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I Almost Forgot About You
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Waiting To Exhale is back with the inspiring story of a woman who shakes things up in her life to find greater meaning
In I Almost Forgot About You, Dr. Georgia Young's wonderful life--great friends, family, and successful career--aren't enough to keep her from feeling stuck and restless. When she decides to make some major changes in her life, quitting her job as an optometrist, and moving house, she finds herself on a wild journey that may or may not include a second chance at love. Like Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, I Almost Forgot About You will show legions of readers what can happen when you face your fears, take a chance, and open yourself up to life, love, and the possibility of a new direction.
In I Almost Forgot About You, Dr. Georgia Young's wonderful life--great friends, family, and successful career--aren't enough to keep her from feeling stuck and restless. When she decides to make some major changes in her life, quitting her job as an optometrist, and moving house, she finds herself on a wild journey that may or may not include a second chance at love. Like Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, I Almost Forgot About You will show legions of readers what can happen when you face your fears, take a chance, and open yourself up to life, love, and the possibility of a new direction.
512 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
1796 people are currently reading
13652 people want to read
About the author
Terry McMillan
47 books3,517 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 1,557 reviews
August 9, 2022
I loved this perspective of what life means for some people. Georgia here is a great example of what life might look like for many people in many years to come. She was ready to change her whole career and pursue the things she loves and inspect her past in order to have the future she is starting to desire. The most important thing is her finding to love herself first and let go of resentments that are very well poisoning her physical and mental health.
There were some parts that were definitely iffy like scenes where there wasn't much respect for someone’s spouse or insults thrown at other women. They didn’t bother me too much to hate the book. Georgia’s vulnerability in some scenes was very satisfying, even though most of it was her being vulnerable to herself. Her support system was weird because honestly, I wasn’t sure what their intentions were sometimes, but overall I could still tell they loved her.
I was delighted with the ending, almost making me tear up a bit. Definitely not perfect, but a very beautiful read!
There were some parts that were definitely iffy like scenes where there wasn't much respect for someone’s spouse or insults thrown at other women. They didn’t bother me too much to hate the book. Georgia’s vulnerability in some scenes was very satisfying, even though most of it was her being vulnerable to herself. Her support system was weird because honestly, I wasn’t sure what their intentions were sometimes, but overall I could still tell they loved her.
I was delighted with the ending, almost making me tear up a bit. Definitely not perfect, but a very beautiful read!
February 2, 2016
This book gave me all the feels for so many reasons. I love, love, LOVE that McMillan's characters are age appropriate. By that, I mean she seems to write what she knows. So when I started reading her when I was in college, her characters were 20somethings. Instead of staying in that age group, the age of her characters has progressively gotten older as she has and I appreciate that. Because she's slightly older than me, her books tend to feel like a, "girl, this is what's coming up for you down the road, so beware" warning. Like I said, this book spoke to me for reasons and had me questioning life decisions, next steps and possibilities. I'll post a review on my blog as we get closer to release date, but I want to encourage you to go ahead and pre-order, especially if you're a woman of a certain age.
June 18, 2017
Once upon a time, long long ago, I read two books by Terry McMillan. They were fun, they were light, they were right. Giggles and energy, smiles and wild.
Fast forward to almost twenty-five years later, when I pick up her latest, I Almost Forgot About You. Zap! A totally different story! Was it my taste or her storytelling that changed? Who knows. What I do know is that I didn’t like this book one iota.
I know, I know--the deal is, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything. I never have been good at obeying that rule. But still, I will try not to go on and on about all the negatives, and I will be sure to say what I did like, too.
Just to drive myself crazy, I’m going to try to be all breezy and mix the good with the bad instead of doing school-marm “Like” and “Didn’t Like” columns. This might seriously mess with my head.
Liked: The beginning. It pulled me in. Here is a 50-something divorced woman, Georgia, who wants to make a change. She’s a financially secure optometrist who is bored and lonely. After hearing that one of her past loves has died, she decides to look up all her other old loves and see what their lives are like, see what they have to say, so many years later. I liked this idea. I was all set for some interesting meetups where people would admit secrets, or lie and posture, or shock us with the weird place they ended up, or have some fascinating story to tell. Where people would reflect.
Didn’t like: Okay. So first off, just take the word “reflection” right off the table. The reason that reflection didn’t happen wasn’t just because the book was shallow, but it was also because McMillan had Georgia drift off into other stuff—hanging out with friends and daughters, and upholstering stools. (You see, she realized she was sick of fixing eyes for a living. She must have read What Color Is Your Parachute and discovered she really liked to make seat covers and buy exotic lampshades; in other words, become an interior designer.) Being a serious list maker, I needed her to go down the list of past loves (which she teased us with at the beginning) and find each of them. I can’t even remember if she eventually found them all, but it was too much of a circuitous route and I was frustrated.
Liked: McMillan can definitely write. The language is smart. It has a nice conversational flow and it’s not sophomoric or too sentimental.
Didn’t like: The incessant dialogue. I can’t believe I’m saying this because I like characters to talk a lot, but here, the conversations seem inane, shallow, uninspired, and stilted.
Really really didn’t like: There is a lot of sex talk, which I found totally obnoxious. The women’s conversations sounded like they took place in a men’s locker room and they were bragging about their conquests, showing off, and egging each other on—they seemed really obsessed with sex. Yuck. And remember, these women are all in their 50s!
I obviously lack self-control and did go on too long about what I didn’t like, so I’ll keep this extra list of “Didn’t Like” short.
Also didn’t like:
-Men are sex objects. I don’t like it when women are sex objects, so why would I like it when men are sex objects?
-There are shades of man hatred, in that most of the men are sleazy.
-The ending is too abrupt, like McMillan had maybe reached her word limit and had to tie things up fast.
-The ending is all too smiley bright anyway.
I can’t help it, it just didn’t work for me. I had high hopes for a fun romp, but instead it was a boring stomp.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
Fast forward to almost twenty-five years later, when I pick up her latest, I Almost Forgot About You. Zap! A totally different story! Was it my taste or her storytelling that changed? Who knows. What I do know is that I didn’t like this book one iota.
I know, I know--the deal is, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything. I never have been good at obeying that rule. But still, I will try not to go on and on about all the negatives, and I will be sure to say what I did like, too.
Just to drive myself crazy, I’m going to try to be all breezy and mix the good with the bad instead of doing school-marm “Like” and “Didn’t Like” columns. This might seriously mess with my head.
Liked: The beginning. It pulled me in. Here is a 50-something divorced woman, Georgia, who wants to make a change. She’s a financially secure optometrist who is bored and lonely. After hearing that one of her past loves has died, she decides to look up all her other old loves and see what their lives are like, see what they have to say, so many years later. I liked this idea. I was all set for some interesting meetups where people would admit secrets, or lie and posture, or shock us with the weird place they ended up, or have some fascinating story to tell. Where people would reflect.
Didn’t like: Okay. So first off, just take the word “reflection” right off the table. The reason that reflection didn’t happen wasn’t just because the book was shallow, but it was also because McMillan had Georgia drift off into other stuff—hanging out with friends and daughters, and upholstering stools. (You see, she realized she was sick of fixing eyes for a living. She must have read What Color Is Your Parachute and discovered she really liked to make seat covers and buy exotic lampshades; in other words, become an interior designer.) Being a serious list maker, I needed her to go down the list of past loves (which she teased us with at the beginning) and find each of them. I can’t even remember if she eventually found them all, but it was too much of a circuitous route and I was frustrated.
