Customer Reviews

Married but Still Looking: A Novel (Strivers Row)

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Travis Hunter's second novel, Married But Still Looking, brings back some of the characters that were in The Hearts Of Men (his first novel) while centering in on the lives of Genesis Styles and his family which includes his mother Virginia, his sisters Phyllis and Grace, and his brother Grover. Travis Hunter's biggest writing strength is his ability to tell such a realistic story that both men and women should enjoy while getting his message across (families need to stick together, for instance). The main character in the story, Genesis, is a man who is engaged to be married yet he cannot control his sexual appetite long enough to stay faithful for more than a week or two. He thinks that he is really great at hiding his sexual escapades but his fiancée, Terri, is no dummy! I was able to just sit back, enjoy the ride, and wait for Genesis to make a major screw up and I had a great time getting to that point. Then there is his mean-spirited older sister Phyllis who is unhappily married to a white man whom she only married since she hates black men so much. But, along comes a GOOD BLACK MAN and her view of black men comes crashing down to the ground. To round out the cast of Genesis and his family, his brother, Grover, has an addiction to cocaine which he struggles to overcome, his younger sister Grace is about to become a minister, and their mother, Virginia, has a medical problem that brings her children together like never before.

If you are looking for a story that is not overloaded with drama, drama, and MORE DRAMA, you ought to give this one a try as you will probably see a lot of family members and friends in the various roles of these wonderful characters. If you are like me and you enjoy a story where problems are dealt with and worked out in a logical manner and if you love to root for a family to work things out and stick together through thick and thin then you are definitely in for an enjoyable reading experience.

This novel was excellent from the beginning until the end and Travis Hunter's fans and even those who have not read his first book should be pleased and won over with this one!

The Styles family consists of four grown children who are as different as night and day. Genesis is a self-proclaimed player who can't help himself; Phyllis appears to hate the black man so she marries outside of her race; Grover, Jr., is a single father who is drug and alcohol addicted and Grace is the baby of the family who struggles with forgiveness while trying to bring her family back together and find peace within. As you continue to read you will understand the root of their behavior.

From The Hearts of Men we are reintroduced to Prodigy and Nina, which is a treat. The story centers on Genesis and his impending marriage to Terri. Terri is everything that Genesis wants and needs in a woman but for some reason he can't stay faithful. Each sibling has his or her share of drama in addition to Genesis, which gives the story its completeness and leaves you with a better understanding of the crosses they have to bare to get to a semi-happy medium.

Travis Hunter does an excellent job of portraying and developing his characters in a very realistic manner. I found myself caring about these characters and hoping for a resolution to their issues.

Married But Still Looking is quick, emotional and heartfelt read with a surprising ending, a very surprising ending! I to enjoyed The Hearts of Men and I can't decide which book is better. I've decided that it doesn't matter.......Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves, APOOO Bookclub

As a young, single female it concerns me that some people are "Married But Still Looking". In this particular book, Travis Hunter writes about a young man who wants to get married but he still has a problem with commitment. If I asked ten different people why married individuals cheat, I'm sure I'd get ten different answers. Travis Hunter's book draws one main conclusion: we must all take responsibility for our own actions or suffer the consequences.

In the book, the main character's decision to solicit a hooker the night of his bachelor party costs him much more than he ever expected...
I won't tell the story, but I GUARANTEE you'll ENJOY this book.

Kudos to the author on another GREAT BOOK!

Travis Hunter is something else. This book is fabolous. I read it in five hours. Geneis and Terri kept me up all night and Grover is a piece of work. Phyliss needs a hug and Grace is a Godsent. I got mad when I got sleepy. I can't decide which book I like better, The Hearts of Men or Married but Still Looking. I must admit that the title made me pause but this is another positive story by a truly positive man. I wish everyone would read this guy's work. I can't wait until he writes another one. Rhonda

This novel finds the newly engaged Genesis Styles questioning his decision to marry girlfriend Terri, the love of his life; he is also a serial cheater...each time promising that it will never happen again. But will he ever be able to commit to her completely? Despite the warnings of best friend Prodigy, Genesis believes to some degree that men are just not meant for monogamy. It is the eve of his bachelor party when all things will come to a head; and it may take life threatening situations involving two of the most important people in his life for Genesis to reach an epiphany; in the meantime, he's got his family to deal with also......there's older brother Grover, who is a drug addict and alcoholic, and has no interest in being a decent father to his son, Jalen. Then there's big sister Phyllis, who is the oldest. She has managed to carve a decent career for herself out of putting folks, mainly Black folks, behind bars, while working for the District Attorney's office. When White husband Carl does the unthinkable, Phyllis finally realizes that ignorance does not have a color. Can she eventually find it within herself to love herself and her Blackness once again? Read on and see.....

And lastly is sister Grace. True to her name, she develops a close relationship with God and wants the same with her family. When their mother becomes ill and she calls on Him, she calls on them as well....is it possible for them all to become close again and be the family that they once were?

Although not quite the pageturner that "Trouble Man" is, there is no denying that reader will enjoy this novel. Fans will love the ending, with its lovely twist.......



DYB

This was a wonderful read. The characters all had their on issues. It was great to see Prodigy grow from The Hearts of Men into the man he was intended to be. It goes to show that the impact parents have on their children(s) lives will and can destroy them. Genesis, Grover, Grace and Phyllis all had issues because of their father's womanizing ways. Terri's character was understandable, meaning we as women always so what we're not going to take from a man, but until you have time, love and energy invested in someone you just don't know what you'll take. Travis recently did a book discussion and signing with our book club (Sistah's Unlimited Book Club and Between The Covers Book Club) he was charming, down to earth and woed all the women. He was a wonderful treat for all who participated. If you are an avid reader, please support this brother. He is an asset to men, women and children of color.

Travis Hunter's writing is the best I've read since Ralph Ellison. This guy has the magic touch. Travis cleaverly takes a known dog and makes you love him. Genesis Styles is a certified puppy but Hunter uses his skills as a top notch writer to change your heart and have you rooting for him. I don't know any other writer that has what Travis Hunter's has. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoyes a great story. I'll have to say that I'm highly upset with his Publishing company, Random House for for not promoting this guy in a big way. There is no doubt in my mind that Mr. Hunter will be a literay star with or without the help of his big publishing house. E. Lynn Harris and Eric Jerome Dickey, You guys now have company at the top because Travis Hunter is coming.

Married but Still Looking was an action-packed DRAMA filled pageturner from start to finish!

What can I say...all the characters Genesis, Terri, Grace, Prodigy, Nina, Grover Jr. and Mama Styles all had issues that needed to be addressed!

This novel is a great reminder that we have to resolve our past issues before we become happy healthy human beings! There are so many positive messages in this book.

All the characters were well developed and Mr. Hunter did an exemplary job of making the reader understand the mindset of the characters and why they were the way they were.

There is never a dull moment in this book. The novel will have you laughing one minute and crying the next!

Mr. Hunter, simply put your books are the BOMB! Thanks for always acknowledging the Lord in your works!

GOD BLess You!

Darlene Bullock-Gamble

Travis Hunter is an excellent writer, I love his work. I love that Mr. Hunter writes about families, and not just one character. In Married but Still Looking we were able to look into the lives of Genesis, a man not ready to give up his cheating ways to marry the best woman he has every met. Grover the crack addicted father, of a child that was born addicted to crack. Phyllis, a District Attorney, who does not like black people. And Grace, the sister trying to make everyone put there demons to rest. The book has plenty of twists and drama, very wonderful and easy read.

I only read this book because a good friend got it for her son to Read. After a couple of pages I could not put down. This one along with all of his books are now part of my personal collection.