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Disappearing Acts
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Terry McMillan comes an honest look at a modern romance, from love at first sight to painful reality to working toward a happy ending....
Franklin Swift was a sometimes-employed construction worker and a not-quite-divorced dad of two. Zora Banks was a teacher, singer, and songwriter. They met in a Brooklyn brownstone, and there could be no walking away....
In this funny, gritty love story, Franklin and Zora join the ranks of fiction’s most compelling couples as they move from Scrabble to sex, from layoffs to the limits of faith and trust. Disappearing Acts is about the mystery of desire and the burdens of the past. It’s about respect—what it can and can’t survive. And it’s about the safe and secret places that only love can find.
Franklin Swift was a sometimes-employed construction worker and a not-quite-divorced dad of two. Zora Banks was a teacher, singer, and songwriter. They met in a Brooklyn brownstone, and there could be no walking away....
In this funny, gritty love story, Franklin and Zora join the ranks of fiction’s most compelling couples as they move from Scrabble to sex, from layoffs to the limits of faith and trust. Disappearing Acts is about the mystery of desire and the burdens of the past. It’s about respect—what it can and can’t survive. And it’s about the safe and secret places that only love can find.
464 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 1989
172 people are currently reading
6373 people want to read
About the author
Terry McMillan
47 books3,499 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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March 13, 2024I’m not rating this because I didn’t look into what this was and went off a damn tiktok. So I bamboozled myself. Will just say, not for me.
August 6, 2019
So basically I've just read 474 pages chronicling the never ending cycle of abuse on behalf of Zora...
If she didn't decide to stay after an exhausting amount of verbal, physical and sexual abuse, I would have praised this book as a work of women's empowerment. In true McMillan fashion the characters are 3 dimensional but the pathetic nature of them makes a reader quite uncomfortable.
I can think of many alternate endings to this story that would have placed it at 5+ stars, however the ending presented a large disappointment.
Edit: Two years after writing the above review, I realized how judgmental I came across. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found it to be an accurate depiction of how mental illness can stem from mistreatment by a parent. The idea of a generational curse is explored as well. The ending of the book would give the fallacy of a happy ending, but unfortunately we know all too well how this will turn out. 4 Stars-Updated from 2.
If she didn't decide to stay after an exhausting amount of verbal, physical and sexual abuse, I would have praised this book as a work of women's empowerment. In true McMillan fashion the characters are 3 dimensional but the pathetic nature of them makes a reader quite uncomfortable.
I can think of many alternate endings to this story that would have placed it at 5+ stars, however the ending presented a large disappointment.
Edit: Two years after writing the above review, I realized how judgmental I came across. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I found it to be an accurate depiction of how mental illness can stem from mistreatment by a parent. The idea of a generational curse is explored as well. The ending of the book would give the fallacy of a happy ending, but unfortunately we know all too well how this will turn out. 4 Stars-Updated from 2.
March 9, 2015
"Waiting to Exhale" received all of the acclaim and is the book that changed the face of publishing to a significant degree as the industry suddenly realized that African Americans read too, and sometimes even like to read about fictional characters who remind them of themselves. But in my opinion this is Ms. McMillan's strongest novel. It's easy to become immersed in her work, forgetting that you're reading and instead envisioning yourself as a fly on the wall easedropping on lives that seem as real as those of your friends and neighbors.
October 20, 2024
I kept wanting more for Zora. Although it was set in the early 1980s this relationship dynamic felt timeless. I really enjoyed the way this story was told through both perspectives. Hearing the male and female narratives was quite an experience. Franklin will always be trash though and the ending could’ve been better.
I also liked how other social themes were explored such as toxic masculinity, mental health, and job insecurity. Beautifully written. I get why Terry McMillan is such a power house in black literature.
I also liked how other social themes were explored such as toxic masculinity, mental health, and job insecurity. Beautifully written. I get why Terry McMillan is such a power house in black literature.
