How Stella Got Her Groove Back

I saw the movie first, but I still liked the book, because it is an accurate account of Jamacia. When I picked up the book, which had been in my library for years, I had just come back from Jamaica. It's December in DC and the weather is the pits so I needed to feel the warmth of Jamacia. How Stella Got Her Groove Back did it for me. Negril Jamacia, if you have never been there, it is a must that you go and those of you who have been there need I say anymore. Read the book first if you haven't been, then go and get your groove on.

I keep comng back to this book, either when i'm lying on the beach, or in the middle of the winter, wishing I was. I've realized that it's not the main story...the frustration of a single successful woman afraid to let go of her hangups for love, but the little things that roped me in. The descriptions of a tropical island, the thrill of a shopping spree..this book offers vicarious sybaratic pleasure!

Don't pick up "Stella" expecting something serious and deep. Read it for what it is - a fun romance that's light and airy and meant to take you and your mind into a world away from today's every day grind. Stella decides to take a last minute trip to Jamaica, and winds up having the time of her life and meeting the man of her dreams, a man a LOT younger than she is! But who cares? Stella does at first, and fights this battle all the way til the end. She falls madly in love with Winston, who is barely in his 20's, but he's the kind of man she's always dreamed of, and they "click"! I loved the style of the book - the rambling sentences that took us into Stella's mind. I loved the time she spent in Jamaica, and the fact that she had the guts to do this trip (it is something I've done myself, on a similar whim!! I can totally relate!). Stella teaches us that you dont' have to be stuck in your rut and conform - go and do what makes you feel good! Have fun!!

I read this back when it was first released by Ms.McMillian and had the pleasure of meeting my homegirl back in Detroit,MI. during her book tour. It's a moment I'll never forget. She's an awesome woman and a powerful writer. Terry takes you on a reading journey that's sure to leave an impression on you for days, weeks and years to come. I've been a fan of Terry's for years and eagerly await each of her novels. In this story Stella Payne is in search of a renewed life. She's a successful Black woman and a single mother of one. She's decided to take a trip to Jamaica to center herself and gain a new lease on life. However, when she meets a younger Jamaican born Winston Shakespeare her life will never be the same. She in for the ride of her life with a man who sees beyond their age difference. Winston shows her a new way of seeing life and it's possibilities. The love they share is AWESOME and HOT! This is a refreshing story about a younger man longing to love and be with Stella, who's an older woman. It a celebration of love. What I loved about the story and movie was the beauty shared by Stella and Winston. Their story shows that love can survive regardless of age. I also enjoyed it because so often we hear of older men with younger women and their stories run like a flood gate. How Stella Got Her Back lets us know that older women are glorious, beauitful and "ALL THAT." This story shows us that older women can be just as, if not more beauitful than their young counterparts. I applaud and celebrate these women for their true beauty and integrity. Thanks Terry for giving a voice to these women and men and their love.

Oh come on, people, stop criticizing this book just because it's not a heavy, philosophical tome! Who doesn't need to laugh once in awhile? I know I sure do and I did with this witty, vibrant, fun book. The characters are immensely likable, the setting is fun and the plot is a hoot. Thanks, Terry McMillan for a fun little romp in Jamaica!