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Old School Love: And Why It Works – A Faith-Based Guide to Lasting Love and Strong Marriage from a Hip Hop Icon
RUN DMC.’s iconic rapper Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons and his wife, Justine, share their secrets to lasting love and the guiding principles that have kept them together for more than twenty years. Written with Amy Ferris.
This is a book about love.
The kind of love that will keep you warm at night—that will keep you feeling safe and sound.
The kind of love that will get you through some dark times; get you through some hard and yes, some tough times.
The kind of love that will make you laugh, that will make you smile, that will make you nod knowingly.
The kind of love that is nurtured and watered and grows—from a seedling to a flower.
The kind of love that is desperately needed in the world right now, shared and sprinkled everywhere. Old School Love is a book to help you find the kind of soul-filling love you desire, written by a couple who has built a strong and joyful relationship amid the pressures, pitfalls, and temptations of the entertainment industry. Rev Run and his wife, Justine, have been blessed with a devoted partnership that has inspired others. In this homage to classic courtship, Rev and Justine reveal the secrets to their marriage’s longevity and happiness. Each chapter of Old School Love offers stories, anecdotes, and memories of Rev and Justine’s marriage, their family, their experiences, their passion, and their deep faith and belief in God. Some will make you laugh, some will make you think, and some will make you cry. Yet all will make you wiser—more beautiful for the wear—and encourage you to be a kinder, more generous, and better human. Their reflections are bookended by a verse or line from scripture, a saying, or a favorite quote and a sampling of personal wisdom. Over two decades strong, Rev and Justine’s partnership is an inspiration. With Old School Love they are spreading their message of positivity, and creating a legacy for all of us to embrace and share. Powerful and life-changing, this little gem of a book is about magic, and miracles, and yes, the irrefutable power of love. Old School Love includes 8 pages of photos from Rev and Justine's personal collection.
This is a book about love.
The kind of love that will keep you warm at night—that will keep you feeling safe and sound.
The kind of love that will get you through some dark times; get you through some hard and yes, some tough times.
The kind of love that will make you laugh, that will make you smile, that will make you nod knowingly.
The kind of love that is nurtured and watered and grows—from a seedling to a flower.
The kind of love that is desperately needed in the world right now, shared and sprinkled everywhere. Old School Love is a book to help you find the kind of soul-filling love you desire, written by a couple who has built a strong and joyful relationship amid the pressures, pitfalls, and temptations of the entertainment industry. Rev Run and his wife, Justine, have been blessed with a devoted partnership that has inspired others. In this homage to classic courtship, Rev and Justine reveal the secrets to their marriage’s longevity and happiness. Each chapter of Old School Love offers stories, anecdotes, and memories of Rev and Justine’s marriage, their family, their experiences, their passion, and their deep faith and belief in God. Some will make you laugh, some will make you think, and some will make you cry. Yet all will make you wiser—more beautiful for the wear—and encourage you to be a kinder, more generous, and better human. Their reflections are bookended by a verse or line from scripture, a saying, or a favorite quote and a sampling of personal wisdom. Over two decades strong, Rev and Justine’s partnership is an inspiration. With Old School Love they are spreading their message of positivity, and creating a legacy for all of us to embrace and share. Powerful and life-changing, this little gem of a book is about magic, and miracles, and yes, the irrefutable power of love. Old School Love includes 8 pages of photos from Rev and Justine's personal collection.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2020
25 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 15, 2020
A friend had just sent a raucous meme through DM and rather than typing my customary 3 crying laughing emojis, I actually responded with some lukewarm adage that expressed my lukewarm 'joy.'
Awkward.
At the time she didn't know I was reading Joseph 'Rev Run' Simmons (of RUN-DMC) and wife Justine Simmons' Old School Love: And Why It Works, the Simmons' testament to commitment and love in its many forms.
Rooted in the spiritual (the Simmons' did not have sex before marriage - ugh, I'm such a failure), each chapter is prefaced by inspirational bible verses and sets the tone, from Protective Love to Messy Love.
It's set up much like an interview. A topic will be broached and you'll have Run's perspective then Justine's so neither male nor female feels left out.