August 8, 2007
I'm not really a Terry McMillan fan, but I really admired this book. I thought it was a pretty honest portrayal of the progression of a romantic relationship-- first you're enamored; then you're disillusioned, sometimes to the point of being disturbed; then, maybe, you find your way back to each other. It's not an uncommon storyline, but the way she exposes her characters' darker (yet utterly mundane) side is pretty unusual in fiction.
January 10, 2015
I liked that Terry McMillan dived right into the storyline. And the fact that it was a romance pulled me right in. But I won't lie, I spent most of the time trying to figure out when Zora was going to leave Franklin for good. It didn't seem like Zora and Franklin had a lot of good times and he was so insufferable. Throughout most of the book I wondered why they Zora was still dealing with him. I wasn't committed to their relationship or "love" and for must of the book wondered where the romance and love was. Yay to the writing, boo to the storyline.
August 24, 2018
I’ve enjoyed other books by McMillan, but unfortunately this isn’t one of them...
The characters start off so flawed and downtrodden that it’s hard to like them or find any endearing qualities from the start.
I felt like the story had a pretty good start and then it turned into a bad Tyler Perry movie. Rather than empathy or sympathy, what I felt was frustration and pity for the characters’ peril. Overall, I would give it maybe 1.5 stars, I was just underwhelmed especially since this story was developed into a movie, I had higher expectations.
The characters start off so flawed and downtrodden that it’s hard to like them or find any endearing qualities from the start.
I felt like the story had a pretty good start and then it turned into a bad Tyler Perry movie. Rather than empathy or sympathy, what I felt was frustration and pity for the characters’ peril. Overall, I would give it maybe 1.5 stars, I was just underwhelmed especially since this story was developed into a movie, I had higher expectations.
December 6, 2014
1.5 STARS
"Franklin's tired of women, tired of trouble. He's young, he's six-feet-four and he likes to pump iron. But his ex-wife's riding him for money to keep their two children, and there's no security in construction work. Not in New York anyway, and especially not if you're black. All Franklin really wants is to stay together, stay in work and, most of all, stay out of love.
And Zora. She's a music teacher, fresh from Ohio, looking for that one big break as a singer-songwriter. She's going to get an apartment, get fit, and get her first songs down on a demo tape. The last thing she wants is to disappear into another relationship, and wind up with another broken heart.
But when Franklin sees Zora and Zora sees Franklin, none of it means a damn. Everything - their pasts, their independence, their plans - evaporates in the electric charge of one of the most passionate, turbulent and memorable affairs in contemporary fiction..." (From Amazon)
It was well-written but I did not like the storyline or Franklin.
"Franklin's tired of women, tired of trouble. He's young, he's six-feet-four and he likes to pump iron. But his ex-wife's riding him for money to keep their two children, and there's no security in construction work. Not in New York anyway, and especially not if you're black. All Franklin really wants is to stay together, stay in work and, most of all, stay out of love.
And Zora. She's a music teacher, fresh from Ohio, looking for that one big break as a singer-songwriter. She's going to get an apartment, get fit, and get her first songs down on a demo tape. The last thing she wants is to disappear into another relationship, and wind up with another broken heart.
But when Franklin sees Zora and Zora sees Franklin, none of it means a damn. Everything - their pasts, their independence, their plans - evaporates in the electric charge of one of the most passionate, turbulent and memorable affairs in contemporary fiction..." (From Amazon)
It was well-written but I did not like the storyline or Franklin.
February 8, 2010
It was a pretty book. Yes, I said pretty NOT pretty good or pretty bad.. just pretty. Like you would call a person pretty. I hated the ending by the way.. after all I went through (via the character's lives)... by the end... I wasn't SOO satisfied with the outcome. But the story was nice. Terry McMillan is ON POINT!
December 2, 2009
This book started off pretty good. Kept me interested and coming back for more. I am mid way through the book and I find myself having to motivate myself to continue on. I so want to put this book down and start a new one but I have decide that my New Year's resolution for 2010 is to finish what I start. There is no better time than the present to make a lifestyle change. But this book is making me regret that change.