Liked: McMillan can definitely write. The language is smart. It has a nice conversational flow and it’s not sophomoric or too sentimental.
Didn’t like: The incessant dialogue. I can’t believe I’m saying this because I like characters to talk a lot, but here, the conversations seem inane, shallow, uninspired, and stilted.
Really really didn’t like: There is a lot of sex talk, which I found totally obnoxious. The women’s conversations sounded like they took place in a men’s locker room and they were bragging about their conquests, showing off, and egging each other on—they seemed really obsessed with sex. Yuck. And remember, these women are all in their 50s!
I obviously lack self-control and did go on too long about what I didn’t like, so I’ll keep this extra list of “Didn’t Like” short.
Also didn’t like:
-Men are sex objects. I don’t like it when women are sex objects, so why would I like it when men are sex objects?
-There are shades of man hatred, in that most of the men are sleazy.
-The ending is too abrupt, like McMillan had maybe reached her word limit and had to tie things up fast.
-The ending is all too smiley bright anyway.
I can’t help it, it just didn’t work for me. I had high hopes for a fun romp, but instead it was a boring stomp.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
August 5, 2019
I received an advance-read copy of this book from the publisher, Crown, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I Almost Forgot About You is the breakthrough new novel from Terry McMillan after her roughly 3-year hiatus from the shelves. A feel-good novel if ever I’ve read one, the writing is witty and flavorful, full of all the spice and sass, reminisces, failures and regrets, personal triumphs and lessons learned that make McMillan’s characters feel like your neighbor next door—like your mother/cousin/sister/aunt who you love to watch and look forward to gossiping with over peach cobbler. You know, the women in your life you can really relate to because they’ve been there/done that and lived to tell about it all. That’s who you’ll find within these pages.
It’s always evident that McMillan writes what she knows—that she’s lived it, felt it, cried it, laughed it all herself—because her characters are always life-sized. Not larger-than-life rock stars or spoiled and whiny heroines worried about what nail color to try next, but people you can really see yourself sitting down with for a cappuccino—or a Cosmopolitan. She’s grown with them, infusing her own hard-gained knowledge and life experiences into their worlds, sharing a little piece of herself every time she does so. I’ve always appreciated the ease and grace with which she portrays black women, her protagonists of choice, and I Almost Forgot About You was no exception. If you’re tired of the made-for-TV reality drama and the caricatures of black life, 50+ life and “over-the-hill” life that the media will readily hand you on a platter these days, you can turn here for an upbeat, spunky and humorously wise take on the same. Here you will find lively characters who could fill a room with their banter and who go through more than a few bottles of wine on their trek toward what’s next in their lives.
The dialogue and narrative were so realistic that I laughed out loud, for a moment thinking it must’ve been stolen from me and my own girlfriends. McMillan’s writing here was both tender and reflective without being overly emotional. It was a light and entertaining read that told a story worth reading, was peppered with uplifting phrases I wanted to jot down and that was devoid of the melodrama that “coming-of-age”/ “finding-yourself” mid-life crisis fiction can bring to the table these days. It was all the way real, pure and simple.
The story line was completely true-to-life in its twists and turns, never coming across as over-the-top or forced. However, it was also littered with events that happened off screen and were dropped like small bombs on the reader during dialogue in an, “oh did you know this happened?” sort of manner, leaving me feeling like I may have missed the path somewhere along the line and ended up at a surprise that was both delightful and a little jolting. Of course, this tactic was used to keep the read interesting, to keep the reader on their toes, but this wasn’t a need-to-be-on-toes kind of read; this was a cozy, hilarious, sanguine, fireplace-and-whole-bottle-of-red-wine read, so that really threw me off—not quite annoying me as a reader, but definitely knocking me off balance in a way that warranted a momentary frown.
But, that was honestly the only qualm that I had with this read, and it was a minor one. Terry hasn’t lost her touch, and I hope she never does, because I’ll always keep coming back for more. This one got an easy 4 stars ****
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I Almost Forgot About You is the breakthrough new novel from Terry McMillan after her roughly 3-year hiatus from the shelves. A feel-good novel if ever I’ve read one, the writing is witty and flavorful, full of all the spice and sass, reminisces, failures and regrets, personal triumphs and lessons learned that make McMillan’s characters feel like your neighbor next door—like your mother/cousin/sister/aunt who you love to watch and look forward to gossiping with over peach cobbler. You know, the women in your life you can really relate to because they’ve been there/done that and lived to tell about it all. That’s who you’ll find within these pages.
It’s always evident that McMillan writes what she knows—that she’s lived it, felt it, cried it, laughed it all herself—because her characters are always life-sized. Not larger-than-life rock stars or spoiled and whiny heroines worried about what nail color to try next, but people you can really see yourself sitting down with for a cappuccino—or a Cosmopolitan. She’s grown with them, infusing her own hard-gained knowledge and life experiences into their worlds, sharing a little piece of herself every time she does so. I’ve always appreciated the ease and grace with which she portrays black women, her protagonists of choice, and I Almost Forgot About You was no exception. If you’re tired of the made-for-TV reality drama and the caricatures of black life, 50+ life and “over-the-hill” life that the media will readily hand you on a platter these days, you can turn here for an upbeat, spunky and humorously wise take on the same. Here you will find lively characters who could fill a room with their banter and who go through more than a few bottles of wine on their trek toward what’s next in their lives.
The dialogue and narrative were so realistic that I laughed out loud, for a moment thinking it must’ve been stolen from me and my own girlfriends. McMillan’s writing here was both tender and reflective without being overly emotional. It was a light and entertaining read that told a story worth reading, was peppered with uplifting phrases I wanted to jot down and that was devoid of the melodrama that “coming-of-age”/ “finding-yourself” mid-life crisis fiction can bring to the table these days. It was all the way real, pure and simple.
The story line was completely true-to-life in its twists and turns, never coming across as over-the-top or forced. However, it was also littered with events that happened off screen and were dropped like small bombs on the reader during dialogue in an, “oh did you know this happened?” sort of manner, leaving me feeling like I may have missed the path somewhere along the line and ended up at a surprise that was both delightful and a little jolting. Of course, this tactic was used to keep the read interesting, to keep the reader on their toes, but this wasn’t a need-to-be-on-toes kind of read; this was a cozy, hilarious, sanguine, fireplace-and-whole-bottle-of-red-wine read, so that really threw me off—not quite annoying me as a reader, but definitely knocking me off balance in a way that warranted a momentary frown.
But, that was honestly the only qualm that I had with this read, and it was a minor one. Terry hasn’t lost her touch, and I hope she never does, because I’ll always keep coming back for more. This one got an easy 4 stars ****
FOLLOW ME HERE:
Art + Deco Agency Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Art + Deco Publishing Agency
November 26, 2017
What a great story, loved it. Another top shelf read.
August 19, 2016
I've heard a lot of good things about McMillians writing, so I decided to give her a try. Wow, did I ever pick the wrong book to start with.
The story revolves around the main character Georgia. She's discovered her first love has died, and remembers she never told him she loved him. She decides to try and contact each former love.
"I've decided I'm going to look up all the men I've loved just to let them know I'm glad I had the opportunity to know and love them and just to see if they're alive and well."
Okay, so cute plot, but the story meandered about with lots of Georgia's friends becoming involved, and the main focus veering to that of finding a man. Georgia is also in her 50's, sick of her job, and believes the best part of her life is behind her. So this finding a man thing seems to be her only recourse. Really?
