Rating: 
Summary: Trouble Man, Trouble Man
Review: This was an excellent read. It was enlightening as well as enjoyable.It's hard to find a book that you can learn from as well as enjoy for entertainment. My only gripe was that the book wasn't longer. I felt like I knew Jermaine,Calvin,Calvin Jr. and Jermaine's grandparents. This is my second Travis Hunter read. He is going to be added to my list of favorite authors.
Rating: 
Summary: Honest and Real
Review: This was my first experience with the writings of Travis Hunter. I had read his contribution to Black Silk, but had never read any of his novels. This story was a wonderful literary experience.It is impressive when an author can uplift and leave you with a message that is honest and truthful. Mr. Hunter does this and more. Jermaine Banks is an almost 30-year-old hustler. Jermaine has a son, a girlfriend and a baby on the way. Life as a hustler has lost its sparkle and he is caught between the good of what he does and the hypocritical part that he struggles with more now in his life then ever. He must decide what being a man entails and follow the road to better. Calvin Sharpe is this 50 something father and husband who decides that he no longer wants to be married and makes the necessary arrangements to get out of this seemingly unbearable situation. However, his questionable business ethnics remind us all we reap what we sow. So not only is he running from the law, he is running from himself and the demons that drive him. Both these African-American men epitomize the stereotypes of our men being hustlers and questionable businessmen. Yet there troubles are of their own makings. Although, they feel they are forced to make the decisions they make to earn money, in the end they must face what their truth really is. Most importantly each of these men wants to do right by their children. This is an honest portrayal of the dimensions of African-American men. It shows their struggle to do right in a world that encourages them to do wrong. The characters are real and forthright. The female characters are true to form as well. They also show us the strength of our African-American women. The story is strong just like the character development. The dialogue is realistic and honest. I am still laughing about that darn rat! This is a well-written story of black men who in their own ways want to be true men, accept their responsibilities and be forgiven for the wrongs they have done. We all want to leave our troubles behind. This quick read makes you thirsty for a little more of an ending, but it leaves you with a wonderful strong African-American message. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Where are We Going?
Review: TROUBLE MAN tells the story of two men leading very different lives. Jermaine Banks grew up in the streets of Philadelphia. Now he is knocking on thirty's door and helping to raise his son, dealing with a temperamental and pregnant girlfriend, and keeping his business as a drug dealer going. When he begins thinking about finding legitimate employment, Jermaine realizes that with minimal education and no work experience his options are limited and unappealing. Jermaine is at a crossroads and must determine which path he wants the rest of his life to take. Calvin Sharpe on the other hand has lived his life with money as his number one priority. As a result, he has a thriving business, more money than he can ever spend, an unhappy marriage, and a son who detests him. It isn't until his past begins to catch up with him that Calvin begins to realize all that he gave up in exchange for his love of money. But is it too late to make amends? Travis Hunter's latest literary offering, TROUBLE MAN, is a satisfying read filled with strong themes of manhood and fatherhood. I really enjoyed how he fittingly incorporated many of Marvin Gaye's song titles into the titles of various chapters in the book. The tight character development helped readers really understand the motivations of the characters and made them easy to empathize with. In addition, Hunter helped readers understand the dichotomy between inner city life and a more privileged life. He demonstrated how environmental influences can have a major impact on the hopes and dreams of people. Finally, through this story Hunter teaches us that decisions made in the past can have a lasting impact on the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this stirring and emotional book and I highly recommend it to others. Reviewed by Stacey Seay
Of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
| 