It is way too mushy for my taste. And Zora is a pathetic fool who is madly in love with Franklin; a man who not only does nothing for her but take her to bed but is demanding, controlling, unemployed, married, a deadbeat father of two, and finds a way to ruin every chance Zora has of having a little fun. Yet, she makes excuses for his childish behavior and caters to his every whim.
The movies was so much better....Thank goodness!
It is way too mushy for my taste. And Zora is a pathetic fool who is madly in love with Franklin; a man who not only does nothing for her but take her to bed but is demanding, controlling, unemployed, married, a deadbeat father of two, and finds a way to ruin every chance Zora has of having a little fun. Yet, she makes excuses for his childish behavior and caters to his every whim.
The movies was so much better....Thank goodness!
March 21, 2017
I was so absorbed by this book. It is the story of a relationship. Love with the perspective of both man and woman which was done in an interesting way. The man's thoughts in one chapter-moving on to the woman's. Back and forth. Love, struggles with betrayal, strength, intelligence, bread winner, etc. At the core was love and I wanted love to win out even when obviously causing one, the other or both grief, depending on the chapter. No ending from me but will recommend to anyone who likes great fiction. You also get a good look at minorities' (this one African American) special struggles.
I am happy to have come across an author like Terry McMillan and will be looking for more of her books.
I am happy to have come across an author like Terry McMillan and will be looking for more of her books.
June 3, 2024
I'm giving this a 4 stars because I was fully engaged in this story by MY GOD did the main characters piss me off!!
This audiobook is very quick and narrated by the author, which is nice.
All I'll say is. Zora... you in danger girl! Franklin was a walking, blaring, major red flag and you stuck beside your man huh?? Chile.... a hot mess express
This audiobook is very quick and narrated by the author, which is nice.
All I'll say is. Zora... you in danger girl! Franklin was a walking, blaring, major red flag and you stuck beside your man huh?? Chile.... a hot mess express
April 6, 2009
This is another typical McMillan novel. I just couldn't get my mind around these characters. At a certain point sympathy turns to pity.
April 2, 2023
This was probably the most toxic relationship I’ve ever read about 😩😭
tw: physical, verbal and sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, substance abuse.
tw: physical, verbal and sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, substance abuse.
October 2, 2008
I’m reviewing the book Disappearing Acts by Terry McMillan. It’s a fictional book about a black woman and man who struggle with society’s views, relationships, and life in general.
Disappearing Acts is based on the everyday struggles of a black woman Zora, and man Franklin, living in New York during the 80’s. Franklin is a tall handsome handyman who works construction. He’s very intelligent, but knows that means little when your black and a high school dropout. Franklin feels no one will ever give him a break especially when his own mother can’t. Zora is a successful middle school music teacher who’s passion is singing, and is determined to one day make it big. After meeting coincidentally at Zora’s new place Franklin quickly finds himself falling for Zora. Although Zora is hesitant not knowing much about Franklin they quickly find their relationship going from zero to sixty in three months. It starts to slow down though when some secrets are revealed. Franklin finds out about Zora hiding her epilepsy from him, and Zora finds out about his two sons and his wife. Who although they have been separated for a number of years have not gotten the divorce yet because of money. They manage to overcome it though but when jealousy, an abortion, drinking, a blow to the face, and their newborn son comes into play everything changes. They find out their bond might not be as strong as they thought, and Franklin feels he needs some time to accomplish what he had set out to do before meeting Zora. Going to his classes, doing things for himself by himself, and trying to start his own business. While doing this he only sees his son and Zora once every couple months with no communication in between, but they soon find out the break was just what they needed.
I thought the book was very entertaining. It was drama filled, suspenseful, and kept me on my toes the entire time. I especially liked how one chapter was written by Zora, one by Franklin, and so on. Also how vivid the book is. I could picture Zora’s classy apartment, Franklin’s tall stature, and their vacation to Saratoga very easily. Even when starting on the first couple pages you get a sense that the book is different. Everyone can relate to it. Whether it be how your misunderstood, feel like you can’t get ahead, having relationship issues, or are just trying to pursue your dreams, like me.