But what struck me was Run's dedication to his Dad (who passed away in 2006 and could be seen briefly as, of course, Run's father, in the movie, Krush Groove), Old School Love: Part One; crediting him with making him the man he's become and how proud his dad was of him. This is the most thoughtfully written and poignant chapter in the book. Justine's mother, who passed away last year, is given the same treatment (she survived cancer 3 times! but finally succumbed, suddenly, to pneumonia), by both Justine and Run.
At the end of each chapter we're provided with 'Takeaways' from their relationship experiences, including their blended family, the death of their newborn, and the strains their various television shows placed on their relationship and family.
If you've had ridiculously stunting relationships or have just gotten out of a relationship, this may or may not be the book for you. The Simmons' have been married close to 30 years and your 6 month one off is not the same. But, this book will have you reminiscing; perhaps sadly, reminding you of what you could've done better and most definitely everything you did wrong.
It often left me wondering "Ohhhh, is That what she meant?!"
Awkward.
At the time she didn't know I was reading Joseph 'Rev Run' Simmons (of RUN-DMC) and wife Justine Simmons' Old School Love: And Why It Works, the Simmons' testament to commitment and love in its many forms.
Rooted in the spiritual (the Simmons' did not have sex before marriage - ugh, I'm such a failure), each chapter is prefaced by inspirational bible verses and sets the tone, from Protective Love to Messy Love.
It's set up much like an interview. A topic will be broached and you'll have Run's perspective then Justine's so neither male nor female feels left out.
But what struck me was Run's dedication to his Dad (who passed away in 2006 and could be seen briefly as, of course, Run's father, in the movie, Krush Groove), Old School Love: Part One; crediting him with making him the man he's become and how proud his dad was of him. This is the most thoughtfully written and poignant chapter in the book. Justine's mother, who passed away last year, is given the same treatment (she survived cancer 3 times! but finally succumbed, suddenly, to pneumonia), by both Justine and Run.
At the end of each chapter we're provided with 'Takeaways' from their relationship experiences, including their blended family, the death of their newborn, and the strains their various television shows placed on their relationship and family.
If you've had ridiculously stunting relationships or have just gotten out of a relationship, this may or may not be the book for you. The Simmons' have been married close to 30 years and your 6 month one off is not the same. But, this book will have you reminiscing; perhaps sadly, reminding you of what you could've done better and most definitely everything you did wrong.
It often left me wondering "Ohhhh, is That what she meant?!"
February 20, 2020
This was a sweet and warm book to read during Valentine's week. Rev Run & Justine have a special love, a Godly love. Some of us will call it a corny love. But it's definitely an old school love.
While reading this book, I had a lot of questions. I felt that they described their love too perfectly. To me, the story was just a bit too fluffy. I would have appreciated some insight on what made their love challenging and how they worked through it to build a deeper bond and a stronger marriage. I did however, appreciate the "Takeaways" at the end of each chapter.
While reading, I didn't understand how they had specific chapters for Diggy & Miley and not for Russy. In my opinion, if you're going to honor your children, you have to honor all of them or leave them out of the book. I don't doubt that they love their children, I just think they all deserved a chapter.
While reading this book, I had a lot of questions. I felt that they described their love too perfectly. To me, the story was just a bit too fluffy. I would have appreciated some insight on what made their love challenging and how they worked through it to build a deeper bond and a stronger marriage. I did however, appreciate the "Takeaways" at the end of each chapter.
While reading, I didn't understand how they had specific chapters for Diggy & Miley and not for Russy. In my opinion, if you're going to honor your children, you have to honor all of them or leave them out of the book. I don't doubt that they love their children, I just think they all deserved a chapter.
September 28, 2024
When this book came out, I got to meet Rev Run and Justine at a book signing. Until now I hadn’t gotten a chance to read the book, but since I’m on an audio book kick, figured I’d listen to it. Love when the audio is read by the authors. They gave a lot of good advice for loving a happy life together.
May 6, 2022
This was such a delight
December 30, 2023
“Old School Love and Why It Works” is a nonfiction book focusing on the different types of love as presented by Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons and his wife Justine Simmons after over twenty years of marriage.
The book consists of an introduction, a prologue, eighteen chapters, an epilogue, an afterword, acknowledgments, and information about the authors.
