T

Terry McMillan

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 14 Books

4
Series
14
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Waiting To Exhale Books
Start with: Waiting to Exhale (1992)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Mama (1987)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: It's OK if You're Clueless: and 23 More Tips for the College Bound (2006)

About Terry McMillan

Terry McMillan is an African American short fiction author and novelist who believes her work is best described as the experiences of African American men and women from the city. McMillan was born to blue-collar worker Edward Lewis McMillan in Port Huron Michigan in 1951. Her father was an alcoholic that beat up his wife regularly and this left a huge scar on the young Terry. When she was only thirteen, her parents divorced and her mother had to work several odd jobs to feed her children. At sixteen, Terry got a job at the local library stacking shelves to help her mother provide for her siblings. It was while she was working at the library that she became a voracious reader and learned about the world of imagination. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Waiting To Exhale Books series, Terry McMillan has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Terry McMillan

Publication Order of Waiting To Exhale Books
2 books 1992–2010
1

Waiting to Exhale

Waiting to Exhale is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Waiting To Exhale Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry McMillan have come to expect.

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1992
2

Getting to Happy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Waiting To Exhale Books with Getting to Happy, another outstanding contribution from Terry McMillan.

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2010
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
8 books 1987–2020
1

Mama

Mama is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry McMillan have come to expect.

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1987
2

Disappearing Acts

Disappearing Acts is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry McMillan have come to expect.

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1989
3

How Stella Got Her Groove Back

How Stella Got Her Groove Back is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry McMillan have come to expect.

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1996
4

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

A Day Late and a Dollar Short continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Terry McMillan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
5

The Interruption of Everything

The Interruption of Everything is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry McMillan have come to expect.

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2003
6

Who Asked You?

Who Asked You? continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Terry McMillan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
7

I Almost Forgot About You

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with I Almost Forgot About You, another outstanding contribution from Terry McMillan.

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2016
8

It's Not All Downhill from Here

It's Not All Downhill from Here is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry McMillan have come to expect.

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2020
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 2006–2025
1

It's OK if You're Clueless: and 23 More Tips for the College Bound

It's OK if You're Clueless: and 23 More Tips for the College Bound is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry McMillan have come to expect.

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2006
2

It Was the Way She Said It

It Was the Way She Said It is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Terry McMillan have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 1990–2002
1

Breaking Ice

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Breaking Ice, another outstanding contribution from Terry McMillan.

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1990
2

Making Callaloo: 25 Years of Black Literature

Making Callaloo: 25 Years of Black Literature continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Terry McMillan's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Terry McMillan?

Terry McMillan is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 14 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Waiting To Exhale Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Terry McMillan series to start with?

For readers new to Terry McMillan's work, the Publication Order of Waiting To Exhale Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 2 books. Begin with Waiting to Exhale to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Terry McMillan written?

Terry McMillan has written over 14 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Terry McMillan books in order?

Yes, reading Terry McMillan's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Terry McMillan write in?

Terry McMillan writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 14 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Terry McMillan's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Terry McMillan's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Terry McMillan's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Terry McMillan's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Waiting To Exhale Books series. The first book, Waiting to Exhale, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.