The Price of Borrowed Coffee by Richard Price
Publisher: Indigo River Publishing
Genre: Historical, Non-fiction
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by GingerIn the summer of 1945, the law in Cooktown, Georgia, didn’t seek the truth-it sought a scapegoat.
When “Mae” Cook was found murdered, the town’s rage fell onto Charlie Lee Price, a young Black man whose speech disorder left him defenseless against a mob. He was accused, hunted, and killed without trial after already enduring a lifetime of abuse.
This is his story, decades later. His family refuses to let his name be forgotten.
Inside The Price of Borrowed Coffee, join his family in shattering the silence with a blend of oral history, archival research, and personal testimony. The true events of the murder behind “Mae” Cook unravel within the pages in more than just a true crime story.
Uncover and confront the legacy of Jim Crow, explore the effects of generational and racial trauma, and give honor to the man who was unable to speak for himself.
The Price of Borrowed Coffee wasn’t quite what I expected, though I understand and appreciate the author’s commitment to making sure the horrific events surrounding Charlie Lee Price are known and not forgotten. The book brings long‑overdue attention to the injustice he suffered and honors a life taken far too soon. It also acknowledges the tragedy experienced by both the Price family and the still‑unsolved murder of Mae Cook, showing how deeply unfair the situation was for everyone involved.
Hearing directly from the family and those who lived through that time added real value and emotional weight. Their voices help illuminate the generational trauma and racism that shaped the Jim Crow South.
However, the book felt repetitive at times, which made the reading experience less engaging than I hoped. Even so, it shines a necessary light on the legacy of racism and preserves the memory of a man who never had the chance to speak for himself.
A meaningful story, important in purpose, but uneven in execution.
Speak Your Mind