Rating: 
Summary: it was great but........
Review: The book was GREAT!!!!!!!!!! I am a black woman who dates white men and i loved the book. The only problem i had was renee was constantly critizing him and bossing him around. Not once did he truly accert himself and tell her no and mean it. Other then the overkill on her attiude it was great and romantic. I cant wait to read part two.
Rating: 
Summary: The 'Yuk Factor
Review: I like the way these characters fall so hard for each other, and underneath all the (her) posturing, their innocence is endearing. The story is an easy read and that helps you get through it. Unlike the other book, `Something Real' which I'm still in the middle of with no desire to finish. With Renee & Jay, I know it's important to accept the characters as presented, on the premise that they are tailor made for each other. For an author to throw out all the potential reader comments and stay true to the character's they created is commendable. No matter how disgusting they may come across. Here the `yuk factor was hammered in and I have to ask to what audience? People who are adverse to interracial couples will likely never read this book so avid diversifying romance readers have to suffer through all the negatives. I've been asking myself if anyone can write an interracial romance without including the adversity that comes with it. Are we saying that's what interracial romances are about? I was left with the impression this author relished all the harsh racial criticisms. Inspired by a true story or not, the fact that Jay and all the other male characters is so underdeveloped is a sure sign this is a joint venture. The front man a strategic marketing ploy. This was one instance where I felt we should've gotten the inner workings of the white man. Tell us what the hell HE's thinking? And when did church and profanity become synonymous? There's controversy on characters being underdeveloped but others are over developed. Too much information. I'm sick of this verbal song and dance that get in the way of the story and also have to point out, not all sisters fit into this cliché image seen too often in contemporary Black fiction. Not all of us have `Ghetto Fabulous' ways. The reviews on Renee & Jay 2 says more of the same bitterness and racism plus tragedy. I'll have to be truly bored to pick this one up. I say maybe by this authors 7th or 8th book- they'll get it right.
Rating:
Summary: Yay Mr. Murray!
Review: Mr. Murray actually was my English teacher my sophomore year (I was in his class when the sequel to Renee and Jay came out), so I borrowed the book from a friend to see if I'd like it. I have to give kudos to Mr. Murray for being able to write from the persona of a 26-year-old African-American woman. That takes some talent. Anyway, the book is well written and has a good flow to it, even if it is a bit of a short read (or maybe I just read it really fast?). The twists and turns in it were really cool, and quite a few of them unpredictable. It's also a really funny book, and Renee has a huge sense of humor (even if some people found it inappropriate), and I adore how Mr. Murray described Roanoke. That's probably when I laughed the loudest. One problem I had with it when I was halfway through was that all the white women in it were either all really mean or racist, but eventually there were some cool white chicks in there. Another problem I had was Renee had a really mean, bitchy side to her, one that came out perhaps one time too many. But, all in all, it's a great book for summer reading, or if you have a long trip to take, and I recommend it!Lane P.S.- Mr. Murray, if you ever check these things, know this now: Battle Royale should be on the Center 10 Utopia Reading list!
Rating: 
Summary: How did he do it......???
Review: I would like to state, very plainly, that I absolutely love this book! My only question is how on earth did any white man on this planet, in this country, capture the mind of a black woman the way that JJ Murray did with this book??? Now of course not all black women think the same (duh!), but there were just certain details added I had no idea that people outside of the Afro persuasion knew about. For example, "the pink" check that we do after putting in a relaxer and washing it out. Or that one ghetto fabulous friend that we all have who likes to dress like it's her birthday everyday. Details, details.
Anyway, the main character was actually believable in this one. She was smart, pretty, and down to earth. I loved her counterpart, Giovanni, the cute Italian who doesn't happen to look like a Roman God, as in other iterracial novels that make me cringe. Now I've read other reviews that say that, I dunno, the main character is a bossy shrew... Ok, ok I understand how you could say that. It may seem true, but go back and look at the relationship. Giovanni may be a bit quiet at times, but the boy puts his foot down when necessary. They're a match. Read carefully.
Overall this is finally one book that I didn't feel like I wasted my money on. It made me laugh from the very beginning. It'll even make your eyes water a little. So check it out! I'm getting the sequal (Renee and Jay 2) today. I'm so excited!
Rating:
Summary: Telling it like it is
Review: I've read the reviews both good and bad. I'm hoping I can give the most honest review on Renee and Jay. First the bad: Yes Renee had a 'tude a bit too much at times and the my people thing got old after a while. But to be honest I think the reason the book worked is becuase Renee was human. I think everyone knows a Renee. She was flawed. Not pretty rose colored glass flawed but human you love her or you hate her flawed. She just to me seemed like a real person. Now the good. This book was laugh out loud funny. Very real you really felt as if you knew these people. Pops Her momma and Giovanni. I don't think this book get it's due. Don't be put off by bad reviwes. This underneath it all is really a nice funny sweet read.
Rating:
Summary: Loved the two books; when's the third due?
Review: I read this book because the author is a teacher from Roanoke. Murray says he wrote the book because his students told him to "put his money where his mouth is"; that is, if he could write so well, then do it. As an English teacher in a small town south of Roanoke, I was intrigued. The author, Murray, has an interracial marriage, and his wife likes the book, according to the author's notes. While I agree with some reviewers that Renee's blackness was a bit overstated, as a Caucasian, I have no knowledge if that's true or not. What I enjoyed about the book is the attraction between the two characters, how the families disagreed, but came together, and the feeling of romance. The book was very believable for me, and I think the author writes extremely well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as well as "Something Real," and look forward to J J Murray's next book. I hope it's soon coming.
Rating:
Summary: I loved it
Review: Many people seem to think that this book was not good. Sure it was kinda unbelievable, and yes, Renee was a bit bossy, and ok, Giovanni was too ready to do her bidding. But I thought it was sweet. Giovanni loved Renee enough to please her, and she let him do it; what woman wouldn't? Renee was a little preoccupied with what other people would think of their relationship, but she still fell in love with and married Giovanni. I sat and read the book (hardcover) in a few hours; I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it.
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