The writing was just okay, and I had really had enough of all the "miss thang," and "you hussy" between friends. I hate to say it, but this is chick-lit at its finest. If chick lit is your thang this might be a great read.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an early copy in exchange for a review.
The story revolves around the main character Georgia. She's discovered her first love has died, and remembers she never told him she loved him. She decides to try and contact each former love.
"I've decided I'm going to look up all the men I've loved just to let them know I'm glad I had the opportunity to know and love them and just to see if they're alive and well."
Okay, so cute plot, but the story meandered about with lots of Georgia's friends becoming involved, and the main focus veering to that of finding a man. Georgia is also in her 50's, sick of her job, and believes the best part of her life is behind her. So this finding a man thing seems to be her only recourse. Really?
The writing was just okay, and I had really had enough of all the "miss thang," and "you hussy" between friends. I hate to say it, but this is chick-lit at its finest. If chick lit is your thang this might be a great read.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an early copy in exchange for a review.
June 27, 2017
I am a fan of Terry McMillan, but it has been a little while since I've read one of her books. I Almost Forgot About You has an interesting storyline and I was excited to get an ARC; however this one isn't a favorite of mine. I love the fact that Georgia is an educated and successful professional woman in her early fifties trying to figure out what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She has two grown daughters, two divorces, and two best friends who are as different as night and day personality wise. Georgia has taken what she thought would be the best road professionally by becoming an optometrist, but it doesn't excite or fulfill her. At this point in her life, Georgia is ready to find her true happiness, and in order to do that she wants to not only change her professional life, but to also figure out where things went wrong in her personal relationships that made things fall apart. After finding out that a previous love has died, she realizes that time is fleeting and continuing to live idly is no longer enough.
The flow of the story isn't as smooth as I would have liked. The different stories with Georgia, her daughters, her mother, and her best friends start and stop a bit choppily. All of the plot points felt superficial and skimmed over. There were some big issues that everyone faced and none of them were dealt with in depth. Georgia's past is introduced, but is mostly skimmed over. Even a huge decision, that should have caused much more drama than it did, is quickly absolved. Each man that is reintroduced was disappointing and didn't appear to really help Georgia move forward. The man that Georgia ends up with felt as though he came out of left field and was only briefly mentioned before he was revealed as 'the one'. I really liked the idea of him being the one for Georgia, but it was so sudden and wrapped up so quickly that it felt too rushed.
I didn't get emotionally invested in this McMillan book, but it was a quick read. This would be a pretty good vacation read that you can pick up and put down several times without risk of feeling lost. I can't believe I'm saying this about a Terry McMillan book, but this isn't one that I would read again.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find me at:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @MonlatReader
Instagram: @readermonica
Facebook: Monica Reeds
The flow of the story isn't as smooth as I would have liked. The different stories with Georgia, her daughters, her mother, and her best friends start and stop a bit choppily. All of the plot points felt superficial and skimmed over. There were some big issues that everyone faced and none of them were dealt with in depth. Georgia's past is introduced, but is mostly skimmed over. Even a huge decision, that should have caused much more drama than it did, is quickly absolved. Each man that is reintroduced was disappointing and didn't appear to really help Georgia move forward. The man that Georgia ends up with felt as though he came out of left field and was only briefly mentioned before he was revealed as 'the one'. I really liked the idea of him being the one for Georgia, but it was so sudden and wrapped up so quickly that it felt too rushed.
I didn't get emotionally invested in this McMillan book, but it was a quick read. This would be a pretty good vacation read that you can pick up and put down several times without risk of feeling lost. I can't believe I'm saying this about a Terry McMillan book, but this isn't one that I would read again.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
You can find me at:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @MonlatReader
Instagram: @readermonica
Facebook: Monica Reeds
July 7, 2016
I must say I'm on the fence with Terry McMillan's latest I Almost Forgot About You. I want to give this 2-stars but I can't ignore how entertaining the drama is. I loved Waiting to Exhale, Disappearing Acts, and her other most recent Who Asked You?. Let's start on the bright side.
Georgia Young is a successful optometrist who appears to live the life. The mother of two is seemingly happy with great friends and a booming practice yet she's still finds that something is missing. After coming to the realization that she wants something more, Georgia decides to embark on a quest that will break the dull routine she's found herself in. She decides it's time to sell her property and maybe reconnect with past love interests.
I totally dig the idea of meeting with past loves to see how they've turned out. To find if the time we spent together made them better or worse for wear. I totally applauded her for being fearless and willing to walk away from the comfort of the day to day. This journey is what initially sparked my interest and why it failed for me.
There seemed to be more drama going on, which I love, but felt totally took away from a story that could have been truly inspiring. Maybe the point is that you really can't walk away from it all when you want to, but I hoped so much to be relieved of the daughters' drama, the ex-husband loathing. the best friends that have their own secrets, and anything else that hindered this journey.
Suffice it to say, I almost forgot the plot because there was just too much going on. I usually enjoy McMillan's work but I Almost Forgot About You totally fell flat for me. There is much to be entertained by, but I wanted something more like our protagonist. I just didn't find it here.
Copy provided by Crown Publishers via Netgalley
Georgia Young is a successful optometrist who appears to live the life. The mother of two is seemingly happy with great friends and a booming practice yet she's still finds that something is missing. After coming to the realization that she wants something more, Georgia decides to embark on a quest that will break the dull routine she's found herself in. She decides it's time to sell her property and maybe reconnect with past love interests.
I totally dig the idea of meeting with past loves to see how they've turned out. To find if the time we spent together made them better or worse for wear. I totally applauded her for being fearless and willing to walk away from the comfort of the day to day. This journey is what initially sparked my interest and why it failed for me.
There seemed to be more drama going on, which I love, but felt totally took away from a story that could have been truly inspiring. Maybe the point is that you really can't walk away from it all when you want to, but I hoped so much to be relieved of the daughters' drama, the ex-husband loathing. the best friends that have their own secrets, and anything else that hindered this journey.
Suffice it to say, I almost forgot the plot because there was just too much going on. I usually enjoy McMillan's work but I Almost Forgot About You totally fell flat for me. There is much to be entertained by, but I wanted something more like our protagonist. I just didn't find it here.
Copy provided by Crown Publishers via Netgalley
April 19, 2016
This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in awhile. Granted, I read a lot of literary fiction that's intellectually stimulating, but this is a book that stimulates the heart. Rarely have I enjoyed the simple act of reading about the characters and their situations as much as I did this one. That tells you something - there was absolutely nothing to cause me to cringe or to feel cheated that the author didn't deliver a solid story.
Georgia is a well-educated older woman who's thinking about making some changes in her life. She's had a great career, but wondering if she'd like to do something different at this later stage in life. At the same time, she's evaluating past relationships and wondering what happened to those men. The author deals with the topics of aging, parenthood, forgiveness, and mistakes. In other words - this is a book about life. I do think that this book is likely to appeal more to older women (>40), but it's a great read regardless of your age or gender. Highly recommended for book club reads (the publisher has a guide for groups, also).
Note: I was given a free ARC of this title by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Georgia is a well-educated older woman who's thinking about making some changes in her life. She's had a great career, but wondering if she'd like to do something different at this later stage in life. At the same time, she's evaluating past relationships and wondering what happened to those men. The author deals with the topics of aging, parenthood, forgiveness, and mistakes. In other words - this is a book about life. I do think that this book is likely to appeal more to older women (>40), but it's a great read regardless of your age or gender. Highly recommended for book club reads (the publisher has a guide for groups, also).
