disappearing Acts in my DVD collection. Isn't it about time for another Terry McMillan book inspired film? If it is ever put on film, we already know Angela Basset's got dibs on the lead role.
Initially, you meet these characters who you immediately want to dislike...a strung-out mother of two, a cheating husband, an overbearing mother-in-law. Then the whys of these faulty characters unfold, and you get to what causes their behavior...loneliness, fear of abandonment or rejection, insecurities. Ultimately, it's impossible to dislike these characters, because you understand the whys. The more you learn about them, the more difficult it is to dislike them. The more the main character learned the whys...the more she came to understand her adopted sister, her niece and nephew, her mother, her husband...the harder it was for her to look at them with nothing but love in her heart. She was also able to look into herself...get to some of her own whys. Understanding is so powerful.
And just like Terry McMillan's other works, this one ends with you wondering what will happen, but knowing everything will be okay. This is a good book y'all.
I can see this one joining How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Waiting to Exhale and Disappearing Acts in my DVD collection. Isn't it about time for another Terry McMillan book inspired film? If it is ever put on film, we already know Angela Basset's got dibs on the lead role.
July 15, 2008
Marilyn Grimes is just trying to get through life. She has a husband in the midst of a mid-life crisis, a crazy sister, and dreams of a career pushed aside for her family. A lot of what Marilyn is going through seems very much age-based (menopause, a long marriage with the romance dwindling) but I still had no problem relating to her. Even though she deals with some serious issues, this book is also really, really funny.
November 20, 2011
Empty nest syndrome, midlife crises, the "change", family issues, loneliness, and just plain boredom creep into all of our lives at one point in time or another, but it seems that the forties are riddled with these issues. Marilyn Grimes is no different from any other woman in her forties and as we get a peak into the issues of her life, we learn that those of us who are facing the same issues are not alone. Terry McMillan creates real characters and places them in real-life situations, making the reader feel like a fly on the wall as the events of their lives unfold. I absolutely loved this page-turner. Ms. McMillan has proven that her talent just gets better with time! This book reminds me why she's my literary idol!
Adrienne Thompson - Author of Bluesday
Adrienne Thompson - Author of Bluesday
October 11, 2010
I had to force myself to finish this one. I didn't like or care about any of these characters. Disappointing.
July 13, 2025
This was such an enlightening read. I didn’t know I needed to read it at this present moment but it put so many things into perspective. The realistic portrayal of marriage, going through “the change”, dealing with aging parents, challenges between siblings, and finding time for friendships was written with such intentionality. And with many heavy focuses, there was a good dose of humor. I had so many “aha moments” and as a mid-30s woman going through menopause, I felt seen and heard.❤️
4.5✨
4.5✨
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July 12, 2017lady got it going on terry mcmillian amazing love this book!
August 29, 2013
“Being a lifetime wife and mother has afforded me the luxury of having multiple and even simultaneous careers: I've been a chauffeur. A chef. An interior decorator. A landscape architect, as well as a gardener. I've been a painter. A furniture restorer. A personal shopper. A veterinarian's assistant and sometimes the veterinarian. I've been an accountant, a banker and on occasion, a broker. I've been a beautician. A map. A psychic. Santa Claus. The Tooth Fairy. The T.V. Guide. A movie reviewer. An angel. God. A nurse and a nursemaid. A psychiatrist and psychologist. Evangelist. For a long time I have felt like I inadvertently got my master's in How To Take Care of Everybody Except Yourself and then a Ph.D. in How to Pretend Like You Don't Mind. But I do mind.”
I'm rating this book just what the Dr. ordered! Funny, funny, funny. Needless to say I enjoyed reading this book. It had been a really, really long time since I'd read a Terry McMillan book or much in this genre in general. I read a lot when I was younger. I read all the Mamma, Waiting To Exhale, Disappearing Acts and A Day Late and A Dollar Short and felt I had read all there was to read. I've always felt that Terry was one of the very best in this genre and when I needed a new good read, I'm not surprised that she didn't let me down. What I am surprised at is that I hadn't picked up this book sooner. I do knock myself for that error but I believer there is a time and place for all things and this was my time to read this. Good timing.
