Wow, this was written so well that I just kept having to remind myself it was fiction. So many topics to discuss family dynamics, gays, education, religion and on and on. This would make for a very interesting book club discussion!

Perfect Peace is interesting story told with rich southern characters that the author has breathe life in order to create characters that come alive in your mind. The characters were three dimensional characters that you can relate to and understand. I felt all the main characters emotions. In Perfect Peace I was able to laugh as well as cry. It was so hard to read about the young man transforming from a girl to boy and how people treated him. All you could do is shake your head in disbelief of the actions of some of the characters. Mr. Black lesson form the story is we need to love people for who they are. The book made me think deeper about the cause of homosexuality. It is back to the nature vs. nurture question. I have always thought people could be born this way but I really think if you raise a person a certain away it will have affects on them as well. Mr. Black knows how to tell a story that keeps you engaged and captive until the very end. If Mr. Black had a downfall in his book it was weaving the future in the present it was different at times and did not always flow as well as it could. Mr. Black seems to have a knack for southern stories. This is the second book I have read by Mr. Black. I read his book “They tell me a story” and it was also a great read. I find him to be a great story teller. I look forward to reading his book “Scared Place” and hope he continues to put out great stories.

Everyone can relate to something or someone in this book.

Started off okay, but as book progressed, author seemed to include any/every possible societal stigma resulting in a confusing and far-fetched story.

Easy, quick read ... couldn't put it down. Characters stayed with me. Issues were real life. Family was central. Hope inspite of problems. A must read for people who can identify with real life issues.

The story is set in a very poor southern african american community in 1940-50's. The description of community life reasonated with some of my early life experiences. I loved the characters. I've passed the book on to a friend.

Before reading this book, I didn't think I would get much out of it or truly enjoy it. However, the story was fantastic. The characters are rich and well thought out. There's a character for everyone to relate to in some form or fashion.