Consumed in Capital City
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About
In the first novel of The Capital City Series, it’s January 2010, and recent journalism graduate Calista Caldwell arrives in Capital City, stepping into an unfamiliar world. Thrust into the high-stakes political arena as a political assistant to seasoned Councillor Ralph Mastronzo, she faces a daunting challenge: pursuing her career ambitions while navigating the pressures of a male-dominated field.
As Cal navigates the treacherous waters of city politics, she finds herself torn between the demands of her career and her personal life. Struggling with the all-consuming nature of her new environment, she forms an unexpected bond with two colleagues who become her temporary found family, providing the support she needs to survive in a political world that feels increasingly foreign as she neglects her other personal relationships.
But as the municipal election year unfolds, the relentless pace and harsh realities of the political world push Cal to her limits. Will she rise to the occasion and transform into the woman she's meant to be, or will the cost be too great?
Join Cal in this coming-of-age story that explores the tension between career and love, the transformative power of friendships, and the resilience needed to thrive when you're a fish out of water.
Disclaimer: This book contains mature language and explores sensitive topics, including sexual violence. While these themes are addressed with care and respect, they may be challenging for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
Praise for this book
Will Calista learn to wade through the sexism that is pervasive throughout Capital City politics, or will she cave under the pressure? Before the MeToo Movement, Consumed in Capital City is an eye-opening account of one woman’s journey from journalist graduate to political assistant on the staff of a municipal councillor. Yes, this is a fictional story, but it’s rooted in truth. Ask any woman who enters the political arena, and she will tell you a story like our heroine, Calista. I couldn’t put Consumed in Capital City down and it’s one I recommend every person to read.
The narration is equal parts emotional and descriptive. N.G. Avant hauls the reader into the story through exquisite narration. The emotional tension is taut with just the right amount of drama. The details are lush and tangible. Every thought, taste, touch, and experience are described so the reader becomes a part of the story.
What makes Consumed in Capital City such an incredible piece of fiction is the writing. I’ve read scores of books over the years, and none came close to the instinctual reaction I had to this book. So much emotion poured out of me as I read this book. It’s a worthwhile reading experience. Sure, I had a book hangover, but it’s worth the pain for such a relevant story. Highly recommend!
Be prepared to be swept up into this engaging Story, Consumed in Capital City! I was hooked as soon as I began reading this fast-paced story about a young woman, Calista “Cal” who is short on cash. Cal needs a job and a paycheck ... and she needs them fast!
While “Cal” has a journalism degree, she has no idea what she is in for when she accepts the position of political assistant to the municipal councillor, Ralph Mastronzo. From the first minute of the first day of her new job, Cal finds herself at the beck of call of her new and incredibly demanding boss.
Amazingly Cal, rising to the occasion as she puts all of her energy into keeping up with her new job and with Ralph’s demands and expectations. If you have ever wondered what it is like working on a local political campaign, Consumed in Capital City is a great example. Cal works hard to get her job done regardless of some of the unreasonable demands put upon her. Cal’s social life has suffered in that it has pretty much become non-existent.
Cal is a go-getter and completely dedicated to her job, so it seems more than unfair that she should have to experience some of the seedy side of politics. Unfortunately, Cal has to wrangle her way around rich and powerful men, who might be well deserving of a thrashing for how the political assistant is treated.
I highly recommend Consumed in Capital City This was a fast-paced, satisfying read and one I won’t forget.
This book is energetic and rapid paced. The characters are believable and the dialogue is on point. Avant has tapped into the zeitgeist of 21st century 20 somethings. As the book opens, the reader observes a crystal clear, authentic, and highly relatable scene of young working women looking forward to a shared experience of pop culture. But it is not only the 20 somethings that this author portrays so accurately. From our first encounter with Ralph, we know exactly who he is, in all his boorish mediocrity: “I like Cali better. I’m going to call you Cali”. As if Councillor Mastronzo isn’t creepy enough, we later encounter Wayne Turner. Every woman in the western world has stories about the Ralphs and Waynes she has encountered, and nearly all of us have had the phone conversation shared by Cal and Brigid. Avant has a knack for describing places and spaces in perfect clarity. I feel as though I could navigate the inner hallways of City Hall and not get lost; I’d just look for the painting of the cheetah. Her description of Cedarmere Street leading down to the lake reveals not only a sleepy neighborhood, but also Cal’s interior landscape. This book is a delight.