Charlotte Walsh Likes To Win

Is there a more timely fiction plot than an infuriated woman returning to her hometown to run for Senate against an old, white man who has held the job, nearly unchallenged for decades? In the days before the IRL midterm elections I'd say the answer is no. I'm so glad I made time for this book since Piazza has such a talent for writing relatable characters and throwing in current events to enhance an addicting storyline.

Charlotte Walsh is successful. During her campaign she will literally pen an article defining "having it all" since, she does. She and her husband, Max, both work for a booming tech company in Silicon Valley, and she is an executive, one of Max's bosses. She's written a book about how she's implemented strategies and contingencies to keep more women in the company by covering costs of family planning, but she's taking a sabbatical to move her family of 5 across the country back to Elk Hollow, PA (where the couple grew up), so she can throw her hat in the ring against the woman-hating walking stereotype Senator Tug Slaughter (R).

There is no shortage of obstacles thrown at her, including Slaughter's slimy tactics, and large bumps in her relationship with Max, as the poll number dip and rise over the course of a tumultuous year. Seems like Piazza did a great job capturing the weariness of a campaign a candidate truly believes in. It was a pleasure to read.