User:Kpurple/Getting to Happy

Major Themes
Self-growth

The journey of self-growth is emphasized throughout the entirety of the novel. Savannah was being released from the notion that her marriage had ended, and now she didn’t know what to do with herself. Robin revisited her past actions and realized that she didn’t value relationships the way she does now. Bernadine realized that hiding behind pain medication wasn’t going to improve her situation or get her back to normal; instead, she was going to have to face her faults and “regain her former joy." Gloria was able to maintain strength after her husband's death, continuing to live life in his absence.

The importance of friendship and sisterhood

In Waiting to Exhale, the four best friends were very tight-knit and heavily reliant on each other. However, in Getting to Happy, these women have drifted apart due to their busy schedules and new life experiences. They no longer share every detail of their lives or just get together to spend time with one another. They also consider themselves to be “too old” to party together like they used to. Eventually, when times begin to get rough, they realize that they are better apart than they are separate. Their hardships created an opportunity for them to provide each other with emotional support and build each other's self-esteem and sense of security. Each of them equally gets on each other's nerves, but they remain truthful and encouraging towards one another. This novel highlights the joy and comfort that come from having a black sisterhood and compassionate friends.

Relationships with men

This novel consists of many letdowns from men, such as Bernadine having to pay back a loan that her ex-husband was supposed to be taking care of, Savannah finding out about her husband's porn addiction and then having to lend him money after their divorce, and Robin being a single parent providing it all for her now teenage daughter. However, even after all of these instances, these women were able to pick themselves up and continue down the path of finding their joy. The novel sends the message that women shouldn’t rely on men to bring them happiness; happiness should come from within.

Family

The dynamic of family is prevalent within this novel. Between Bernadine’s ex-husband John becoming a good friend of hers and lending a helping hand after "James," Bernadine taking in Taylor (John's daughter) after her mother abandons her, or Robin's daughter Sparrow, who is highly mature, acting as her matchmaker to help her mother, the novel highlights that you can find assistance and comfort from the people you least expect. On the other hand, the negative treatment of family is also highlighted. Instances of abandonment, abuse, forgetfulness, and the unwillingness to help when one is in need are all revealed.