In the introduction, the authors, Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons and his wife, Justine Simmons begin the book by clearing stating that their book is about all different types of love from good love to messy love to tough love, grown-up love, and old school love. Having been married since 1994, the Simmons’ want to share with readers how despite falling in love as kids, life happened but they eventually reunited.
In the prologue, “Rev Run” shares how as a fourteen-year-old, he went by the name Joe or Joey and dreamed of living in a beautiful house the Jamaica Estates neighborhood. By the time Joey is fifteen, he meets Justine after DJing with Kurtis Blow at a show at a local roller rink. Following their meeting, Justine and Joey exchange letters and soon their relationship falls away when he becomes famous at age eighteen in the rap group RUN DMC and through a cousin, they reunite as well as getting the house of his dreams.
Each of the eighteen chapters begins with a type of love the Simmons’ are focusing on followed by a bible verse, a brief definition of the love discussed, an example of the love highlighted by Justine or Joey and ends with a list of takeaways for the reader.
Throughout the book, the reader learns the development of Joey and Justine’s relationship as well as advice they’ve learned from twenty-six years of marriage after Joey has been previously married. In addition to learning about how to have a successful marriage, Joey is candid about his drug use leading to the end of his marriage before finding his true self, establishing a deeper relationship with God, and later becoming a minister.
As the book progresses, the reader sees how Joey is able to balance his love of God along with making music to reach and help others. Through this book, the reader becomes aware that marriage as well as life share similar characteristics including trust, faith, and respect. Despite having their faith tested by experiencing the death of their daughter, Victoria Ann, shortly after birth, their love helps Joey to comfort Justine as she recovered emotionally, mentally, and physically. Following Justine’s recovery, her and Joey decide to adopt a one-month old baby girl which they both feel were an answer to their prayers.
The Simmons also discuss the importance of how to make a blended family work. Justine says that if you love someone who has kids but don’t love their kids, don’t marry the person because the child will suffer early in life or later on in life. Although the family initially had three kids from Joey’s first marriage, the family soon adds three more children and become a family of eight.
Although each chapter ends with one list of takeaways, some chapters have two lists as a way to present Joey’s and Justine’s individual perspective. In addition, Joey and Justine mention God often in their book, but they are also aware that not all readers are believers so they provide general advice as well as God specific advice.
In the epilogue, Joey compares marriage to building a house and suggests the reader slow down and accept that both things take time. The Simmons’ provide a list of things to consider to hold a relationship together including if you like your partner, do you admire them, do you still view your partner as sexy, and are you willing to put in the extra time to tend to and refresh their marriage together.
In the afterword, Joey and Justine write tributes to her beloved mother. Joey shares how his mother-in-law always treated him like a son. Despite beating cancer three times, she unexpectedly died of pneumonia. Justine shares her childhood of being independent, pride at her mother trusting her to do the right thing, and that trust helping her in how she raises her children.
As I finished reading the book, I appreciated how transparent and both Joey and Justine are throughout the book. This book contains many takeaways that are helpful not only in marriage but also in life overall. In closing, I especially liked the advice of keep dating your partner, it’s okay to have things but not to let things have you, view your spouse as your partner/co-conspirator, and sometimes the best way to support your spouse is by giving them space until they call for your help.
The book consists of an introduction, a prologue, eighteen chapters, an epilogue, an afterword, acknowledgments, and information about the authors.
In the introduction, the authors, Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons and his wife, Justine Simmons begin the book by clearing stating that their book is about all different types of love from good love to messy love to tough love, grown-up love, and old school love. Having been married since 1994, the Simmons’ want to share with readers how despite falling in love as kids, life happened but they eventually reunited.
In the prologue, “Rev Run” shares how as a fourteen-year-old, he went by the name Joe or Joey and dreamed of living in a beautiful house the Jamaica Estates neighborhood. By the time Joey is fifteen, he meets Justine after DJing with Kurtis Blow at a show at a local roller rink. Following their meeting, Justine and Joey exchange letters and soon their relationship falls away when he becomes famous at age eighteen in the rap group RUN DMC and through a cousin, they reunite as well as getting the house of his dreams.
