Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots: How Barack Obama, Two Bookstore Owners, and 300 Volunteers Did It

Hello John

It is clear this story is close to your heart and you should be very proud. As it is a published work I took a peek on Amazon but drew a blank.

This type of book I would never personally buy as I read for escapism and politics does not do it for me. From what I read I saw praise for Obama being applied with a trowel. Nothing wrong with that, he is popular but I prefer a more balanced perspective.

I am not sure if it is a formatting issue but I did find some chapters repeated themselves and you mention the 400 square feet of selling space twice by my count.

Nevertheless I wish you all the very best with this.

Maria

I have read the prologue and the beginning of your first chapter. I apologize for not reading more but perhaps I will when I can find more time.
As far as I have read, I get the impression that you are very proud of your personal connection to Mr. Barack Obama, as you should be. I also sense that you are proud of your small but very vital bookstore, again, as you should be. Finally, it is obvious that you and your wife operate as a team and that you value her and her contribution to your work and your life very much. In short, there is a very positive vibration coming from your writing and that is quite appealing. The content therefore, as far as I can see, is of the kind that I think many people will appreciate and find worthwhile. It is surely a story that needed to be told and I commend you on having the wit and courage and perseverance to create it and get it in front of the eyes of the world. Bravo!

I would like to turn to the writing itself now and I think you will see that I have a number of problems with it but please don't let that detract from the overall positive appraisal I have for your work. Also, I must apologize for making comments about your writing at this point when your book has already been published and, I assume, printed and sitting on some bookshelves somewhere. Perhaps the idea, "What's the point?" comes to mind in this situation but if I were to fail to comment on your writing, I would be failing to inform you of my impressions of something that is every bit as important as the content of your story.

To begin with, I noticed a number of problems in the prologue and I will attempt to point out a few here.
I think that the very first sentence, 'This book was a long, difficult road but it was a worthwhile journey,' is problematic. I know what you want to say but a book is not a road nor a journey. Perhaps a sentence like the following would be closer to what you really want to say, 'Writing this book took me down a long, difficult road but, ultimately, it proved to be a worthwhile journey."
The next sentence also present problems for me. I would replace the phrase '...,Barak Obama would have been nowhere.' with '..., Barak Obama would have gone nowhere.' or better, '...would have been a nobody.'
I have a problem with this sentence, that follows soon after the one above: Michelle and I were one of many, many people and one of many, many factors.
Two people cannot be 'one of many.' You would probably like to say, 'Michelle and I were amongst many, many
people and what we did together, just one of many, many factors.'
Again, in the following sentence, you write: We were just one element, but the most unlikely of all the stories...
I don't think that the word 'element' equates with the word 'story' in this setting. I guess this sentence would read better as: Ours was just one story along the way but, certainly, it will prove to be the most unlikely story of all that will be written...
Continuing on, this sentence also tripped me up: They said this day would never come that this book would be published.
The problem I have with this sentence is that it seems to want to read like this:
They said that this day would never come and that this book would never be published.
If you had used the phrase 'the day' instead of 'this day', your sentence would have flowed along with no problems for the reader to get hung up on.

Well, John, I think that you can see that I feel that your writing need quite a bit of editing. As the content is obviously something that many people will be interested in, polishing this book up with some vigorous editing would make it a very appealing read, to be sure.

Best wishes!

A fascinating piece of writing and a very valuable and important historical account. I loved reading about your bookstore and the grass roots community participation. The details of events that lead to the campaign are very interesting and really give an insight into just how huge these processes are even before they reach our eyes and ears. I love the way you repeat the quote "Change comes slowly, gradually, incrementally and suddenly", its a brilliant sentiment and a good constant reminder. I found what I have read so far really fascinating and will read on. Definitely a place on my shelf for this great book very soon. Maximum stars for now!
Best of luck
Rachael
Dreamscape

What brilliant writing excellence, this is not my usual genre, I found myself intrigued wanting to read further. I feel as if I am intimately beginning to know the people in your book, I have a privileged insight to the political race for presidency. It makes me understand that anything and everything is possible. You have made this possible via your smooth writing style that is both pleasing and easy, a terrific storyteller propelling the reader into the very heart of your story. I am putting this book on my watchlist and will comment further. Well done.

I would appreciate you commenting on Be The Human Sunshine Blessings Clare :)

Seldom have anyone told a story of a campaign so clearly.

