Beth and her husband Matt move to Washington DC, hoping to launch Matt into the high-stakes political world of the new Obama presidency. Feeling like an outsider, Beth struggles to deal with Matt's growing fervor as he struggles to ascend the political pyramid. After befriending a charismatic couple from Texas, Matt and Beth become enmeshed in their political campaign as Jimmy runs for Rail Road commissioner back home.

A frank and illuminating look into the intricacies of political life in Washington DC and around the country. I appreciated how Close kept her characters at the middling level which made the story all the more real. I also enjoyed how the story showcased the sheer amount of work and desperation that goes into every political campaign, regardless of how small or successful.