Each of the eighteen chapters begins with a type of love the Simmons’ are focusing on followed by a bible verse, a brief definition of the love discussed, an example of the love highlighted by Justine or Joey and ends with a list of takeaways for the reader.
Throughout the book, the reader learns the development of Joey and Justine’s relationship as well as advice they’ve learned from twenty-six years of marriage after Joey has been previously married. In addition to learning about how to have a successful marriage, Joey is candid about his drug use leading to the end of his marriage before finding his true self, establishing a deeper relationship with God, and later becoming a minister.
As the book progresses, the reader sees how Joey is able to balance his love of God along with making music to reach and help others. Through this book, the reader becomes aware that marriage as well as life share similar characteristics including trust, faith, and respect. Despite having their faith tested by experiencing the death of their daughter, Victoria Ann, shortly after birth, their love helps Joey to comfort Justine as she recovered emotionally, mentally, and physically. Following Justine’s recovery, her and Joey decide to adopt a one-month old baby girl which they both feel were an answer to their prayers.
The Simmons also discuss the importance of how to make a blended family work. Justine says that if you love someone who has kids but don’t love their kids, don’t marry the person because the child will suffer early in life or later on in life. Although the family initially had three kids from Joey’s first marriage, the family soon adds three more children and become a family of eight.
Although each chapter ends with one list of takeaways, some chapters have two lists as a way to present Joey’s and Justine’s individual perspective. In addition, Joey and Justine mention God often in their book, but they are also aware that not all readers are believers so they provide general advice as well as God specific advice.
In the epilogue, Joey compares marriage to building a house and suggests the reader slow down and accept that both things take time. The Simmons’ provide a list of things to consider to hold a relationship together including if you like your partner, do you admire them, do you still view your partner as sexy, and are you willing to put in the extra time to tend to and refresh their marriage together.
In the afterword, Joey and Justine write tributes to her beloved mother. Joey shares how his mother-in-law always treated him like a son. Despite beating cancer three times, she unexpectedly died of pneumonia. Justine shares her childhood of being independent, pride at her mother trusting her to do the right thing, and that trust helping her in how she raises her children.
As I finished reading the book, I appreciated how transparent and both Joey and Justine are throughout the book. This book contains many takeaways that are helpful not only in marriage but also in life overall. In closing, I especially liked the advice of keep dating your partner, it’s okay to have things but not to let things have you, view your spouse as your partner/co-conspirator, and sometimes the best way to support your spouse is by giving them space until they call for your help.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2020
Chalk full of tweetable truths, Rev Run and Justine Simmon’s Old School Love is the embodiment of #relationshipgoals. “Our deep love for God, our deep love for each other, our deep love for our children, our deep love for our family, our deep love for our friends, our deep love our neighbors, our deep love for love itself – Old School Love.” It’s about the daily discipline of “I Do.” As Justine expresses, “Then you get married…you say ‘I do,’ and then you stop doing – you stop doing all those things that made the person fall deeper and deeper in love with you. You stop wanting to please that person; you stop wanting to make that person happy; you stop wanting to look beautiful for that person; you stop being who you were when you were dating, because now you got the person you so desperately wanted.” As the antidote to apathy, Rev Run writes,
“Your smile is what I grind for.
You are the main course.
Everything else is background music.
Being with you is everything.
Nothing makes me happier.”
“Being in a marriage with your best friend is the epoxy...that holds a relationship together...Either walk the walk or don’t walk down the aisle...Don’t be a show-off, be a show-up...Remove the walls you’ve put up and let the other person build with you.” Rev and Justine go on to define character qualities like success, respect, endurance, courage, heroism. “It takes amazing courage to walk away from...that which depletes your soul...Defeat doesn’t mean defeated.” Endurance is “allowing a stumbling block to become a stepping-stone...Success is not what you have under your roof, but when you have deep in your heart...Respect is like a boomerang, it will always come back to you: give it and you’ll get it...“A mentor is someone who wants you to exceed their greatness.” Heroism is going to bed at night saying these words: “It can be done.”