This is an excellent piece of historical work and you are correct in thinking it is a story that many would enjoy reading. You have a very natural conversational style of writing which is easy on the eye and, although you sound like you have had problems attracting the big publishing houses, is a style that in my opinion is commercially viable. I very much enjoyed learning a little more about someone who, let’s face it, has become one of the most recognisable and powerful figures in world politics. Congratulations and good luck with your quest for the ED. I will be backing you once space appears on my bookshelf.

I have just revised my prologue, with your background in the industry I would really appreciate it if you could give it a quick once over. I need to know if it’s commercially viable or am I just banging my head against a brick wall.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Mark

Hello John Presta,

I read the first chapter of you book yesterday .I need to read at least one more chapter.

I liked " And through the year 2001-2003 ,Michelle removed them ,dusted and put them back on the shelf" line of writing.
Also "WYSIWYG politician" ,"Change comes slowly,gradually,incrementally,..." were truly outstanding

It is all about the ability to see light at the end of the tunnel.Your conviction and trust in an individual's capability and integrity was indeed praiseworthy.
In fact, we at this part of the world never knew that Obama was such an awesome bibliophile.

Of course, we have heard of libraries playing the roles of cultural centers ,but, here, in your case , it is the book store that has turned into a a platform for political interaction and a campaigning machinery.
I wish you book and your store the very best.
Here is giving you 5 stars rating!
Please have a look at my book " CATACOMBS" .It is a fable from a different part of the word.
It won't steal much of your time.
Thx & Rgds
SWORDMUZIC

This is a very uplifting, inspiring story and I'm glad you put the effort, time and work into making it a reality. I, too, think Obama is a charismatic, interesting, likeable person and, although I'm not the same persuasion as you, I really hope you get this book published. I'm addicted to small bookstores - and I like the one in your story so much I wish I could visit it! :-) Best Wishes, Pat
a bunch of stars for your work!

seven stars for this.

Isoje David

Animals in Paradise

I have not yet read the first chapter all, but i love what you did. I wish i have someone like you that can do this in Nigeria here. See i have given you six outstanding, i mean six stars.


Isoje David

Animals in Paradise

What a great premise ... I will put on my watchlist to read and review ... You have a lot more experience than I, so I'd love to hear your thoughts on my memoir, Adopted Reality.

Thanks,
Laura

Hi,
Thank you for your message. I did like the blurb and it did give me a very clear idea to what the book is about. Normally I would avoid these types of books but saying that I have read up to chapter 6 and plan to read the rest. I found that your book is very well written and I LOVE your description of your book shop, sounds like a lovely place to visit. Also I very much liked the way you made all the people in your book very personable and I feel that I know them.
Can't wait to read the rest.
Much loves Erikah Jayne. x

Hi John
Thanks for your message. I have to be totally honest that politics don't interest me to this degree and so a lot of this book will go over my head! However, I flicked through some chapters and I think you write very well and feel this book will appeal to a lot of people. Politics will always get people talking and strike up many a debate so no doubt this book will too!! Well done x

This is an interesting book it's not all about Politics and President Obama (who is mentioned in my book chapter 6) It is a truly inspirational read. If you want something that bad you just got to keep going for it! All the best Karen Faking it in France, hope you take a peep! x

Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots is an interesting and neatly fascinating read. I'm not too keen on autobiographies or biographies, but this one was able to draw me in and keep me gripped. This really gives revelation of our president and the person he is. There is great energy and verge in your writing that can draw even the cynics in and see that Barack is a pleasant individual. Thank you for introducing me to this story.

JC Whitfield-The Misery Jar

a tough fight coming

Wow a lond detailed tale behind the presidential stance. If it is as good as Angela's Ashes, must read.
But yours is stunning with a lots of inside and outside, interesting stories.
Well writtien. Rated and backed from days before.

Dear authors,
I am from India and I am rather puzzled by the sudden rise of Obama to presidency. I am backing your book for the volumes of work done by you in this book.
In my book, "Within the next 10 years, all countries in the world will come under the rule of Angels Party.. For 100 most revolutionary novel ideas in Election Manifesto of Angels Party, read the two most important chapters: 10 and 11.for the rise of Angels and decline and fall of male empires!
Emerald
Third World War.

This is a very interesting perspective, well written. I think politicos of all stripes would snap this up!
Nicely done!
Tod

Wow, John!

So I clicked into your book, to return the read as a 'thank you' for your support of mine. And wow, I must say, I am all the more honoured!

