This could well be titled "Immolation of the Vanities" in that it mirrors the current age as did Tom Wolfe's 1987 exploration of greed and hubris of the 80's. The events surrounding a proposed memorial to the victims of 9/11 are personified by an extraordinarily rich cast of characters. Each is an embodiment of a different aspect of the attacks, but none are one dimensional. Their conficts and high emotional responses are recognizable and complicated. As described, events are set in motion due to the the winner of a closed contest for memorial design being an American born of Muslim parents. He bears the name Mohammed. The reader shifts focus inwardly when it is revealed that he goes by the name "Mo," and being Muslim has not featured significantly in his life until now. Waldman is a passionate writer who delves deeply into the subjects of racism, personal ambitions, grief and pride without ever resorting to cliche. Highly recommended.