My favorite part was Rev Run’s spiritual epiphany in a hot tub. “I went into the bedroom and sat down on the edge of the bed and started to weep—I just wept. And it was so intense and so powerful because in that moment – in that presidential suite, with all the food, with the best weed, with a Jacuzzi filled to the brim with bubble bath – I had this realization: I don’t just have things – things have me…It was right there in that hotel room that I knew—I knew—I needed God...When you have nothing left but God, you have all you need...One minute the world is your stage, and the next minute you’re at a stage in your life where God is your audience...My mind and my heart are steepled in God.” Amen! That is my prayer as well. Old School Love is filled with timeless truths sure to inspire you long after your twitter fingers tire out!
“Your smile is what I grind for.
You are the main course.
Everything else is background music.
Being with you is everything.
Nothing makes me happier.”
“Being in a marriage with your best friend is the epoxy...that holds a relationship together...Either walk the walk or don’t walk down the aisle...Don’t be a show-off, be a show-up...Remove the walls you’ve put up and let the other person build with you.” Rev and Justine go on to define character qualities like success, respect, endurance, courage, heroism. “It takes amazing courage to walk away from...that which depletes your soul...Defeat doesn’t mean defeated.” Endurance is “allowing a stumbling block to become a stepping-stone...Success is not what you have under your roof, but when you have deep in your heart...Respect is like a boomerang, it will always come back to you: give it and you’ll get it...“A mentor is someone who wants you to exceed their greatness.” Heroism is going to bed at night saying these words: “It can be done.”
My favorite part was Rev Run’s spiritual epiphany in a hot tub. “I went into the bedroom and sat down on the edge of the bed and started to weep—I just wept. And it was so intense and so powerful because in that moment – in that presidential suite, with all the food, with the best weed, with a Jacuzzi filled to the brim with bubble bath – I had this realization: I don’t just have things – things have me…It was right there in that hotel room that I knew—I knew—I needed God...When you have nothing left but God, you have all you need...One minute the world is your stage, and the next minute you’re at a stage in your life where God is your audience...My mind and my heart are steepled in God.” Amen! That is my prayer as well. Old School Love is filled with timeless truths sure to inspire you long after your twitter fingers tire out!
October 11, 2022
This was a quick read as to Rev Run and Justine’s courtship, marriage and views on making love and their relationship work. I enjoyed reading the book. I particularly loved the nuggets and principles that they shared. The book wasn’t sugarcoated or glossed with euphemisms and things that are not palatable. It reflected two individuals who made a commitment to make things work.
I loved when they they talked about the pressures and challenges of marriage. I loved how the chimed in and both illustrated, through words and deeds, how their love and commitment elevated themselves and each other. The principles of the Bible is their foundation and it was evident. They wrote about the importance of speaking your truth, learning to say no, stay away from trying to hard and being thoughtful.
Lastly, their stories and memories are fantastic. Like marriage and love, each story or memory isn’t pretty. Their stories really made me want to be a tad kinder to my mate, more understanding of various takes that make us different as well as more forgiving on points where I can’t seem to fathom anymore. I loved the takeaways from “don’t be a show off be a show up as well as trust your partner and defeat doesn’t mean being defeated.
Old School Love and Why It Works is truly a testament of two imperfect people just trying to perfect a union. It’s positive when negativity attempts to show its face. I had read a number of books that give suggestions and recommendations on making it work. I have not always felt positive about what was read. This book I felt differently…I would recommend this without hesitation.
Lord, I pray that I continue to see the value in Old School Love as I continue to navigate this world called marriage. Let me continue to nibble on the nuggets revealed through stories, memories, prayer and the anecdotes. If I remember nothing else I will embrace two revelations they shared: stumbling blocks can become stepping stones and trust that God has your back!
I loved when they they talked about the pressures and challenges of marriage. I loved how the chimed in and both illustrated, through words and deeds, how their love and commitment elevated themselves and each other. The principles of the Bible is their foundation and it was evident. They wrote about the importance of speaking your truth, learning to say no, stay away from trying to hard and being thoughtful.
Lastly, their stories and memories are fantastic. Like marriage and love, each story or memory isn’t pretty. Their stories really made me want to be a tad kinder to my mate, more understanding of various takes that make us different as well as more forgiving on points where I can’t seem to fathom anymore. I loved the takeaways from “don’t be a show off be a show up as well as trust your partner and defeat doesn’t mean being defeated.