What a fascinating tale you have here. I need to read this slowly, so I can take it all in. I must say, the opening is extremely poignant with your paraphrasing of Obama's speech! And excellently done!

I look forward to reading on, and absorbing everything you have told here. Thank you so much for sharing :)

Cara

Hello John-
book- Mr and Mrs. Grassroots-

Just scan read the first ten chapters and really that is an injustice-
I will now go back in from time to time and read it slowly to digest all of the happenings ,as you play no small part in rise of Barak Obama to become what is and will be the greatest president in the U S A so far-
I have a gut feeling about this one-
It's a most informative and engrossing read and time and effort put into making this all happen-
It is a gem of a saga that will serve others who read it very well-

good luck with it , highly recommended
tom bye Dublin Ireland
ps we all enjoyed the Presidents visit to Ireland last year, as he himself did,
please glance at mine about a boy growing up in Dublin in the 40s thanks
book-from hugs to kisses-

keep pushing that rock up the hill. 2012 looking like a lot of fun.

keep pushing that rock up the hill. 2012 looking like a lot of fun.

A 'hidden gem'

John, I'm here to tell you the story does resonate beyond Chicago, even beyond the Atlantic. It does, as you say, appeal to an international audience.

I can almost picture your store, even though I frequent the huge warehouse-like booksellers off Piccadilly. Your store sounds intimate and… delicious, for a dedicated reader and book lover. I enjoy the delightful 'book tours' you provide in your story.

As an outsider who spends a lot of time in the States, I've been appalled how the opposition has treated Mr. Obama. The hatred is palpable, it's wicked, it's sordid, and goes well beyond politics– it seems like sabotage. It defies logic, but not polemics: Repeat an evil word long enough and people believe it. I can't understand it, so I'm glad to see a human face on the man some seem to think as inhuman, a man who rebuilt the reputation of America in the eyes of the world.

Being neither a Democrat nor Republican, I believe anyone (and everyone) should learn from this book, no matter what one's political stance is. After all, this is a story how the President became President.

Things are looking pretty good now. God help us if the Republicans take the Senate, though.

This is an amazing story. Anyone who reads this can't help but learn a few things from the little bookstore who helped out current president. Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots is a motivational book telling us that anything is possible and to never give up hope. I firmly believe that they should have children read this book in school to teach them to pursue their dreams. Great story.

I checked out the first chapter of your book. First off let me say that politics have never peeked my interests, but I have always thought OBama to be a president unlike any I have ever seen in my life time. I was very interested in the scene where you first met him, but after that I lost interest. The information just kept coming at me and I no longer felt I was part of the life of the character. I understand that this is non fiction and I have never been one to read true life, but I think you would benefit by telling the story as if you were living it again. As a reader I want to be part of every move. I want to know what you felt and saw as you were doing. I guess what I'm saying is that I think removing some of the information and recreating the scene would make this book soar to the top of any shelf. I hope this helps from a readers POV. The POLITICS of writing are not my strong suit either. LOL. Lots of Luck.
Jennie Lyne Hiott
Hearts and Lies.

There is so much to learn from your story that I find myself moving from one chapter to the next. I am not too familiar with American politics, but I can certainly recall the press coverage during Barack Obama's Presidential campaign - and the spirit of elation at his success. The style is easy to follow and the perspective you write from helps to draw the reader in and relate more closely to the events. A book well-worth reading. Maria (Georgina's Family)

MR&MRS GRASSROOTS
This is an interesting story because it’s not every day a reader gets to enjoy an inside look at a political campaign. Your writing style is great for this type of book; you know to concentrate on describing important things yet don’t infuse so much detail you bog down your story. It was interesting to read what Obama was like when he was only a hopeful candidate; should be an inspirational read for anyone hoping to go into politics. I’m adding this to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Hi John, thanks for your message, this looks interesting, I'll check it out :)

Fascinating.
I'm not from the US, and probably have quite a rather simplistic view of American politics, but this gives me real insight into what it's really like.
I found it very easy to read and will be back to read more soon.

Well done on your persistence.
Diana
Pascual's Birthday

hi John,
In response to your request I have just started your book, and was pleasantly surprised about the additional angle you have added with references to other books and book-reading as such. Additionally, it sounds like you have used a very thorough approach, while still holding my interest.

The book is not only about politics, but touches on issues of motivation, personal committment, and perseverance. I'm not a fan of daily politics but have an interest in the historical implications which those politics scatter onto the environment at large, and I shall read on as this sounds well written.