The Interruption of Everything is very much a coming of age story about a woman named Marilyn but in reality, she may be an extension of degrees of you or me. Marilyn happens to be 44 but the plateau that Marilyn lands on I believe can be hit anywhere in that middle age bracket as long as the statistics add up. Wife, check. Mother to almost grown or grown children, check. Self lost in the shuffle of over achieving in the wife/mother department, check. The realization that you are not in your 20's any more, check. Marilyn is out of sorts and going through perimenopause and her husband seems to be wrecking their lives going through a midlife crisis. This is a story of change, realization, discovery for the later part of life.
What I loved most about this book is that Terry McMillan's wry sense of humor came through on so many levels. I found myself stopping and laughing at so many intervals. Her writing style is so down to earth, easy to read and relate too. I'll be honest, I don't know if it was more hilarious because some of the situations are classic African American community goings on and I usually don't like stereotypes but to be honest, she was spot on to be truthful. That is where I found most things so very comical because I'd think, "Yes...it is exactly like that!"
Do I recommend this? Most definitely. I recommend it to readers of the genre. I also recommend it to women in general because I think most who are middle aged or even getting close to the "empty nest" stage or the "who did I become" stage can totally relate. I also recommend to those who just need a book to give you a good laugh. Life.. is funny when you look back on it. It may not be going through but on the back end it's pretty friggen hilarious.
I'm giving this 4 stars because it picked me up out of a reading slump when I needed it. It was a little bit like coming home. Comfortable. Not challenging. Just comforting in the way that you've read several books by an author and you have no worries about it being a success.
I'm rating this book just what the Dr. ordered! Funny, funny, funny. Needless to say I enjoyed reading this book. It had been a really, really long time since I'd read a Terry McMillan book or much in this genre in general. I read a lot when I was younger. I read all the Mamma, Waiting To Exhale, Disappearing Acts and A Day Late and A Dollar Short and felt I had read all there was to read. I've always felt that Terry was one of the very best in this genre and when I needed a new good read, I'm not surprised that she didn't let me down. What I am surprised at is that I hadn't picked up this book sooner. I do knock myself for that error but I believer there is a time and place for all things and this was my time to read this. Good timing.
The Interruption of Everything is very much a coming of age story about a woman named Marilyn but in reality, she may be an extension of degrees of you or me. Marilyn happens to be 44 but the plateau that Marilyn lands on I believe can be hit anywhere in that middle age bracket as long as the statistics add up. Wife, check. Mother to almost grown or grown children, check. Self lost in the shuffle of over achieving in the wife/mother department, check. The realization that you are not in your 20's any more, check. Marilyn is out of sorts and going through perimenopause and her husband seems to be wrecking their lives going through a midlife crisis. This is a story of change, realization, discovery for the later part of life.
What I loved most about this book is that Terry McMillan's wry sense of humor came through on so many levels. I found myself stopping and laughing at so many intervals. Her writing style is so down to earth, easy to read and relate too. I'll be honest, I don't know if it was more hilarious because some of the situations are classic African American community goings on and I usually don't like stereotypes but to be honest, she was spot on to be truthful. That is where I found most things so very comical because I'd think, "Yes...it is exactly like that!"
Do I recommend this? Most definitely. I recommend it to readers of the genre. I also recommend it to women in general because I think most who are middle aged or even getting close to the "empty nest" stage or the "who did I become" stage can totally relate. I also recommend to those who just need a book to give you a good laugh. Life.. is funny when you look back on it. It may not be going through but on the back end it's pretty friggen hilarious.
I'm giving this 4 stars because it picked me up out of a reading slump when I needed it. It was a little bit like coming home. Comfortable. Not challenging. Just comforting in the way that you've read several books by an author and you have no worries about it being a success.
July 6, 2009
Hilarious...I totally realted to this book and couldn't put it down. With the 'change' in my own life and realities of disaster, I thought this was the funniest book about what can happen in one's lifetime. If I weren't such a book hound then I'd already have started this one over again because it was such a wonderful adventure. It will be one that I revisit often...if not for anything but for laughs and encouragement!!!