Old School Love and Why It Works is truly a testament of two imperfect people just trying to perfect a union. It’s positive when negativity attempts to show its face. I had read a number of books that give suggestions and recommendations on making it work. I have not always felt positive about what was read. This book I felt differently…I would recommend this without hesitation.
Lord, I pray that I continue to see the value in Old School Love as I continue to navigate this world called marriage. Let me continue to nibble on the nuggets revealed through stories, memories, prayer and the anecdotes. If I remember nothing else I will embrace two revelations they shared: stumbling blocks can become stepping stones and trust that God has your back!
February 17, 2020
You may know Rev Run from the legendary hip-hop group RUN-DMC. Or you may remember him and his wife Justine from their many television shows including my favorite RUN’s House. This month the iconic couple of hip-hop released a new relationship book titled, Old School Love And Why It Works. Although this is not the first book this couple has written together, it is the first book of theirs that I have ever read.
⠀
The layout of the book flows perfectly. Each chapter opens with a Biblical scripture followed by a quote from Rev Run. Next, Run and Justine have their own sections in the chapter, where in which they share their individual perspectives about the chapter’s topic. Finally, the chapter ends with highlights titled “Takeaways”.
⠀
What I enjoyed about this book is...
⠀
1. It was written by a couple that has stood the test of time and has proven that lasting love is possible if both people are willing to give 100% to the union.
⠀
2. Rev Run provides two very good examples of how the law of attraction works. And how by writing letters, he was able to attract two very big dreams into his existence.
⠀
3. The book is small, quick to read, with very short chapters.
⠀
4. It provides evidence that black love is alive and well.
⠀
But I must say, as much as I would love to give this book 5⭐️s, it is for the following reasons I cannot.
⠀
1. Some of the stories in the book were already shown on the tv show Run’s House. Therefore, I found them repetitive.
⠀
2. Rev Run and Justine didn’t provide any new information about relationships that I haven’t already read in other relationship books. Basically, I didn’t learn anything new.
⠀
3. Unfortunately, I felt the book lacked substance. I wanted them to go a little deeper while sharing their stories.
⠀
Overall, I did find the book entertaining. It is a positive book that I would recommend to young adults just beginning their journey into this thing called love.
⠀
The layout of the book flows perfectly. Each chapter opens with a Biblical scripture followed by a quote from Rev Run. Next, Run and Justine have their own sections in the chapter, where in which they share their individual perspectives about the chapter’s topic. Finally, the chapter ends with highlights titled “Takeaways”.
⠀
What I enjoyed about this book is...
⠀
1. It was written by a couple that has stood the test of time and has proven that lasting love is possible if both people are willing to give 100% to the union.
⠀
2. Rev Run provides two very good examples of how the law of attraction works. And how by writing letters, he was able to attract two very big dreams into his existence.
⠀
3. The book is small, quick to read, with very short chapters.
⠀
4. It provides evidence that black love is alive and well.
⠀
But I must say, as much as I would love to give this book 5⭐️s, it is for the following reasons I cannot.
⠀
1. Some of the stories in the book were already shown on the tv show Run’s House. Therefore, I found them repetitive.
⠀
2. Rev Run and Justine didn’t provide any new information about relationships that I haven’t already read in other relationship books. Basically, I didn’t learn anything new.
⠀
3. Unfortunately, I felt the book lacked substance. I wanted them to go a little deeper while sharing their stories.
⠀
Overall, I did find the book entertaining. It is a positive book that I would recommend to young adults just beginning their journey into this thing called love.
