Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #946428 in Books
• Published on: 2002-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

Romeo & Juliet for the New Millennium!
J. J. Murray's debut novel, RENEE AND JAY is the interracial Romeo & Juliet for the new millennium. A snowstorm leaves Renee stranded out front of Luchesi's restaurant, where she meets the owner's son, Giovanni, aka Jay. Though Renee professes herself to be strictly into black men, she finds herself very intrigued by Jay, and by the next morning Renee and Jay are wistfully thinking of love and a relationship with each other. Renee's own pessimism plays a key role in defining her could-be relationship with Jay, but her mother and Jay's father...as well as their small-minded community questions the "colorful" relationship. If that's not enough, the surprise of a baby drives everyone, including Renee into even more confusion, but Jay is steadfast in his love for Renee and is determined to prove to her that the two make a perfect pair.

Renee and Jay is a great read, and I really could not stop reading it until I got to the last page. The characters were outrageous and funny, the humor in the novel was obvious. I will admit; however, that the story is heavy with the "my people" comments presented by Renee, the main character, and oftentimes, I found myself saying, okay, we get it, you're black, it was that thick at times. Aside from that, the story was funny and well written, and I think Murray did an excellent job with this debut novel and the subject matter, and I look forward to reading more books by him.

Reviewed by Shonie

Pleasantly Surprised
This book made me smile.:-)It was nice to finally read a book that was not all bitterness, anger, depravity, etc. The relationship between Renee and Giovanni was refreshing, real and very touching. Renee is a young African-American woman, who like most women today, are looking for "Mr. Right". She just doesn't expect her soul mate will be a white, pale, Italian. What both Renee and Jay learn is that you can't choose whom you love. The heart knows no racial barriers. Mr. Murrays' characters are well developed. Giovanni is an honest, caring, hardworking, young man who is not afraid to express his emotions. Renee reminds me of friends I've known through the years, beautiful, fun-loving, intelligient and faithful to family and loved ones. It was also good to see the acceptance of the relationship by Renee's mother and Giovanni's father. Everyone knows that the relationship will have extra burdens because it is an interracial one, but it was nice not to have that thrown in your face throughout the whole book. It was basically a funny, down-to-earth love story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would like to see more of these characters. (Maybe a sequel). Can't wait to read more from this author.

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?
JJ Murray gives us a delightful and entertaining debut novel about the interracial relationship of Renee and Jay. When Renee is stranded in the blizzard of the century the last thang on her mind is falling in love. She is more interested in eating and was happy that if it must happen at least her car slid and got stuck in front of Luchesi's restaurant. Enter Jay Anthony Luchesi's to the rescue. Jay has had a crush on the chocolate honey since high school and it's love at first sight when Renee is stranded in front of his restaurant. For Renee "what's love got to do with it" all she wants is a nice meal, the last thang on her is mine is a man, especially a "goofy white man" who believes in love at first sight. After being stranded overnight with Jay, Renee has been bitten by the love bug and begins to sing a new tune. Just one (of many) problem, she and Jay have to keep their relationship underwrap. Even though its a new millennium, its still Roanoke, VA and jungle fever just ain't happening their. And then there's the matter of family and friends...what will they do when they find out that Renee and Jay have been sneaking around and "engaging with each other". Murray weaves hilarious sub-plots and gives new meaning to "colorful characters" as we journey with Renee and Jay in an unlikely courtship.

Renee and Jay is a refreshing and witty look at interracial relationships that rings true to life. I was hooked from Chapter One and I enjoyed how the writer developed the relationship of Renee and Jay. Although, Murray sometimes falters by focusing too much on "my people", constanting referencing body odors(Jay's...what was up with that), and sometimes the AA female characters appeared overly stereotypical. For example, when Renee wasn't complaining about body odors or constantly saying "my people" she was coming across as too sharp-tongued, attitudinal and with a significant chip on her shoulder. Sometimes I wondered how Jay even wanted to be around her more or less in a relationship with her. Shirl-Renee's mom was sometimes so over the edge that I lost all credibility where she was concerned. And then their was Renee's, loud mouthed friend, Collette who gave new meaning to the word "sistagal". These situations aside, I was pleasantly surprised that a white boy could tell a story from a sister's perspective and he didn't do too shabby a job. With Renee and Jay, Murray gives us a romantic, sensitive, engaging and humorous look at relationships across black&white color lines. Renee and Jay is a page turner and will have you swiftly turning the pages as you anticipate the next twist and turn in the storyline. The storyline was so engrossing that I finished the book in one sitting. If you're looking for a refreshing, change of pace read then check out Renee and Jay by JJ Murray. Oh but I must warn you this book is highly controversial and not meant for everyone...but for those with an open mind you will enjoy it for what it is...a fictional novel.