This author knows what she's doing and I was drawn into the character's lives...an amazing portrail of life and what we all go through.
I can't say enough good things about it. Relating with the protagonist on so many levels that I thought she was telling a story of my life...LOL.
Women of all ages will enjoy this book and they will be drawn into the story...what is going to happen next?
I understand the drama and roller coaster ride of life and have lived through many situations myself...it really does a person good to be able to laugh at themselves and the circumstances that seem to find their way to us.
What a great novel...I can't wait to read another of McMillan's books...I'm sure that it will be just as addicting!!!
This author knows what she's doing and I was drawn into the character's lives...an amazing portrail of life and what we all go through.
I can't say enough good things about it. Relating with the protagonist on so many levels that I thought she was telling a story of my life...LOL.
Women of all ages will enjoy this book and they will be drawn into the story...what is going to happen next?
I understand the drama and roller coaster ride of life and have lived through many situations myself...it really does a person good to be able to laugh at themselves and the circumstances that seem to find their way to us.
What a great novel...I can't wait to read another of McMillan's books...I'm sure that it will be just as addicting!!!
August 11, 2021
This book had me dying laughing, it is so funny how the different characters interact to good or upsetting news. Do not read this if you are in a secured place ( when you have to be quiet), you would be laughing so hard.
August 19, 2011
Very good book that so many people can relate to on so many levels
May 3, 2022
3/5 stars---quick, throwback read. Always been a fan of Terry McMillian's works
October 13, 2009
n the early 1990's, author Terry McMillan gave a voice to young African American women via the antics of the characters in her New York Times bestseller, Waiting to Exhale. Now, nearly 13 years later, she is back with another definite hit, The Interruption of Everything, which focuses on the trials and tribulations of a middle-aged woman, Marilyn Grimes. It is an engaging novel that truly transcends race and culture because art imitates life - Marilyn's experiences are very real for many women of all ethnicities.
Years ago, Marilyn put her dreams, education and career on hold, dedicating herself to motherhood and marriage. Now, a forty-something-year old homemaker whose children have recently left home, she can't quite enjoy her new child-free phase of life. She works part-time in a crafts store largely to fight boredom, loneliness, and pursue her lifelong hobby. Her husband, Leon, a chronic workaholic, is absent all day and most evenings. Her children still rely on her as the primary problem solver for anything that goes wrong in their lives, whether it be physical, financial or emotional. She unwillingly has been pulled in as chauffer, chef, and caregiver to her nosey, manipulative, opinionated, live-in mother-in-law and her mangy poodle. Yet another burden she faces is dealing with her foster sister (a single mother and drug addict) who recently started disappearing for days leaving her young, unruly children with their ailing mother, who is showing signs of Alzheimer's. Things are further complicated when a routine doctor's visit to address menopausal symptoms reveal Marilyn is pregnant!
She is at the apex of frustration and exhaustion. A lonely, tired, and numb Marilyn struggles to reclaim her life, dreams and passions. She summons an inner strength and musters resilience to determine her next steps despite wanting to "roll over and die." She resolves to reprioritize her life and place her wants and needs first. She secretly applies to school, looks into starting her own business, changes her hair, starts to work-out, among other things. But just before she can share her proclamation with Leon, he, surprisingly and unexpectedly, announces that he is bored with their passionless marriage and is going to an exclusive, secluded Costa Rican resort - alone for a month - to "find himself." It would not be a true Terry McMillan tale without the power of friendship. Marilyn's best friends, Bunny (a chronic sufferer of "no class" in the fashion and home décor areas) and `know-it-all' Paulette provide comfort, comic relief, and bring a little excitement of their own. Thus the drama continues and pages are rapidly turned to seek the outcome.
The novel is funny, laced with witty dialogue, great subplots, a few surprises, and unforgettable characters. It has a universal appeal to all audiences and reminds women to find and rekindle their passion(s) and regain their independence. The Interruption of Everything will hit close to home and touch hearts as an emotional and endearing tale. The commonality of the experiences and familiarity with its center, Marilyn, will pull readers in instantly. She could be anyone's mother, sister, and/or friend - and that is the beauty and uncanny simplicity of it. McMillan's fans (old and new) will not be disappointed with this offering.