June 30, 2020
I was familiar with Reverend Run, not as a rapper or preacher, but as a reality star. I remembered him as being silly so was surprised that this book was so sincere and sentimental. The only humor I found in the book I brought to it. I was amused that Rev Run was so proud of his 26-year marriage because I have relatives and friends who've been married much longer. But he and Justine might be the only couple besides the Osbournes whose marriage has survived reality television. I don't really remember much about Justine from the one reality show that I watched (they've had several); she seemed to be more of the straight woman for her husband's and children's antics. But I didn't particularly like her in the book. I think she protests too much about being independent. If she's so independent, why does Joey (as she calls him) pick out her clothes, and why did she let him talk her into having a baby, who tragically died, when she wanted to adopt a child? Being financially independent as she was in her youth is not the same as being emotionally independent. I think I know why she lived with her father instead of her mother when her parents divorced. She's a woman who depends on men to protect and take care of her. Her mother was the woman I admired in the book. Like the notorious RBG, Susan Young battled cancer multiple times, and she took care of her five-day-old grandson when her daughter had to return to the hospital, and the usually competent Run didn't know what to do (actually, that scene was slightly funny). I wish she had appeared in the book more often.
May 12, 2020
The title is pretty accurate. A quick read about various types of love one may find within a marriage & how they work. I didn't discover any Earth shattering secrets; most of this is common sense. I did enjoy the alternating viewpoints between Rev Run and Justine.
Each section begins with bible scripture but it's not preachy and judgmental in my opinion. You can be an atheist, a Christian or Muslim or Jewish or whatever and still enjoy this book for what it is and it is not a second bible making you feel like you're going to go to hell for arguing with your spouse or having sex before you two are married. They aren't pushing God down your throat.
In my review of Manology, a book by Rev Run & Tyrese I stated that Rev should do relationship book with his wife, Justine. Who knew he would read that goodreads review & take my advice? 😉
Each section begins with bible scripture but it's not preachy and judgmental in my opinion. You can be an atheist, a Christian or Muslim or Jewish or whatever and still enjoy this book for what it is and it is not a second bible making you feel like you're going to go to hell for arguing with your spouse or having sex before you two are married. They aren't pushing God down your throat.
In my review of Manology, a book by Rev Run & Tyrese I stated that Rev should do relationship book with his wife, Justine. Who knew he would read that goodreads review & take my advice? 😉
August 24, 2025
The Simmons shared their early memories and experiences of their dating, relationship, marriage, and first love 💓.
I enjoy their encounters and key points at the end of some chapters.
I love how Rev said Justine made him feel renewed. His magnet 🧲 I like how he says men paid attention to what she liked, seem to fall off.
Faithful love is more than being faithful to the person you're married to. It's recognizing the vows you took, and the commitment made, every day after the marriage. See also Proverbs 20:6, (81).
I will also use this line in an upcoming workbook: Pursue Her.
*He also covered that he did a TV show with his wife Justine, and call him Joey, which is their names in real life or that they prefer to be called, with children that do not look like they had, and I tried to watch 1 episode of 10 after 10 minutes, sadly, I could not get into it. It is available on Netflix: All about the Washingtons. I could not even laugh, it is a comedy, drama, like most formulas for most black American TV shows: reminds me of "my wife and kids" for some reason. I never knew of this show until reading this literature. My father also located shows had no idea about with Dave Shapelle (sp.), Arsenio had a show, and Bustin Loose with JJ from Good Times. I watched a minute and left the room, seeing why they did not make it.*
I enjoy their encounters and key points at the end of some chapters.
I love how Rev said Justine made him feel renewed. His magnet 🧲 I like how he says men paid attention to what she liked, seem to fall off.
Faithful love is more than being faithful to the person you're married to. It's recognizing the vows you took, and the commitment made, every day after the marriage. See also Proverbs 20:6, (81).
I will also use this line in an upcoming workbook: Pursue Her.
*He also covered that he did a TV show with his wife Justine, and call him Joey, which is their names in real life or that they prefer to be called, with children that do not look like they had, and I tried to watch 1 episode of 10 after 10 minutes, sadly, I could not get into it. It is available on Netflix: All about the Washingtons. I could not even laugh, it is a comedy, drama, like most formulas for most black American TV shows: reminds me of "my wife and kids" for some reason. I never knew of this show until reading this literature. My father also located shows had no idea about with Dave Shapelle (sp.), Arsenio had a show, and Bustin Loose with JJ from Good Times. I watched a minute and left the room, seeing why they did not make it.*
January 16, 2023
I thought that the book truly offered sound advice about love in many different aspects. However, I felt like
It was a bit all over the place. It jumped around and nothing really felt like it followed what was discussed in the previous chapter. Initially, I was excited about reading from the two Perspectives of Mr. and Mrs. Simmons; however, after a while it began to feel rehearsed. Their words were just mirroring each other’s with no real differences. Maybe the book didn’t need to have separate chapters written by Mr. and Mrs. Simmons. I was expecting something slightly different but I was appreciative for the words of wisdom nonetheless.