I think mature readers would enjoy reading this. Either male or female, because one gender isn’t the main character. Both a man and a woman share the spotlight equally. Mature teen readers would benefit most from this book, because it shows how you can overlook someone’s faults and love them in spite of them. It also it shows how to stand up for yourself, and forgive people for their mistakes. I think people who enjoy Terry McMillan’s work will love this book. Its different from Waiting To Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back because this is from both genders point of view. But still has the bluntness of Terry’s writing
Overall I give the book two thumbs up. I think it was the perfect drama book. It portrayed a relationship through many eyes, and was written in a way to capture readers.
Disappearing Acts is based on the everyday struggles of a black woman Zora, and man Franklin, living in New York during the 80’s. Franklin is a tall handsome handyman who works construction. He’s very intelligent, but knows that means little when your black and a high school dropout. Franklin feels no one will ever give him a break especially when his own mother can’t. Zora is a successful middle school music teacher who’s passion is singing, and is determined to one day make it big. After meeting coincidentally at Zora’s new place Franklin quickly finds himself falling for Zora. Although Zora is hesitant not knowing much about Franklin they quickly find their relationship going from zero to sixty in three months. It starts to slow down though when some secrets are revealed. Franklin finds out about Zora hiding her epilepsy from him, and Zora finds out about his two sons and his wife. Who although they have been separated for a number of years have not gotten the divorce yet because of money. They manage to overcome it though but when jealousy, an abortion, drinking, a blow to the face, and their newborn son comes into play everything changes. They find out their bond might not be as strong as they thought, and Franklin feels he needs some time to accomplish what he had set out to do before meeting Zora. Going to his classes, doing things for himself by himself, and trying to start his own business. While doing this he only sees his son and Zora once every couple months with no communication in between, but they soon find out the break was just what they needed.
I thought the book was very entertaining. It was drama filled, suspenseful, and kept me on my toes the entire time. I especially liked how one chapter was written by Zora, one by Franklin, and so on. Also how vivid the book is. I could picture Zora’s classy apartment, Franklin’s tall stature, and their vacation to Saratoga very easily. Even when starting on the first couple pages you get a sense that the book is different. Everyone can relate to it. Whether it be how your misunderstood, feel like you can’t get ahead, having relationship issues, or are just trying to pursue your dreams, like me.
I think mature readers would enjoy reading this. Either male or female, because one gender isn’t the main character. Both a man and a woman share the spotlight equally. Mature teen readers would benefit most from this book, because it shows how you can overlook someone’s faults and love them in spite of them. It also it shows how to stand up for yourself, and forgive people for their mistakes. I think people who enjoy Terry McMillan’s work will love this book. Its different from Waiting To Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back because this is from both genders point of view. But still has the bluntness of Terry’s writing
Overall I give the book two thumbs up. I think it was the perfect drama book. It portrayed a relationship through many eyes, and was written in a way to capture readers.
October 1, 2014
Too many p@&$!, d@&$, and mf's for my taste. Franklin appeared to be your average 'mad at the white man' black man who put his blame on everyone else. Zora, a successful woman struggling to love him, but at the same time settling for a man that added to her hardships instead of helping her get to where she was trying to go...
October 6, 2018
Excellent!
July 26, 2020
Part of the reason it took me a while to write this review was because I had really mixed feelings on this book. The writing was great, it felt fast paced, and every time I picked it up I didn’t want to put it down. At the same time though, this book made me feel sick to my stomach at times, and I found that I was not rooting at all for the romance between the two main characters.
This books follows Zora and Franklin, two people who have individually decided they are definitely not looking for a relationship, and are ready to focus on themselves. When they meet though, this all goes out the window. Soon they are spending every free minute together, despite the strain this puts on each of their careers. As the relationship progresses, we watch as it becomes toxic, and Zora deals with the consequences of Franklin’s failed career.