Note: I was given a free ARC of this title by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2022
I Almost Forgot About You will stick with me for quite awhile. It had touching moments, moments that I laughed out loud and times that I just wanted to bop Miss Georgia up side the head.
Georgia Young has decided to shake up the monotony that is her life at the age of fifty four.
She is bored with her career as an Optometrist, tired of living in her huge house by herself and definitely tired of sleeping alone.
After she finds out an old flame has died she decides she may want to leave her practice and sell her home, and take a stroll down memory lane with the men she loved and lost. Her goal is to find out how they turned out and what happened to turn their love sour.
Step by step while meeting up with her past loves and some new men in her life Georgia begins the road to rediscovery with lots of introspection and a little help from her family and friends. She does this with equal parts of both grace and sarcasm that made me fall in love with Georgias character.
I think what will really stick me is the message behind the book, at least it's the message I got.
You're never to old to try new things, to finish the goals you have created for yourself, to make major changes in your life including a career change if you're not happy. But most of all love comes at any age in many different forms if you are open to it. I would like to think this is all possible. While reading this book I contemplated quite a bit about my life and things I would like to try. And a book that really makes you think is a winner to me.
Ms McMillan really knows how to tell a story that I think a lot of women can relate to at any age, with warm, intelligent, and witty characters. She also throws in a couple characters that could use some sense and have a dash of crazy to make it that much more laughable. This is her second amazing book I've read of hers and I now consider myself a big fan.
Georgia Young has decided to shake up the monotony that is her life at the age of fifty four.
She is bored with her career as an Optometrist, tired of living in her huge house by herself and definitely tired of sleeping alone.
After she finds out an old flame has died she decides she may want to leave her practice and sell her home, and take a stroll down memory lane with the men she loved and lost. Her goal is to find out how they turned out and what happened to turn their love sour.
Step by step while meeting up with her past loves and some new men in her life Georgia begins the road to rediscovery with lots of introspection and a little help from her family and friends. She does this with equal parts of both grace and sarcasm that made me fall in love with Georgias character.
I think what will really stick me is the message behind the book, at least it's the message I got.
You're never to old to try new things, to finish the goals you have created for yourself, to make major changes in your life including a career change if you're not happy. But most of all love comes at any age in many different forms if you are open to it. I would like to think this is all possible. While reading this book I contemplated quite a bit about my life and things I would like to try. And a book that really makes you think is a winner to me.
Ms McMillan really knows how to tell a story that I think a lot of women can relate to at any age, with warm, intelligent, and witty characters. She also throws in a couple characters that could use some sense and have a dash of crazy to make it that much more laughable. This is her second amazing book I've read of hers and I now consider myself a big fan.
November 9, 2016
Pretty good book. I wouldn't call it a page turner, but it did make me think about my life. The characters were realistic as were the situations. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because I like to be taken some place when I open a book and spend time with it. I felt too at home with this one.
November 18, 2024
3.5 stars
Georgia Young, a 54-year-old African-American optometrist who lives in San Francisco.....
.....has been divorced twice and has two grown daughters - Estelle and Frankie - one from each hubby. Though Georgia appears to be doing well, she feels the need for a change in her life, especially after she learns an old beau has died unexpectedly. So Georgia decides to put her house on the market, sell her share of the optometry practice, take some classes, and look up her former husbands and boyfriends....to tell them what they meant to her. Along the way Georgia would like to find love again, though she's pessimistic about the possibility, particularly since her first husband Michael was a cheater and her second husband Niles was difficult and controlling.
Georgia's best friends Wanda - who's rich and likes to do needlepoint, and Violet - who's a successful sports attorney.....
.....encourage her efforts to find new love, or at least to have sex with someone, since Georgia has been 'chaste' for years. Wanda is quite pushy about this, and thinks almost any man will do for the purpose, whether he's single, married, whatever. (Wanda is a fun character who provides many of the light moments in the novel.)
Georgia's former spouses show up rather serendipitously since Michael is moving back to California and Niles has completed his prison sentence for a white collar crime. Georgia finds she's able to make peace with the ex-husbands, and feels encouraged to use Facebook, Google, and social media to locate the boyfriends who 'got away' for one reason or another. As Georgia contemplates her old beaus, we learn that she falls in love rather easily, especially with good-looking men who are 'good in bed.' 🙂
Meanwhile, there's a lot going on in Georgia's life. Georgia's oldest daughter Estelle, who has twin girls with her husband Justin, seems to be having financial problems.
Georgia's youngest daughter Frankie has quit college in New York and come home, heartbroken because her boyfriend cheated on her.
Georgia's house has to be 'staged' for sale, which is expensive and requires her to move out temporarily.
Georgia's octagenarian mother Earlene is engaged and planning her wedding.
Georgia's friend Violet is having serious problems. And Georgia has decided to take a train trip to Vancouver and across Canada, to sightsee and have quiet time for herself.
In the course of the story, Georgia locates some of her past loves and meets a few new men along the way, at a wedding, high school reunion, birthday party, etc.
Georgia is smart, attractive, successful, witty, well-liked, artistic, and a good cook....and men are attracted to her.
Geogia is self-conscious about becoming intimate with anyone, though, because she's gained a few pounds and is no longer a young college coed. Does the right man for Georgia come along? Does Georgia set the right course for her future? You'll have to read the book to find out.
An array of interesting ancillary characters round out the novel, including Georgia's optometry partner Lily;
the optometry practice's Asian-American office manager Marina;
a well-dressed art student called Mercury, who's hired to help Marina;
a pizza delivery boy called Free;
mama Earlene's fiancé Grover; and more.
I enjoyed the novel, though there seem to be a few plot holes, with men appearing in Georgia's life, then disappearing without follow up. Nevertheless, many readers - especially 'women of a certain age' - would probably like the book, which posits that it's never too late to change your life.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
July 17, 2016
I must admit, I was bored with this one. I was expecting entertaining drama but this quest to dig in the past didn't hold my attention after awhile.
Dr. Georgia Young has reached 50 years of age and is now reflecting on her life thus far. She is doing well in her career, but her love life didn't pan out the way she envisioned. She has been divorced twice and now she doesn't have someone special in her life. Georgia decided to contact all her former flames to let them know what they meant to her and find out what about her (Georgia) they found attractive. Her quest was to learn more about herself.
In the beginning, I felt like this was the machinations of a lonely lady, testing old relationships to see if there was a spark still left. I quickly realized she was truly reflecting on her own weaknesses and strengths. Georgia was also trying to see herself from the eyes of those cared for her once upon a time. I actually found that strength impressive but I just never connected with her journey.
Georgia was open and honest about her past, and this one of the things that I love about Terry McMillan's work. Strong heroines who just keep it real. The reader was shown the good, the bad and the ugly. In the end, Georgia was set up on a new path. I can't say that I liked this new path either but I applaud her for taking that step.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Georgia Young has reached 50 years of age and is now reflecting on her life thus far. She is doing well in her career, but her love life didn't pan out the way she envisioned. She has been divorced twice and now she doesn't have someone special in her life. Georgia decided to contact all her former flames to let them know what they meant to her and find out what about her (Georgia) they found attractive. Her quest was to learn more about herself.
