Book Summary
Southern politics has rarely been so carefully revealed as in this contemporary novel. In The Price of Perfect, Atlanta’s oppressive racial past rises up to threaten the reputation of controversial architect Jack Collier. He feels he and his friends are the best of people living in Buckhead, Atlanta’s most prestigious suburb.
Jack is determined to create his greatest achievement in life–a magnificent building in the community of Vinings that defies the imagination by literally opening and closing like a flower. Jack will dedicate the building to Atlanta, a city that believes in the future more than its past. But social justice advocate Shandra Berry discovers a Black man had been hanged on a towering oak tree that still stands on the property in the community of Vinings. She demands Jack save the oak as a memorial to the thousands of Blacks hanged during a dark time in America’s history.
Jack refuses. Saving the tree would mean redesigning his “building for the ages.” Shandra accuses Jack of being a racist, hiding behind years of financial support he has given Atlanta’s Black charities. Jack’s reputation is attacked by woke social media. And something even more damaging is at stake. The loyalty of his wife and best friends is being tested by the anger in the accusation of racism being hurled at Jack. They fear their reputations can be ruined if they remain loyal to this man they love. Their agonizing over the price of loyalty becomes a metaphor for the current struggle over race in America.
Can Jack and Shandra reconcile over the explosive racial issue before Jack’s dream is destroyed?
Their challenge is America’s challenge.
What price are we willing to pay for our truths? And how much should we allow the past to rule the present?
The LOWE-Down!
Get Jiggy Jaguar's FREE email newsletter with his latest insights, top stories, show prep and more delivered to your inbox.