I loved Zora’s character, especially her ambition, and how she always seemed to put others before herself. She was very well fleshed out, and her troubles, both in her relationship and career seemed realistic, and made her a very sympathetic character (at least to me). Because of this, I did think McMillan was successful in her depiction of a relationship that starts out as seemingly picture perfect, but quickly descends into emotional abuse, as the reader does start to feel for Zora.
However, I absolutely hated Franklin, and even in the beginning thought he didn’t deserve Zora. Because of this the more romantic moments of the book were lost on me, as I was usually just rooting for Zora to leave him already. As the book went on he became an even worse person, and treated Zora awfully, to the point where I was reading on simply in hopes that they would break up.
I think I could have forgiven this, if not for the ending which, I think, is too dismissive of Franklin’s abusive and violent behaviour. To me, the ending takes away from the depiction of the different stages of a toxic relationship, and makes the book much less powerful. I think I definitely want to read more from McMillan, but I’m not sure I’d recommend this one, as I feel like it just left me feeling more angry and disappointed than anything.
Rating: 2.5 stars
This books follows Zora and Franklin, two people who have individually decided they are definitely not looking for a relationship, and are ready to focus on themselves. When they meet though, this all goes out the window. Soon they are spending every free minute together, despite the strain this puts on each of their careers. As the relationship progresses, we watch as it becomes toxic, and Zora deals with the consequences of Franklin’s failed career.
I loved Zora’s character, especially her ambition, and how she always seemed to put others before herself. She was very well fleshed out, and her troubles, both in her relationship and career seemed realistic, and made her a very sympathetic character (at least to me). Because of this, I did think McMillan was successful in her depiction of a relationship that starts out as seemingly picture perfect, but quickly descends into emotional abuse, as the reader does start to feel for Zora.
However, I absolutely hated Franklin, and even in the beginning thought he didn’t deserve Zora. Because of this the more romantic moments of the book were lost on me, as I was usually just rooting for Zora to leave him already. As the book went on he became an even worse person, and treated Zora awfully, to the point where I was reading on simply in hopes that they would break up.
I think I could have forgiven this, if not for the ending which, I think, is too dismissive of Franklin’s abusive and violent behaviour. To me, the ending takes away from the depiction of the different stages of a toxic relationship, and makes the book much less powerful. I think I definitely want to read more from McMillan, but I’m not sure I’d recommend this one, as I feel like it just left me feeling more angry and disappointed than anything.
Rating: 2.5 stars
October 4, 2024
I’ve loved every book and movie based off of Terry’s books and ya’ll this one did not disappoint. I watched the movie years ago when I was a teenager and while the book and movie have similarities reading it now was a totally different experience. I also found the book to be a little more enjoyable and funny compared to the movie.
Zora was a teacher, singer, and songwriter who recently relocated to Brooklyn hoping to put more time and money into her music career. She meets Franklin Swift around move in day. He was a sometimes-employed construction worker, and a not-quite-divorced daddy of two. Oddly enough when the two meet there’s an instant connection and Franklin made up in his mind he had to have Zora.
Fast-forward Franklin wasn’t shit ya’ll and Zora was to lost in the sauce to see through his BS. Franklin’s character will have you laughing but also thinking WTF Zora can’t really be putting up with this. His issue with fatphobia, dealing with his mother and sister, keeping a steady job, and his drinking habit would’ve been enough to call it quits. But Zora was really on some that’s my man ima stick beside him mess so I can’t fault her for loving her man lol. His mother was something else and the mashed potatoes I was just as shocked as Zora when that happened cause obviously this woman wanted to fight.
Overall, I loved the book and the movie highly recommend both. The author touched on themes surrounding giving into desire, trust in relationships, ignoring red flags, finding love, the male ego, and survival. I watched the movie before reading the book and it didn’t change my experience so if you haven’t seen the movie but read the book it’s rentable on Amazon prime.