In the beginning, I felt like this was the machinations of a lonely lady, testing old relationships to see if there was a spark still left. I quickly realized she was truly reflecting on her own weaknesses and strengths. Georgia was also trying to see herself from the eyes of those cared for her once upon a time. I actually found that strength impressive but I just never connected with her journey.
Georgia was open and honest about her past, and this one of the things that I love about Terry McMillan's work. Strong heroines who just keep it real. The reader was shown the good, the bad and the ugly. In the end, Georgia was set up on a new path. I can't say that I liked this new path either but I applaud her for taking that step.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2016
**THIS UNBIASED REVIEW IS PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR A FREE EBOOK FROM PUBLISHER**
Georgia Young is almost fifty-five. Her two daughters are past an age where their choices, mistakes and daily lives require her active intervention, and her career is moving along at a sustainable albeit boring pace. But Georgia has long lost touch with who she is. Her life, over time, has become defined by her two failed marriages, her friendships, and her lackluster career as an optometrist. A chance encounter with the daughter of an old love reminds Georgia of her more vibrant past, and she resolves to find all the men who touched her heart, to let them know, and to find out how she might have touched theirs. But it doesn't stop there--the plan is a grandiose one--Georgia decides to throw over her career, sell her house, and go on a long train ride to nowhere, hoping along the way to rediscover who she was, and who she might be again.
But ... best-laid plans and all that. Things don't go quite as Georgia envisions, and while she waits for the life of her plans to begin, an entirely new and unexpected one opens up to her. The lives of her friends, her mother and her daughters are changing around her at a whirlwind pace, and as she isn't paying attention, her life changes too.
I have to admit, I had a difficult time warming up to Georgia and even her quest to find the men she loved to help remind her of who she was struck me as disappointing on some level, implying that the best way for women to know who they are is through men. And, predictably, most of the men in Georgia's past were in her past for a reason--they cheated, were controlling, immature, or just plain ol' destined for a lack of greatness. But among them, there were one or two men who were deserving of her love, however ill-timed those relationships may have been. The question is whether one of them, though part of the past, might also become part of Georgia's future.
The underlying message of the book--finding and rediscovering oneself and discovering love even when you believe it might be "too late"--was appealing to me, and at times even moving; and that was what kept me reading through those points where the story meandered and the details seemed to be adding up to something I just didn't "get". This book was best when Georgia was reflecting on where her relationships went wrong, and where they were right. Her flashbacks to her younger self were even "fun" at times. The Georgia of present was less enjoyable, but that may have been entirely the point. I also didn't much enjoy the revolving cast of male characters, many of them seeming to hold promise and then presenting Georgia with yet another set of disappointments--married, engaged ... just plain ol' arrogant assholes. For a while there, it seemed like I was being led into what would turn out to be an anti-man screed. But thankfully, that didn't happen.
Somewhere along the way, Terry McMillan pulled me back in, and I started to root for Georgia's happiness; and just about the time Georgia stopped caring as much about whether or not she had a man in her life, I stopped believing that she needed that as well. I began to believe, as Georgia did, that without a partner, she would have a full life, albeit one less fulfilling than the one she hoped for. I liked the acknowledgment by this author that though one doesn't necessarily need a partner to live a happy life, having one makes your life more vibrant, more vivid, more worth living, just because you have someone with you who experiences it with you, and bears witness to it. I won't say how that all turned out, so you'll have to read it for yourself.
I recommend this book, but especially to women who are at--or are approaching --the place in life where Georgia Young finds herself. It just might give you a little of what she found:hope.
Georgia Young is almost fifty-five. Her two daughters are past an age where their choices, mistakes and daily lives require her active intervention, and her career is moving along at a sustainable albeit boring pace. But Georgia has long lost touch with who she is. Her life, over time, has become defined by her two failed marriages, her friendships, and her lackluster career as an optometrist. A chance encounter with the daughter of an old love reminds Georgia of her more vibrant past, and she resolves to find all the men who touched her heart, to let them know, and to find out how she might have touched theirs. But it doesn't stop there--the plan is a grandiose one--Georgia decides to throw over her career, sell her house, and go on a long train ride to nowhere, hoping along the way to rediscover who she was, and who she might be again.
But ... best-laid plans and all that. Things don't go quite as Georgia envisions, and while she waits for the life of her plans to begin, an entirely new and unexpected one opens up to her. The lives of her friends, her mother and her daughters are changing around her at a whirlwind pace, and as she isn't paying attention, her life changes too.
I have to admit, I had a difficult time warming up to Georgia and even her quest to find the men she loved to help remind her of who she was struck me as disappointing on some level, implying that the best way for women to know who they are is through men. And, predictably, most of the men in Georgia's past were in her past for a reason--they cheated, were controlling, immature, or just plain ol' destined for a lack of greatness. But among them, there were one or two men who were deserving of her love, however ill-timed those relationships may have been. The question is whether one of them, though part of the past, might also become part of Georgia's future.
The underlying message of the book--finding and rediscovering oneself and discovering love even when you believe it might be "too late"--was appealing to me, and at times even moving; and that was what kept me reading through those points where the story meandered and the details seemed to be adding up to something I just didn't "get". This book was best when Georgia was reflecting on where her relationships went wrong, and where they were right. Her flashbacks to her younger self were even "fun" at times. The Georgia of present was less enjoyable, but that may have been entirely the point. I also didn't much enjoy the revolving cast of male characters, many of them seeming to hold promise and then presenting Georgia with yet another set of disappointments--married, engaged ... just plain ol' arrogant assholes. For a while there, it seemed like I was being led into what would turn out to be an anti-man screed. But thankfully, that didn't happen.
Somewhere along the way, Terry McMillan pulled me back in, and I started to root for Georgia's happiness; and just about the time Georgia stopped caring as much about whether or not she had a man in her life, I stopped believing that she needed that as well. I began to believe, as Georgia did, that without a partner, she would have a full life, albeit one less fulfilling than the one she hoped for. I liked the acknowledgment by this author that though one doesn't necessarily need a partner to live a happy life, having one makes your life more vibrant, more vivid, more worth living, just because you have someone with you who experiences it with you, and bears witness to it. I won't say how that all turned out, so you'll have to read it for yourself.
I recommend this book, but especially to women who are at--or are approaching --the place in life where Georgia Young finds herself. It just might give you a little of what she found:hope.
August 8, 2016
“When we’re young we think we’re always going to be young. We thought life was going to be one long party. One thrill after another. We knew we could get over heartache and disappointment and failure in a snap, because we were going to have hundreds if not thousands of opportunities and do-overs. We knew success and happiness and love were in the cards. We didn’t worry about the future.”
“We all take a path we thought we wanted to take, and then we find out there are other paths we can still explore.”
Georgia Young is an accomplished middle aged black woman with her own medical practice. She is the mother of two beautiful daughters and is surrounded by a cast of sister-friends. She’s seems to have her act together. But one day she finds out that one of her past loves has died. It bothers her that she never told him how she felt for him when they were younger and she questions what may have been. Georgia reevaluates her life and realizes that for all of her successes she is not just alone but lonely; not just bored but unfulfilled. She decides to throw caution to the wind and start life anew - sell her house, leave her optometry practice and while she’s at it look up all the men she’s loved before.
Overall I Almost Forgot About You was a fun read. I enjoyed the relationships between Georgia and her friends and I liked the idea of being able to reinvent yourself and find true love at any age. What I didn’t really like was how most of the men were good-for-nothings who you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy much less than a sister-friend like Georgia. Also, the character
“We all take a path we thought we wanted to take, and then we find out there are other paths we can still explore.”