Years ago, Marilyn put her dreams, education and career on hold, dedicating herself to motherhood and marriage. Now, a forty-something-year old homemaker whose children have recently left home, she can't quite enjoy her new child-free phase of life. She works part-time in a crafts store largely to fight boredom, loneliness, and pursue her lifelong hobby. Her husband, Leon, a chronic workaholic, is absent all day and most evenings. Her children still rely on her as the primary problem solver for anything that goes wrong in their lives, whether it be physical, financial or emotional. She unwillingly has been pulled in as chauffer, chef, and caregiver to her nosey, manipulative, opinionated, live-in mother-in-law and her mangy poodle. Yet another burden she faces is dealing with her foster sister (a single mother and drug addict) who recently started disappearing for days leaving her young, unruly children with their ailing mother, who is showing signs of Alzheimer's. Things are further complicated when a routine doctor's visit to address menopausal symptoms reveal Marilyn is pregnant!
She is at the apex of frustration and exhaustion. A lonely, tired, and numb Marilyn struggles to reclaim her life, dreams and passions. She summons an inner strength and musters resilience to determine her next steps despite wanting to "roll over and die." She resolves to reprioritize her life and place her wants and needs first. She secretly applies to school, looks into starting her own business, changes her hair, starts to work-out, among other things. But just before she can share her proclamation with Leon, he, surprisingly and unexpectedly, announces that he is bored with their passionless marriage and is going to an exclusive, secluded Costa Rican resort - alone for a month - to "find himself." It would not be a true Terry McMillan tale without the power of friendship. Marilyn's best friends, Bunny (a chronic sufferer of "no class" in the fashion and home décor areas) and `know-it-all' Paulette provide comfort, comic relief, and bring a little excitement of their own. Thus the drama continues and pages are rapidly turned to seek the outcome.
The novel is funny, laced with witty dialogue, great subplots, a few surprises, and unforgettable characters. It has a universal appeal to all audiences and reminds women to find and rekindle their passion(s) and regain their independence. The Interruption of Everything will hit close to home and touch hearts as an emotional and endearing tale. The commonality of the experiences and familiarity with its center, Marilyn, will pull readers in instantly. She could be anyone's mother, sister, and/or friend - and that is the beauty and uncanny simplicity of it. McMillan's fans (old and new) will not be disappointed with this offering.
May 6, 2021
The very first page of this book starts off with smiles for me as I am of a certain age also, with my go-to being a box of "Mini Chuckles" instead of "Good & Plenty."
The dialogue and observations in this story made me smile through the chaos; especially during Adventurine (and Prezelle) moments in the story, and Marilyn's outlook and attitude (and sass!)
Pg. 7 "I can't remember when the dreams stopped being real and reality wiped out the dreams."
Pg. 94 "... being in love is a good thing but it shouldn't mean you have to forfeit your dreams."
Pg. 190 "My heart is throbbing like a bad toothache in my chest."
The dialogue and observations in this story made me smile through the chaos; especially during Adventurine (and Prezelle) moments in the story, and Marilyn's outlook and attitude (and sass!)
Pg. 7 "I can't remember when the dreams stopped being real and reality wiped out the dreams."
Pg. 94 "... being in love is a good thing but it shouldn't mean you have to forfeit your dreams."
Pg. 190 "My heart is throbbing like a bad toothache in my chest."
December 22, 2018
Let me start off by saying that I enjoyed the writing and the plot of the story but I was not a fan of the ending. I realized I was halfway through the book only because I was waiting for something to actually happen! The main character, Marilyn, was too indecisive for me. I found myself almost yelling at the book "Would you make a decision already?!?!" I felt like she came to all of these realizations that she needed to make changes in her life, only for her to only do 2 of them (school and exercise) and she seemed hesitant to even do those. Some parts of the story seemed completely unnecessary to me. For example, why have her ex husband appear in the story twice, only to never mention him again? Why not explore that? There were also pages of her getting her hair done that added nothing to the story at all. I was waiting for her to finally do something for herself and it never came. She was rewarded by having to take care of more people. I felt like once it finally started getting interesting...it ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2015
Can I first say that any book that I have read from Terry McMillan had never been a disappointment! I really loved this book! 5 starts! I laughed, I cried and most importantly, I learned! The main takeaway message in this book is that we have to take care of ourselves better! We can't be running around day in and day out taking care of everyone else's needs before we take care of our own needs. When this happens, we shortchange ourselves and we become resentful and we miss out on a lot of opportunities. The main character came to this epiphany and decided that she needed to love herself more, pursue her dreams and have a well balanced life of taking care of her own needs as well as the needs of her family and friends. Well written book!