Zora was a teacher, singer, and songwriter who recently relocated to Brooklyn hoping to put more time and money into her music career. She meets Franklin Swift around move in day. He was a sometimes-employed construction worker, and a not-quite-divorced daddy of two. Oddly enough when the two meet there’s an instant connection and Franklin made up in his mind he had to have Zora.
Fast-forward Franklin wasn’t shit ya’ll and Zora was to lost in the sauce to see through his BS. Franklin’s character will have you laughing but also thinking WTF Zora can’t really be putting up with this. His issue with fatphobia, dealing with his mother and sister, keeping a steady job, and his drinking habit would’ve been enough to call it quits. But Zora was really on some that’s my man ima stick beside him mess so I can’t fault her for loving her man lol. His mother was something else and the mashed potatoes I was just as shocked as Zora when that happened cause obviously this woman wanted to fight.
Overall, I loved the book and the movie highly recommend both. The author touched on themes surrounding giving into desire, trust in relationships, ignoring red flags, finding love, the male ego, and survival. I watched the movie before reading the book and it didn’t change my experience so if you haven’t seen the movie but read the book it’s rentable on Amazon prime.
July 22, 2018
Devoured....still holds up.
September 18, 2024
i could not decide which of these miserable, horrible people i hated more (yes i can, it’s franklin)
September 26, 2013
Shortie review here, since I am all kinds of late finally reading this book but OH EM GEE IT WAS GOOD!
I don't know why, but I haven't made a big habit out of reading Terry McMillan. My mother enjoyed Waiting to Exhale (the movie too) but I never read it. I read Getting to Happy and didn't think it was all that bad .... but I hadn't read Waiting, so I didn't have the same complaints that everyone else had. I also read Who Asked You and while I didn't truly enjoy it, it also primed my interest in more Terry McMillan, so on the suggestion and encouragement of a few friends, I took it all the way back to Disappearing Acts.
Ya'll know i don't do summaries in my reviews, so I won't bore you with details you can look up. I will just say... Zora needed her butt beat. BAD. BAD! Frankie had absolutely zero going for him when she met him, and frankly there was nowhere to go but UP, but... dawg. Chica. Lady. Friend. SHoulda listened to your girls. And I know it's hard, when you think about not having anyone to keep the bed warm at night, and wanting to be a ride or die kinda chick. This novel SURE opened my eyes to the mistakes that we can make when we think we need to be all in. At some point you gotta keep hold of yourself.
We watched Zora give up so much of herself and her dreams (and her MONEY and her PERSONAL SPACE) for Franklin. What did he give her in return? Two babies, some bills and some heartache. Zora had a lot of wonderfully patient people in her life, people who I think saved her behind when she needed it!
I really enjoyed this read so I am off to read more of McMillan's older work!
I don't know why, but I haven't made a big habit out of reading Terry McMillan. My mother enjoyed Waiting to Exhale (the movie too) but I never read it. I read Getting to Happy and didn't think it was all that bad .... but I hadn't read Waiting, so I didn't have the same complaints that everyone else had. I also read Who Asked You and while I didn't truly enjoy it, it also primed my interest in more Terry McMillan, so on the suggestion and encouragement of a few friends, I took it all the way back to Disappearing Acts.
Ya'll know i don't do summaries in my reviews, so I won't bore you with details you can look up. I will just say... Zora needed her butt beat. BAD. BAD! Frankie had absolutely zero going for him when she met him, and frankly there was nowhere to go but UP, but... dawg. Chica. Lady. Friend. SHoulda listened to your girls. And I know it's hard, when you think about not having anyone to keep the bed warm at night, and wanting to be a ride or die kinda chick. This novel SURE opened my eyes to the mistakes that we can make when we think we need to be all in. At some point you gotta keep hold of yourself.
We watched Zora give up so much of herself and her dreams (and her MONEY and her PERSONAL SPACE) for Franklin. What did he give her in return? Two babies, some bills and some heartache. Zora had a lot of wonderfully patient people in her life, people who I think saved her behind when she needed it!