August 7, 2017
4.5 stars. I loved this! This was a fast, fun and heartwarming read that kept me interested and invested to the very end. Docking half a star because it did get a little repetitive at times. However, I highly recommend the audio book, which is fantastically narrated by the author.
February 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this story of reinvention and meditation on one's life and relationships.
I fell in love with Georgia, and how she felt the need to review her life and choices after getting some upsetting news.
The relationships amongst Georgia and her friends are wonderfully drawn and felt so real. Her conversations with her closest friends and children, as well as the men from her past, were painful, deeply honest, and sometimes really funny. I could appreciate her struggle to move forward while reevaluating so many things she had believed about herself. Georgia's twisty and slow path to a different life is strewn with believable familial messes that occupy much of her energy, making where she ends up emotionally by the end of the book feel genuine and earned.
I fell in love with Georgia, and how she felt the need to review her life and choices after getting some upsetting news.
The relationships amongst Georgia and her friends are wonderfully drawn and felt so real. Her conversations with her closest friends and children, as well as the men from her past, were painful, deeply honest, and sometimes really funny. I could appreciate her struggle to move forward while reevaluating so many things she had believed about herself. Georgia's twisty and slow path to a different life is strewn with believable familial messes that occupy much of her energy, making where she ends up emotionally by the end of the book feel genuine and earned.
May 29, 2016
Georgia Young has a full life. She's a successful optometrist and doing well for herself financially. She has lots of quality friendships, and she's close to her family. Twice divorced and currently single, she feels just fine being on her own.
Well...mostly fine. Truth be told, Georgia is getting bored with all the good, responsible decisions she's made for herself. She's at a point in her life where she finally feels stable and secure. She's set herself up for success--a stellar credit score and no unhealthy relationships for her!--but now what? What comes next?
While considering what her future holds, Georgia can't help but look back at her life. Specifically, she's curious about her past loves--what went right and what went wrong--and what those relationships might tell her about who she is now. But Georgia doesn't just think about the relationships. One by one, she meets with each man who she once felt so connected to. She speaks her mind and asks them questions, honestly and directly. What she learns about them (and herself) gives her the understanding and closure she needs to finally propel herself forward.
There is a lot to like about this book. Georgia is a fun character to follow--she's straightforward and confident. She is kind, but she tells it like it is. I so appreciate how she handles the imperfect men of her past--never denying the bad stuff, but still finding a way to accept, forgive, and move on. I actually learned a few things from this book, truth be told.
I also appreciate how author McMillan talks about Georgia's sexual past. There is no judgment. There are no apologies--even when talking about abortion. Georgia is allowed to be her own woman. She is strong and capable. She's not perfect, but she makes the decisions that are best for her--and she doesn't beat herself up over them or relentlessly second-guess herself afterward. How refreshing.
I do have a couple complaints, though. The tone of the book can be cold and choppy at times, almost like McMillan is reciting a list: this happened, then this, then Georgia did that. It's off-putting. I also pretty much hate the ending. I don't want to give anything away, but the whole situation with Stanley is just too much, in my opinion. Just because a woman has a bad day--even a bad week--doesn't mean she needs to be rescued. Finish what you started, girl!
Still, this book is entertaining. I'd say it's a light read with punches of insight. I Almost Forgot About You isn't the best thing I've ever read, but I can definitely see why McMillan has so many fans.
ARC received through Amazon Vine.
See more of my book reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
Well...mostly fine. Truth be told, Georgia is getting bored with all the good, responsible decisions she's made for herself. She's at a point in her life where she finally feels stable and secure. She's set herself up for success--a stellar credit score and no unhealthy relationships for her!--but now what? What comes next?
While considering what her future holds, Georgia can't help but look back at her life. Specifically, she's curious about her past loves--what went right and what went wrong--and what those relationships might tell her about who she is now. But Georgia doesn't just think about the relationships. One by one, she meets with each man who she once felt so connected to. She speaks her mind and asks them questions, honestly and directly. What she learns about them (and herself) gives her the understanding and closure she needs to finally propel herself forward.
There is a lot to like about this book. Georgia is a fun character to follow--she's straightforward and confident. She is kind, but she tells it like it is. I so appreciate how she handles the imperfect men of her past--never denying the bad stuff, but still finding a way to accept, forgive, and move on. I actually learned a few things from this book, truth be told.
I also appreciate how author McMillan talks about Georgia's sexual past. There is no judgment. There are no apologies--even when talking about abortion. Georgia is allowed to be her own woman. She is strong and capable. She's not perfect, but she makes the decisions that are best for her--and she doesn't beat herself up over them or relentlessly second-guess herself afterward. How refreshing.
I do have a couple complaints, though. The tone of the book can be cold and choppy at times, almost like McMillan is reciting a list: this happened, then this, then Georgia did that. It's off-putting. I also pretty much hate the ending. I don't want to give anything away, but the whole situation with Stanley is just too much, in my opinion. Just because a woman has a bad day--even a bad week--doesn't mean she needs to be rescued. Finish what you started, girl!
Still, this book is entertaining. I'd say it's a light read with punches of insight. I Almost Forgot About You isn't the best thing I've ever read, but I can definitely see why McMillan has so many fans.
ARC received through Amazon Vine.
See more of my book reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
August 30, 2016
A fairy tale ending if only it was true in real life their would be no lonely people and the old quote that love heals all wounds would be true. Georgia Young has entered middle age and now trying to change course and find her true calling or passion to spice up her boring life. After two failed marriages, she believes love has come and gone.
She sets out on an adventure to find the five men she truly did love from her pass to see if they are happy, still remember her, and to close any unresolved issues after so many years. Needless to say, she goes thru turns and twists that are humorous and light reading. She has two BFF(best friends forever) that will keep you laughing throughout the book for their bluntness and their own personal issues. Written in Terri McMillan style of having you as the reader identify with each character you will find this book refreshing.
Quote:
Sometimes I need to learn not to say what I'm thinking just because I'm thinking it. I often say the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong people, but apparently I have yet to learn from my mistakes.
"To HELL WITH all the other ones, girl, just marry Abraham and be done with it."
She sets out on an adventure to find the five men she truly did love from her pass to see if they are happy, still remember her, and to close any unresolved issues after so many years. Needless to say, she goes thru turns and twists that are humorous and light reading. She has two BFF(best friends forever) that will keep you laughing throughout the book for their bluntness and their own personal issues. Written in Terri McMillan style of having you as the reader identify with each character you will find this book refreshing.
Quote:
Sometimes I need to learn not to say what I'm thinking just because I'm thinking it. I often say the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong people, but apparently I have yet to learn from my mistakes.
"To HELL WITH all the other ones, girl, just marry Abraham and be done with it."