October 27, 2009
I loved "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" (the book not the movie) and was excited to read another Terry McMillan book. I was terribly disappointed. This character's "voice" sounds exactly like Stella's voice. The son's "voice" sounded exactly like Stella's son's voice. Everything going on in the story seemed very cliche and predictable. I guessed where everything was going about 1/4 into the book, skimming the rest and finding I was right.
Don't waste your time unless you enjoy predictable endings.
Don't waste your time unless you enjoy predictable endings.
March 20, 2011
Again, I don't like to say I read a book when I didn't finish it. But it's the only way to indicate a book I started and couldn't quite get into as well as a personal reminder so I won't pick the book up again.
I made it through a few chapters and although I think the stories might have been interesting, the writing style couldn't hold my attention.
I made it through a few chapters and although I think the stories might have been interesting, the writing style couldn't hold my attention.
June 24, 2009
"I think I finally get it. You don't have to give everything to own your life. And you dont have to give everything you own to fuel someone else's. This time around I'm not going to pretend I'm the quarterback or the goalie or the last handoff in a relay or the referee. I'm just an older more experienced member of the team who wants to do her part to make sure we all win." (Page 334)
August 6, 2011
Fun read. Perfect for a 40-yr old woman to read around the pool!
September 8, 2012
I wasn't wild about this book- not very interesting. I couln't even finish it. Sure it had a lot of drama, but nothing that really held my attention.
April 15, 2013
Love it!!
April 6, 2018
If you are under 40 years of age, I don't think you can relate to this book. If you are a childless, career woman of any age, I don't think you can relate to this book. But if you are -- or have been -- stuck in an unappreciated hell of midlife caregiving (as I once was), you will find a lot to relate to in this novel. I mean, a LOT.
Marilyn Grimes is a college educated, suburban mother of three who has spent a lifetime putting her own dreams on hold. (If you fit this description, the fact that Marilyn is black and you may be white matters not one bit.) As she herself describes it, "For a long time I have felt like I inadvertently got my master's in How to Take Care of Everybody Except Yourself and then a Ph.D. in How to Pretend Like You Don't Mind. But I do mind." If you see yourself if that statement, you will appreciate this book. 3.5 stars
Marilyn Grimes is a college educated, suburban mother of three who has spent a lifetime putting her own dreams on hold. (If you fit this description, the fact that Marilyn is black and you may be white matters not one bit.) As she herself describes it, "For a long time I have felt like I inadvertently got my master's in How to Take Care of Everybody Except Yourself and then a Ph.D. in How to Pretend Like You Don't Mind. But I do mind." If you see yourself if that statement, you will appreciate this book. 3.5 stars
September 15, 2025
This is one of those "as I age, relatable kind of stories." It hits the subjects of midlife crisis, what do you have in a marriage when the kids leave, aging parents, dementia, and drug abuse. It makes you sit and think about how you would cope with those situations. I also listened to the audio so the narrator brought those words to life and I was hollering at some of the commentary.
January 28, 2022
This book definitely hit home. The ending wasn’t how I expected it to go there were so many unanswered questions.
April 25, 2021
Loved this. Terry McMillan writes the most relatable characters.
July 13, 2022
I love Terry McMillan as an author. The Interruption of Everything is another fine 🪶 feather in her cap!
