After moving into a new neighborhood in Great Neck, New York, a man reflects on the perfection of the Klausner family, who are always the best at everything and are always able to help a neighbor in need. Harvey Klausner, for example, becomes the best friend of the man’s son, Michael, and is always polite. The only problem is Michael, who tends to lose his temper and throws things at him, making his father reprimand him.  The man’s wife, Estelle, tells him that Mrs. Klausner has invited them to a dinner party, and she buys a new, expensive dress from a boutique called La Louise, under the impression the party will be very fancy. Upon arriving, however, Mrs. Klausner tells Estelle that she looks lovely but so elaborate, and they realize they have overdressed for the occasion. Mrs. Klausner tells everyone to admire Estelle’s outfit, embarrassing her, but the rest of the party is enjoyable and full of varied conversation about modern art, student politics, war novels, and more. Later into the party, Mr. Klausner proposes a new program for the community swimming pool to create different levels of swimming classes, and everyone finds his idea compelling.  After the party, Estelle decides to avoid Mrs. Klausner out of embarrassment. Estelle and her husband then have to deal with their daughter, Berenice, wanting to bleach a white streak into her hair, a new style that everyone in her class is now doing— except for Emily Klausner. After going ice-skating with one of the other Klausner boys, the man’s other son, Joseph, breaks his leg. His father decides that everyone should stop interacting with and accepting favors from the Klausners.  Summer comes, and the neighborhood hosts a swimming race. After getting paired to race against Harvey Klausner, Michael tackles him, upset that he could have beaten any other neighbor but can’t beat Harvey. Michael’s father has no interest in the race but decides to win for his son. He gets paired to race against Mr. Klausner, but Mr. Klausner slips before the start of the race. Michael remains upset even as his father wins against his replacement opponent.  Estelle and her husband decide to move to another house just outside of the area. Mr. Klausner says he knows someone who could buy their current house, and after selling their home, they realize that they actually lost money by buying the Klausners a punch-bowl set as a gift and it would have been cheaper to pay commission.