December 8, 2016
Review originally posted at
All Books Considered: 4.5 STARS
I just loved this one so much -- I don't know why but it was just what I needed when I was reading it. We meet Dr. Georgia Young, who is on the precipice of 55 and lonely and bored with her life. On the surface, she's successful -- she's an Optometrist, she has a steady practice and a beautiful home in the Oakland hills, she's raised two beautiful daughters, and she's not wanting of anything. But underneath, she needs something new -- however, in the middle of trying to figure out what that is, everyone around her sort of falls apart and she is supposed to keep standing: her best friend has professional and money troubles, her daughters are both going through crises, her business partner's parents are dying and her 82 year old mother decides to get married. Despite the chaos, however, Georgia decides she's going to find all the men she ever loved, even including her two ex-husbands, and just let them know she hasn't forgotten about them -- not that she wants to re-kindle anything but that she just wants to let them know she is happy for the time she spent loving each one. It's a good plan but, of course, it doesn't necessarily happen like she imagined. Even though I am more than twenty years younger than Georgia, she was so likable -- I think what I love most about this author's writing is that it is so freaking honest, like beyond honest. In the book, you are in Georgia's mind to the point where sometimes I couldn't believe I was reading these thoughts -- not that they were bad but because I think sometimes we hold so much in -- we don't let out these small truths -- and it was so lovely for Georgia to just go for it as a narrator. The ending is perhaps a bit idealistic but I didn't mind this at all considering the realism of the rest of the book -- it was perfect! One last thing, the friendships in this book are so great -- I laughed out loud so many times while reading this. I need to go and read all of this author's backlist, both those that I've already read and those that I haven't.
I highly recommend this to fans of women's fiction -- it feels a shame to even have that as a category sometimes but this is just so real for women. Not that man shouldn't read this one, at all, because I would love to see that. I Almost Forgot About You came out last week on June 7, 2016, and I just loved this book!
I just loved this one so much -- I don't know why but it was just what I needed when I was reading it. We meet Dr. Georgia Young, who is on the precipice of 55 and lonely and bored with her life. On the surface, she's successful -- she's an Optometrist, she has a steady practice and a beautiful home in the Oakland hills, she's raised two beautiful daughters, and she's not wanting of anything. But underneath, she needs something new -- however, in the middle of trying to figure out what that is, everyone around her sort of falls apart and she is supposed to keep standing: her best friend has professional and money troubles, her daughters are both going through crises, her business partner's parents are dying and her 82 year old mother decides to get married. Despite the chaos, however, Georgia decides she's going to find all the men she ever loved, even including her two ex-husbands, and just let them know she hasn't forgotten about them -- not that she wants to re-kindle anything but that she just wants to let them know she is happy for the time she spent loving each one. It's a good plan but, of course, it doesn't necessarily happen like she imagined. Even though I am more than twenty years younger than Georgia, she was so likable -- I think what I love most about this author's writing is that it is so freaking honest, like beyond honest. In the book, you are in Georgia's mind to the point where sometimes I couldn't believe I was reading these thoughts -- not that they were bad but because I think sometimes we hold so much in -- we don't let out these small truths -- and it was so lovely for Georgia to just go for it as a narrator. The ending is perhaps a bit idealistic but I didn't mind this at all considering the realism of the rest of the book -- it was perfect! One last thing, the friendships in this book are so great -- I laughed out loud so many times while reading this. I need to go and read all of this author's backlist, both those that I've already read and those that I haven't.
I highly recommend this to fans of women's fiction -- it feels a shame to even have that as a category sometimes but this is just so real for women. Not that man shouldn't read this one, at all, because I would love to see that. I Almost Forgot About You came out last week on June 7, 2016, and I just loved this book!
When we're young, we think we're always going to be young. We thought life was going to be one long party. One thrill after another. We knew we could get over heartache and disappointment and failure in a snap, because we were going to get hundreds if not thousands of opportunities and do-overs. We knew that success and happiness and love were in the cards. We didn't worry about the future. We were more worried about the next time we were going to get laid.
Now you fall across the bed when you're not sleepy but just tired of the way you live--or aren't living. From the outside you shouldn't be complaining, but success and a good credit score can't love you.
July 31, 2016
If you are an African-American female like the middle aged protagonist Georgia, and your hope is find love after 50, you better look beyond black males, because in this novel you won't find any worth spending time with except for one who is married to Georgia's BFF Wanda. Is the writing of black male characters this direful a conscious decision of the author? Well, if we take into account some of her past books, the only sane conclusion is yes.
It's so blatantly obvious that I am beginning to wonder if she truly hates black men. Prompted by learning of the death of a former lover, Georgia thinks about contacting past loves of her life, including two ex-husbands, which by the way are responsible for the marriages dissolving. The plan is to tell these guys why she cared for them and to thank them for being in her life and hopefully learn something about herself. Through this process we learn of one decent black man, and surprise, his decency has more to do with his physical prowess than any personality traits or mental competence.
So at 55 Georgia wants to reinvent herself, sell her portion of an optometry practice and of course find love, though this is not a stated goal. The only thing that keeps this book going, is the adult dialogue and themes. So is there love after 50? Don't want to spoil the ending for potential readers, so wait your turn at the library, as there isn't anything in this novel that screams or whispers "buy me."
It's so blatantly obvious that I am beginning to wonder if she truly hates black men. Prompted by learning of the death of a former lover, Georgia thinks about contacting past loves of her life, including two ex-husbands, which by the way are responsible for the marriages dissolving. The plan is to tell these guys why she cared for them and to thank them for being in her life and hopefully learn something about herself. Through this process we learn of one decent black man, and surprise, his decency has more to do with his physical prowess than any personality traits or mental competence.
So at 55 Georgia wants to reinvent herself, sell her portion of an optometry practice and of course find love, though this is not a stated goal. The only thing that keeps this book going, is the adult dialogue and themes. So is there love after 50? Don't want to spoil the ending for potential readers, so wait your turn at the library, as there isn't anything in this novel that screams or whispers "buy me."
May 3, 2024
I wasn't bored per say, I just wasn't enthralled by it.
August 7, 2025
4 Stars for I Almost Forgot About You (audiobook) by Terry McMillan read by the author.
Dr Georgia Your is reevaluating her life. She’s a successful Optometrist and she’s been divorced twice. For some reason her job just isn’t fulfilling anymore, she needs a more artistic outlet for her creativity. And then there’s all the men that just didn’t work out. She’d like to get a better idea why things didn’t work out, so she going to contact them and see how things are going and what they think went wrong. Hopefully this will get her back on track.
Dr Georgia Your is reevaluating her life. She’s a successful Optometrist and she’s been divorced twice. For some reason her job just isn’t fulfilling anymore, she needs a more artistic outlet for her creativity. And then there’s all the men that just didn’t work out. She’d like to get a better idea why things didn’t work out, so she going to contact them and see how things are going and what they think went wrong. Hopefully this will get her back on track.
July 2, 2016
To be fair, I did NOT read the whole thing. I skimmed through it once I got to the halfway mark. I was bored, and did not want to spend any more of my time on it, but I wanted to have an idea of how it ended. I have liked some of her previous books, but this one did nothing for me. I didn't care for any of the characters, especially the main character who couldn't seem to make up her damn mind.
September 2, 2020
I picked this up for some fluff reading, but found it too stilted and artificial to bear. I tend to like McMillan, but this one did. not. work. ORIGINAL RATING: 1 star.
INTERESTING: I read this one, thinking I hadn't read it yet,--as in NO RECOLLECTION OF IT!!-- and I thought it was okay. Not great, but okay. 2.5 stars level. Fascinating change!
INTERESTING: I read this one, thinking I hadn't read it yet,--as in NO RECOLLECTION OF IT!!-- and I thought it was okay. Not great, but okay. 2.5 stars level. Fascinating change!
