If I Could

by Donna Hill

Divorcing her husband because the marriage isn't working and quitting her job because she's not fulfilled, Regina Everette trades a lifestyle for a life. As her choices affect her family and friends, she falls into a new career and a new relationship, certain she'll live and love on her own terms.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Drama

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Cheryl James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Three female friends, Three marriages consisting of cheating, insecurities, egos, weakness, strengths, vulnerabilities and so much more.

This book was just okay for me. I loved the dynamics of each couple's marriage and what they all stood for and believed in. Maybe if I would have read this book 20 years ago it would have been more relevant to me. This is a good read for young couples who are starting out with new love, new marriages and new self upgrades.

Many times in life we struggle with the thought of "If I could" go back and do things differently, take back what I said or say what I didn't say, etc.

The moral of the story is to treat each other with love and respect because you may not get that second chance to make things right.

[Patrice Hoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a very positive story about 3 black women who met in college. I liked this book because it wasn't a sex crazed, man-bashing, or brash book. The people in this book are successful and want to lead successful lives all while harboring some demons that they need to expunge. I like stories that show black women in a way that's not stereo typical. There aren't any deadbeat baby daddies or irate, head shaking, curler wearing stereo types. Yet there are still true issues that many of us face being black women that either make us or break us. There were many layers to the women in this story and I could see myself or other women like me having some of the issues they had. The only problem I had with this novel was that the end was too wrapped up. Overall, it was a great story and would enjoy reading more books by this author.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demons. Battling demons and letting go of baggage. That is this book and I've just read it at a time in my life where I really needed the Affirmations for living the author sneaks in there! I have nothing in common with the characters' lives and yet I have everything in common with the characters' internalized thoughts and emotions. Each situation brought to light certain aspects of my life, drawing an awakening in me. As Timmothy B. McCann said in review on the back cover, this is a ' a wonderfully-crafted tale of hope, promise, and redemption.'

Well worth spending my Thursday reading every page front to finish!

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good and so intricate.. I could not finish it because I needed to take notes about my life. This novel was surrounded by Regina and her three friends. Layers of women and friendship. Women who struggle through life and life decisions. Regina went to Catholic School as I did the same and because of that training she walked around less independent in herself and that of her life. Non-confidence surrounded her domineering marriage and husband. When Regina makes some decisions not only does it affect her husband and children but her friends consider the courage and bravery it took for Regina that they lack. This book was so good.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started out slow for me. I kept at it and the last half was great. I will read more by Donna Hill.

[Anna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad Regina finally got a backbone! Her husband and mother was so controlling.

[Gloria Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about 3 black women who met in college. They had different majors and different lifestyles and goals. The main focus is on Regina Everette who is the quietest of the three women. She starts out quiet but over time she learns to state what she wants and to work for it. In the end she is the one the others look up to follow.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first saw this book, I knew I'd found something special.After reading it however, I knew for a fact that this was a powerful book. Not only does the main character Regina, reflects the some of the everyday woman in her struggles, she also shows what can be accomplished when one decides to change the situation they are in.

The first thing about this book is that it shows a turning point in someone's life and how those around the main character deals with the changes she make. The main reason why I love this book is because although it focus on Regina, it also covers the lives of her two other friend Toni, and Vanessa as well as combining their stories without missing a beat.


The other issue I like that this book explores is the perceptions we as people in general have able each other.Even reading this now, I'm sure that you have a friend that you view in a particular way.Now let's image for a minute that this friend was to come up to you one day and totally say something shocking.How would you take it?This is something that the three friends must deal with after Regina confronts her friends and tells them how she really feels.

For the most part, this book is spectacular.Not only does in manage to use vivid characters and realistic conversations, also it leaves the reader with a feeling of satisfaction at the ending knowing that Regina found her own identity in the world and that someday, we'll do the same.

[Imani · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book, its characters, and the situations they found themselves in were extremely relatable. i loved going on this journey with the three main characters, especially regina. it felt like i was in the book, like i was the fourth character, witnessing their transformations with my own eyes. one thing i will say: the weaving in and out of each character’s narrative and the switch from what happened in the past to what was going on in the present was a bit confusing but, i can see how this style of storytelling could allow us to journey along each character’s life simultaneously. other than that, i really enjoyed the storyline.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regina, Antoinette and Victoria met in college and have been the best of friends since...so it would seem. Victoria was the epitome of perfection on the outside, while harboring the lowest of self esteem. Antoinette was the busybee who had all the answers that could be found in a textbook but could not apply the same knowledge to fix her own life. And Regina was the agreeable one, never making waves or complaints. When Regina begins reflecting on life and decides to make drastic changes, including divorcing an idyllic husband and quitting her job, "Toni" and "Vicky" are agahst and believe Regina has taken permanent leave of her good senses. Regina is left with the realization that their friendship is more frivilous than any of the three ladies would care to admit. She makes the tough decision to A) hold the mirror up and point out her friends shortcomings and B) go with her intuition and ventures on a path of self discovery and acceptance that is joyous to witness. Though initially offended and angered over Regina's remarks, Toni and Vicky come to see the absolute truth in Regina's words and face their demons as well.

[~Gen hearts books.~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complete review to come later: This was a great read! One of my most favorite parts were The Affirmations for Living on page 284. I should print that up and frame it, those were good affirmations. This is my first read from Donna Hill.

I loved Regina. She was strong, humble and smart, yet loving and kind. My copy of the book had a different cover from what Goodreads has. Mine was published by Dafina Books. It is a beautiful pale yellow cover. Regina (the main character) is on the cover wearing a white tank top with a long white tiered style flowing skirt. She is standing in a field of green grass and flowers. The cover is nice, it's partly why I purchased the book. I enjoyed reading 'If I Could'. I will be reading more from Donna Hill. I am now a new fan of Miss Hill and her writing. Great story and writing style!

[M Landry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really get into the groove of this book until about half way through. The author seemed to want to slowly reveal things about the characters, but in doing so, there were holes in the beginning that made the book a little hard to follow. It got better though. I really related to Regina's character. She struggled with finding her voice, an issue that I know intimately. I also liked that there was a realistic ending to the story. Not everything was wrapped up perfectly, similarly to how life usually works out.

[LaMyia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regina!! She was the heart of the book. Her will to finally stick up for herself despite what others would think of her really touched me. If only there were more people like her in the world.

[Monica McCray-Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like that this book start off talking about three women's, how they met and take you on a journey of their life. It talks about their ups and downs. It also talks about the men in their lives and each character has a different story to tell.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mrs. Hill's writing is wonderful and meaningful. If I could is about three friends who have made wrong choices in their lives. As you keep on reading you will love them.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry

[Darlene Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book was published in 2000, a lot of what happened in it still happens today. A great beach read.

[Pretty Boi]

best book ever