June 23, 2008
An enjoyable read. The novel is funny, laced with witty dialogue, great subplots, a few surprises, and unforgettable characters, especially her niece and her mother-in-law, Athurine. Her relationship with Authurine (mother-in-law) and eventually Prezelle, was endearing. She went to church with her and they held hands, she bought new modern jogging suits for her to walk the malls and look good for her boyfriend. I loved it! But, I wanted to know more about the relationship between Marilyn and Gordon (husband #1). "The Interruption of Everything" has a lot of strong women characters, as most of McMillan's books do, and this book is no exception. Her website says all of her books are about empowerment. I feel that a lot of women do forget themselves and focus on everything and everyone else around them. The story line was age appropriate for me. I can relate to Marilyn because I'm 43 and pre-menapausal with one child in college and another 18 - getting ready to leave home (I hope). However, I didn't put my dream on hold to get a college degree. It was slow going but I took one class per semester, sometimes 2 so as not to compromise my children and husband. My family fully supported me. I love doing crafts as Marilyn does and my husband sounds like Leon (without the infidelity...I pray). The story of the hair braiders-not sure why that was even in the book. The ending fell a little short for me. It doesn't seem realistic too abrupt, you are kind of left hanging. Marilyn still had hope to have a good happy life that may or may not include her husband.
January 17, 2014
McMillian’s book was surprisingly enjoyable. I have to admit this was my first time reading one of her books and it now holds a place on the shelf with classics like invisible man and a lesson before dying. Not due to its reputation but because of its ability to change my outlook on life.. I saw all the movies based on her books: Waiting to Exhale, Disappearing Acts, How Stella got her Groove and enjoy them despite the fact that I feel the hint of bashing African American males. This book was different not exactly the cookie cutter drama. I was very happy to read this book about a woman meeting her mid-life transition with courage and faith. I was also very happy to see a mature guy (even with his various faults) that appeared realistic and ultimately found a believable resolution. This book provides an urban drama without the overly dramatic childishness required to keep the story interesting.
If you are looking for another story with a successful sexy drug dealer waiting to buy your affections or another reason to believe every African American male is a useless cheater bum then this is not the book for you. But if you want to read about a real world mature love and the hill and valleys associated with a long term relationship then you have selected the right book.
This is a book that couples experiencing life in their mid-forties should read and learn from. It’s an opportunity to learn how to communicate with your spouse AND become a better person for your significant other.
If you are looking for another story with a successful sexy drug dealer waiting to buy your affections or another reason to believe every African American male is a useless cheater bum then this is not the book for you. But if you want to read about a real world mature love and the hill and valleys associated with a long term relationship then you have selected the right book.
This is a book that couples experiencing life in their mid-forties should read and learn from. It’s an opportunity to learn how to communicate with your spouse AND become a better person for your significant other.
April 11, 2009
This is an audiobook I really enjoyed.
Marilyn Grimes tale begins with a midlife crisis. Marilyn is 44 and is trying to find herself outside the constraints of a passionless marriage, a demanding family and a long list of things she wants to accomplish on her own. Marilyn is working with a full plate; three grown children in college, a husband with a roving eye, a demanding mother-in-law, a mother suffering the beginning of dementia and a drug-addicted sister. Torn between taking care of her family and attending to her own needs, she's faced with a number of choices. Marilyn wants to go back to graduate school to finish her degree. The question is, how can she do this and continue to juggle all of the other complications she is facing in her life. Supporting characters like Marilyn's feisty eight year old niece and the supportive-yet-opinionated best friends Paulette and Bunny add humor to even her most serious troubles.
Marilyn Grimes tale begins with a midlife crisis. Marilyn is 44 and is trying to find herself outside the constraints of a passionless marriage, a demanding family and a long list of things she wants to accomplish on her own. Marilyn is working with a full plate; three grown children in college, a husband with a roving eye, a demanding mother-in-law, a mother suffering the beginning of dementia and a drug-addicted sister. Torn between taking care of her family and attending to her own needs, she's faced with a number of choices. Marilyn wants to go back to graduate school to finish her degree. The question is, how can she do this and continue to juggle all of the other complications she is facing in her life. Supporting characters like Marilyn's feisty eight year old niece and the supportive-yet-opinionated best friends Paulette and Bunny add humor to even her most serious troubles.
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