August 26, 2016
Georgia Young is fifty-three years old, twice divorced, and bored with her profession and her life. She wants to change everything - even where she lives - but feels it’s too late. When she hears that the first man she fell in love with has died, she realizes that she never told him that she loved him. Filled with remorse, Georgia decides to get in touch with all the other men who were once a part of her life to find out if they are still alive, healthy and happy. She makes a list of 22 names. Perhaps, it’s not too late to find love again.
Georgia does not attempt to contact every name on the list. In fact, she recalls loving only a handful of the men - the rest she simply had sex with. When she discusses her past boyfriends with her best friend, she fondly remembers how good they looked, how good they smelled or how good they were in bed! (I guess intellect, personality, generosity or any other positive attribute isn’t worth mentioning or pursuing in McMillan’s story).
For me, the story was filled with uninteresting conversation, a confusing timeline, cliches and an implausible ending. I was as bored with the story as Georgia was with her life! I think I’ll try to “almost forget about” this one.
Georgia does not attempt to contact every name on the list. In fact, she recalls loving only a handful of the men - the rest she simply had sex with. When she discusses her past boyfriends with her best friend, she fondly remembers how good they looked, how good they smelled or how good they were in bed! (I guess intellect, personality, generosity or any other positive attribute isn’t worth mentioning or pursuing in McMillan’s story).
For me, the story was filled with uninteresting conversation, a confusing timeline, cliches and an implausible ending. I was as bored with the story as Georgia was with her life! I think I’ll try to “almost forget about” this one.
June 21, 2016
I was very pleased with Georgia in"I Almost Forgot About You!" As a baby-boomer she was very memorable and likeable heroine due to seeing her life as what it was and stamping it as being dissatisfied as a almost 55 years old successful optometrist. After an ex dies, Georgia goes through the motions of reconnecting with the other exes while dealing with with her family and friends. Her relationships were all in living color but I loved her mother the most besides Georgia of course! Her book title fits so well with the characters and events that occurred in the story!
This was a great read on second chances and I recommend it highly!
This was a great read on second chances and I recommend it highly!
August 10, 2016
Dare I say, I really liked this story. I haven't gelled well with most of Terry's recent books but this one made me laugh a lot, I loved the premise, and the dialogue reminded me of her Waiting to Exhale and Disappearing Acts days. Cute, humorous, sistagirl story about finding love, with a Bay Area setting.
May 26, 2017
I really loved this book- I think Georgia was a woman that I would love to be friends with because of how hard she made me laugh. ❤️
August 10, 2020
Dr. Georgia Young is a fifty-four year old woman working in her chosen field of optometry. She has a lucrative, but unfulfilling business practice and feels as though she’s missing something; however, not quite sure as to what it is. Georgia is at a crossroads in life. Her dilemma is should she stay in her practice, or follow a passion she’s had for most of her life? She’s a mother of two grown daughters, who have their own share of drama, and the ex-wife of two failed marriages.
Everyone around Georgia appears to have their lives figured out, but she’s tired of being alone and not in love. At this age, she should be happy, right? Most people would kill to have her life, but they aren’t the ones walking in her shoes. Sure, her girlfriends and family want the best for her, but Georgia isn’t so sure what that best should be.
She then decides it’s time to put her house on the market and take that long train ride she’s been dreaming about taking. Traveling across country and seeing things she’s missed out on. After all, her job is to help others see better, and she’s blinded by the confusion of the state of her life currently. One day when a patient stops in for a checkup, she discovers this young woman is the daughter of a long lost boyfriend from her college days. When she inquires as to how he’s doing, his daughter advises her that her father passed away a few years ago. After discovering that news, it heightened Georgia’s desire to find past lovers. She felt horrible when she learned that a classmate and ex-boyfriend was deceased, it donned on her that she’s not getting any younger, and she wants to know what has happened to some of the men she used to know.
As Georgia embarks down memory lane, she isn’t quite prepared for some of the blasts of her past and what they are currently doing and how they once felt about her. Georgia takes to social media to begin her search. What she learns is quite astonishing. As she becomes engrossed in her investigative skills, her girlfriends Wanda and Violet are there to take the ride with her. Her mother is eighty-two and living like she’s in her twenties. There isn’t any grass that grows under her feet. She keeps it moving and living life with much zest. This is what she wishes for her daughter, Georgia.
This is truly a coming-of-age story in more ways than one. What Georgia goes through within a year is eye opening for this optometrist. She will soon see life as it should be. I must say McMillan has done it again. What I love about her writing is that it’s always heartfelt and colorful. She creates characters that are real and believable. This story could be anyone’s story and one that most women will be able to relate to. I can definitely see this novel being turned into a movie like many of McMillan’s past work. This lady can write and she does it so well—the only way she knows how. I love the formula she uses to bring her stories to life, which is why her characters are unforgettable. They become part of your life, and often times, you may find yourself thinking of these characters as you go on.
The Sexy Nerd gives I Almost Forgot About You five stars and beyond. As you read Georgia’s story, you will become so engrossed with how she fairs as she matures throughout the story. The ending was outstanding! Let’s just say, Georgia is going to be alright. She’s definitely going to find her groove as you, the reader, will too.
If you are a Terry McMillan fan, such as myself, get ready ‘cause you already know she’s going to bring it! Great job and well done!
Everyone around Georgia appears to have their lives figured out, but she’s tired of being alone and not in love. At this age, she should be happy, right? Most people would kill to have her life, but they aren’t the ones walking in her shoes. Sure, her girlfriends and family want the best for her, but Georgia isn’t so sure what that best should be.
She then decides it’s time to put her house on the market and take that long train ride she’s been dreaming about taking. Traveling across country and seeing things she’s missed out on. After all, her job is to help others see better, and she’s blinded by the confusion of the state of her life currently. One day when a patient stops in for a checkup, she discovers this young woman is the daughter of a long lost boyfriend from her college days. When she inquires as to how he’s doing, his daughter advises her that her father passed away a few years ago. After discovering that news, it heightened Georgia’s desire to find past lovers. She felt horrible when she learned that a classmate and ex-boyfriend was deceased, it donned on her that she’s not getting any younger, and she wants to know what has happened to some of the men she used to know.
As Georgia embarks down memory lane, she isn’t quite prepared for some of the blasts of her past and what they are currently doing and how they once felt about her. Georgia takes to social media to begin her search. What she learns is quite astonishing. As she becomes engrossed in her investigative skills, her girlfriends Wanda and Violet are there to take the ride with her. Her mother is eighty-two and living like she’s in her twenties. There isn’t any grass that grows under her feet. She keeps it moving and living life with much zest. This is what she wishes for her daughter, Georgia.
This is truly a coming-of-age story in more ways than one. What Georgia goes through within a year is eye opening for this optometrist. She will soon see life as it should be. I must say McMillan has done it again. What I love about her writing is that it’s always heartfelt and colorful. She creates characters that are real and believable. This story could be anyone’s story and one that most women will be able to relate to. I can definitely see this novel being turned into a movie like many of McMillan’s past work. This lady can write and she does it so well—the only way she knows how. I love the formula she uses to bring her stories to life, which is why her characters are unforgettable. They become part of your life, and often times, you may find yourself thinking of these characters as you go on.
The Sexy Nerd gives I Almost Forgot About You five stars and beyond. As you read Georgia’s story, you will become so engrossed with how she fairs as she matures throughout the story. The ending was outstanding! Let’s just say, Georgia is going to be alright. She’s definitely going to find her groove as you, the reader, will too.
If you are a Terry McMillan fan, such as myself, get ready ‘cause you already know she’s going to bring it! Great job and well done!
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