Rating: 
Summary: A good book!
Review: I am a sinlge mom without much time on my hands to stop and read anything so it usually takes me several weeks to complete the average book. I started reading Renee and Jay and finished it by the 4th day. I read it on my 30 minute lunch breaks, red lights, and finally I managed to out last my then 5 year old and stayed up the last night to finish it. My first words and thoughts upon completing it was "now that was a good book". The entire time of reading it I felt as if the characters were people that I actually knew because each character were like normal everyday people around us. I was anxious to find out what was going to happen next and more times than not I found myself laughing out loud (especially about something that Renee's mother said or did). Eventhough from the beginning I knew the story invovled two people that were as different as night to day, it was refreshing to know that in the end their difference did not keep them apart. The main point that I got from reading this book was about love and romance and that left me smiling. In real life there is usually not a happily ever after ending as with Renee and Jay but it sure is nice to read about it and it should give us all hope that "it could happen". Renee and Jay had several more obstacles against them from the start and in their future than the average same race couple would face but it still came down to: love is what matters. I personally think that JJ Murray did an execellent job in bringing real life to each of his characters, I had to keep checking the back cover to see if he really was a white man which surprised me but did not offend me. It is very clear that he has everyday experience with the characters. It is also obvious that the author (Jay) really loves his wife (Renee) and I think that's what really makes this book such a romantic love story.
I have recommended this book to all of my friends both white and black. I know they will enjoy it as well.I cannot wait until the sequel is released and look forward to reading anything else by JJ Murray.
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: Love is.....
Review: I love this book. I am an African American female and I have dated a white male and I can relate to a lot of things in the book. It was nice to see that someone did their homework and kept it true to the game. I definitely recommend this book to anyone curious, in the middle of an interracial relationship or just someone looking for a good book to 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: 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: Virginia really is for lovers!
Review: J. J. Murray has thoroughly "schooled" both black and white America on loving with the heart and not the eyes. Reading the first chapter of Renee and Jay, which is off the roof, was just like having a conversation with myself.This is a hot new romance that'll sho nuf melt all of that ice in Roanoke's winter storm. You're on the playing field with Tyree and Dickey and Terry McMillan. Renee's got the black girl attitude! You write the black woman's role pretty well; that you have in common with Dickey. I was amazed at how well he does that, and you're doing it too! Renee and Jay is a real Romeo and Juliet set in small time Black America! It's a soap opera in the palm of your hands . . . and there's no waiting for tomorrow's episode. I laughed. I cried. I hoped and I prayed and rejoiced in the beauty of the book's ending. I absolutely loved this book as much as I've ever loved Morrison, McMillan or McElroy Ansa. You have arrived and I cannot wait to read Something Real. Talk about bridging gaps and bringing people from all walks of life together . . . you've done it with Renee and Jay. People often wonder about the dynamics of interracial relationships (what comes up, what to say and what not to say). I hope that others will read it and walk away with a refreshing spirit and a more peaceful outlook on life and race relations. I certainly have. It's one thing to say what we believe, but Renee & Jay walks miles in the shoes. I commend you; the book is so well-planned, thought out and pieced together: the jig-saw puzzle of the century has been pieced together gracefully with this beautiful love story! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you JJ Murray! If you're a lover who loves romance, Renee & Jay has a place on your reading list. Get it today!
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.
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: 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!
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