It was a bit all over the place. It jumped around and nothing really felt like it followed what was discussed in the previous chapter. Initially, I was excited about reading from the two Perspectives of Mr. and Mrs. Simmons; however, after a while it began to feel rehearsed. Their words were just mirroring each other’s with no real differences. Maybe the book didn’t need to have separate chapters written by Mr. and Mrs. Simmons. I was expecting something slightly different but I was appreciative for the words of wisdom nonetheless.
August 5, 2020
I read this book for an awards committee and it was not exactly my cup of tea. However, it was well written and I loved the takeaways at the end of each chapter. Obviously, Run and his bride have a lot of experience in this area and have done a great job of letting the reader into the more intimate parts of their relationship.
March 24, 2020
Good. Not life changing, but good. I’d give this to teens and people in their 20’s to show them what to look for in partners and how to have a good foundation in your relationship. Good for marriage or dating.
January 5, 2025
Listened on Audible. Run and Justine take turns reading their parts in this book. I loved the show Run’s House and it was good to hear the both of them read their parts. They have good advice to give and tell it with interesting anecdotes about their life experiences.
April 27, 2020
A must read especially for those of us who wonder how to make it work in a swipe right, swipe left microwave love culture.
May 18, 2020
be wonderful if every couple had the love that Run and Justine have for each other
April 10, 2021
Just a great book written by two people that are very much in love. Each one, Joseph and Justine give their take on how to make a loving relationship work.
January 5, 2022
I listened to this as an audiobook.
February 4, 2023
Great advice and great read!
May 29, 2023
It needed a ghost writer for added depth.
December 18, 2024
The story was so good and I absolutely love the two main characters. 🥰 Their journey truly inspired me. I highly recommend adding this one to your listening list; you won't regret it. It's the perfect blend of a love story and inspiration.
April 16, 2022
Basically Rev Run and Justine just spoken on how their relationship and family works. I like the takeaways and the scriptures that was in their book.
June 16, 2022
I think if you’re a fan of Rev and his family, you might enjoy this otherwise it really didn’t offer much in terms of relationship advice. Although sweet it felt very cliché.
February 7, 2024
It was an alright book. I will admit I had high expectations, it felt a little lackluster.
May 21, 2020
I think Rev Run and Justine have a beautiful love story and a lot to tell, but this was not the way to tell it. The book tried to cram way too much into it. Each story was 2-4 pages then had a bullet note take-away page; in my opinion the stories were not long enough to have a take away page. I wish they went in more depth about their love story instead of breezing by meaningful parts of how they established their relationship.
November 3, 2021
This is a memoir/advice book by celebrity couple, Rev Run and Justine Simmons. The couple gives advice about love, all kinds of love: romantic, family and love to others. The advice is practical with biblical references. For each type of love discussed in the book Rev. Run gives his opinion followed by Justine giving her opinion.
Those who have watched the couple’s hit show, Run’s House will be familiar with many of the incidents described in the book because they were chronicled on the show. The book is short and can easily be consumed in a day. It can also be used as a devotional by reading a section a day.
Those who have watched the couple’s hit show, Run’s House will be familiar with many of the incidents described in the book because they were chronicled on the show. The book is short and can easily be consumed in a day. It can also be used as a devotional by reading a section a day.
September 3, 2023
I love this book with my whole heart!
At age 26, looking for love, this book has come to me at just the right time!
I'm so proud to have had these two as role models growing up!
It's amazing being able to see a Black successful family. They've stayed Genuinely themselves and help themselves with so much Grace!
I wish to show these values to my family!
At age 26, looking for love, this book has come to me at just the right time!
I'm so proud to have had these two as role models growing up!
It's amazing being able to see a Black successful family. They've stayed Genuinely themselves and help themselves with so much Grace!
I wish to show these values to my family!
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