I really enjoyed this read so I am off to read more of McMillan's older work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2019
I like this author. I like the strength of her MCs. They are richly drawn with all the details that make them so real. Zora, the MC here, had many strong qualities....I just questioned her taste in men. I didn't find Franklin appealing at all. It felt like she settled. I get the draw of a good looking man, but seriously.....!!! Even though this story focused on that particular relationship, I liked that Zora was still an individual with dreams, needs, and flaws.
I also liked the details regarding the setting. The author painted a great picture.
The story line wasn't my favorite because of the Franklin, but I'll add a star for the writing. Terry McMillan knows how to get to the heart of things.
I also liked the details regarding the setting. The author painted a great picture.
The story line wasn't my favorite because of the Franklin, but I'll add a star for the writing. Terry McMillan knows how to get to the heart of things.
November 21, 2023
I’m sorry…. am I supposed to root for a happily ever after for these two? Is verbal, physical, and sexual abuse supposed to be romantic? While the audiobook had me hooked from the beginning, I could not stand Franklin. He was broke, lazy, an alcoholic, a rapist, and a deadbeat father. For the life of me I could not understand how Zora fell for him. He was all talk but there was never any follow through. I understand this is reality for some people but Zora…. really??!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2024
There’s a lot to unpack here…first off the book started off slow, I wasn’t even gonna finish. Are we gonna talk about manipulative this man was and how he literally hated her because she was successful and he was hella insecure? I feel like the book kept romanticizing a toxic relationship that was never gonna work out. It was still good but I was disgusted with the way this man thought! Niggas are scary!!!
July 1, 2016
This book is a really amazing book. I liked it because it was real life, I felt like I was talking to my friends and they were telling me there problems. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, a great read
November 24, 2021
Man What a timeless classic
Omg Terry has woven the tale of all tales because between Franklin and Zora I’m unnerved. What a toxic ass situation. The story telling is unmatched. So many themes and lessons I am spent!
Omg Terry has woven the tale of all tales because between Franklin and Zora I’m unnerved. What a toxic ass situation. The story telling is unmatched. So many themes and lessons I am spent!
May 4, 2010
This is a amazing novel, however if you are not a fan of profanity than you are not going to like it. It told a good story and I related to some of the characters, it is worth reading.
February 25, 2025
3.75 - (warning spoilers) This book was so well written. Absolutely loved her writing but the story just pained me so much. I loved Zora and how independent she was but it was so hard to see her keep forgiving Franklin’s behavior. Sadly I felt like this story portrayed how abuse is a constant cycle that is very difficult to break.
June 27, 2025
This happens to be my favorite book by Ms.McMillan ***I've read every book by her*** I still remember reading it like it was yesterday the movie was good too. Zora seemed like the perfect ambitious woman who met the wrong man (kind of sorta) don't get me wrong Franklin was a good guy too I just believe he could have done better by Zora and his baby. I fell in love with Zora from the movie & the book I did not find out about the movie until I was done with the book and I believe the casting was done perfectly. Zora was a classy, talented, good woman who just fell in love with the wrong man believing she could change him. I think Dissapearing Acts is the story of many single women I liked reading it and I would not have a problem going back to re-read it. I just wish Zora could have gotten the perfect fairytale & daughter that she deserved . . . I give Franklin an F for NOT ENOUGH effort I don’t believe he loved Zora he mooched off her , brought her down with him , LOVE bombed her then got mad because she no longer put him first … he gave up on himself too much and refused to change and grew comfortable in his current situation he’s the male version of his mother. His abuse towards Zora really pissed me off and she pissed me off for still desiring his ass after that…, He did not know how good he had it until it was gone he was getting on my fucking nerves !!!! I think this was a realistic story about everyday relationships I do believe Zora wanted things to work out and was trying her best but every woman has their breaking point and I am glad she realized that !!! . . .
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