48 pages 1 hour read

Terry McMillan

It's Not All Downhill From Here

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

It's Not All Downhill From Here by Terry McMillan centers on Loretha Curry, an older Black woman navigating the complexities of aging, grief, and health issues after the unexpected death of her husband, Carl. Supported by her friends and family, Loretha confronts personal challenges, including strained family relationships, her own health, and the quest for self-improvement and acceptance. Discusses addiction, depression, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Reviews of Terry McMillan's It's Not All Downhill From Here highlight its compelling and heartwarming narrative that focuses on resilience and personal growth. Readers appreciated the relatable characters and McMillan's signature humor. However, some felt that the pacing lagged in parts and that certain subplots were underdeveloped. Overall, it's praised for its realistic portrayal of midlife challenges.

Who should read this

Who Should Read It's Not All Downhill From Here?

Readers who enjoy It's Not All Downhill From Here by Terry McMillan are often fans of heartwarming, relatable narratives focused on personal growth and resilience. Ideal for readers of Waiting to Exhale or The Help, this book appeals to those who appreciate stories about strong, dynamic women overcoming life's challenges with humor and grace.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Life/Time: Aging

Life/Time: Mortality & Death

Relationships: Family

Genre

African American Literature

Realistic Fiction