Ame
Normsville Trilogy

Mr. And Mrs. Grassroots.
By John Presta.


Politics have never been a main interest for me, American politics even less so, since I know little about the voting process.
At the same time I am concerned as to who becomes a President of America, he will after all be wielding a great deal of power within the world community.
Barack Obama, for me is a very capable, decent, family man and accepted by the majority.
But this book is about more than this, it’s about a book store trying to keep its head above water in some very hard times.
I like the way you have put the book together, it comes across very well.
The political side may be a little mundane to me, but the progress and daily routine of your book store was very interesting...I loved reading about it...what you were going through while the political band-wagon rolled on.
Happy to star-rate your book high.

Kind regards,

Neville. The Secrets of the Forest - The Time Zone.

John,

“Change comes slowly, gradually, incrementally, and suddenly.” I wrote this down and pasted it on my computer: it is not only a theme of your book, but the hope and expectation of many of us here.

There is a more direct theme indicated after several chapters, one which perfectly dovetails Reading on Walden with your connection to Obama: Dreams from My Father “was the glue that bound us to Obama.” This simple statement shows how you connection was launched. I wonder if you should emphasize it more, at least in the earlier chapters.

There is an immediacy to your story, much of it caused by writing in the well-chosen first person. Third person would have made it too distant.

I confess that I quickly skipped over the dedication, in order to get to the meat of your book. But, in so doing, I immediately became confused when I read, “One thing I would like to clear up is any implication that without Michelle and me, Barack Obama would have been nowhere.”

What?!! I asked myself-- Did John Presta have some kind of early affiliation with Obama’s wife, Michelle?
WARNING TO READERS: Do not skip over the dedication where John dedicates the book to HIS wife, Michelle!

Of course, an easy way to prevent this misunderstanding from happening to other somnolent readers like myself, would be to say, “One thing I would like to clear up is any implication that without my wife, Michelle...”

Speaking of Michelle, I’m sure you meant to say, “Michelle and me,” rather than “Michelle and I.” (We have a photo where he spotted Michelle and I in the crowd...”)

Not being from Chicago, I stumbled over, “Reading on Walden on Walden Parkway.” What? You were reading Thoreau’s Walden on the parkway? After going over this several times I realized “Reading on Walden” is the name of your bookstore. Putting Reading on Walden in italics would do the trick. Or just leave out “on Walden Parkway.”

Later you referred to, “Another significant bookstore... Powell’s Bookstore, and a bookstore owner, Brad Jonas...” Here it sounds like you are introducing yet another bookstore and owner. But six paragraphs earlier your had already mentioned Powell’s Bookstore and Brad Jonas.

I loved it the way you described Michelle dusting Obama’s book, again and again, as time went on.

I found one typo. “A African-American insurgency candidacy...” Should be “An.”

John, I fully intend to read more of your fascinating book when time allows. For now, I give it six stars and a prominent spot on my bookshelf as soon as space becomes available.

Best of luck on your way to the top,

Dan Carroll
SlumAuthor

I enjoyed reading the first chapter of your memoir. Thanks for sharing your story. it's a good lesson to us all about how persistance pays off. This is very well written and you and your wife seem like two lovely people. Good luck with your book! Highly starred! Georgia
The Woman From E.A.R.L.

Thanks again for requesting that I read this. It is a sensational topic. I have even named a character in The Breath of Life 'Sasha" unwittingly after one of President Obama's daughters. Because this presidency is a topic that is at the back of my mind. This book reads like one of my favorite college lectures. It is informative and the dialogue is used only to provide sustenance to the topic. Barack Obama is the Kennedy of my time. I enjoyed the way that you related your own experiences as a book store owner with your interest in the president. He has had various small town discussions about small business owners and unemployment which I have greatly enjoyed. His Harvard education is probably one reason that he comes across as enigmatic and well-versed. While speech writing can convey a message it takes a well educated and informed person to deliver it's content. Both he and his wife have been a part of a highly critical and scandalous media frenzy. Your viewpoint helps to capture the essence of a time when the blue-collar and white collar meet under the auspices of creating a new face to American politics.

.Hi John,
I've just finished reading your book. I'm a simple man and can just say ' I love you '
It's really inspiring. Isn't this a bestseller? I wonder.

Backed immediately after reading your amazing pitch.
Best,
M

- Weekend Chimney Sweep or Happy New Year
- Sarajevo Walls of Fate

Hi John,

The political climate as you painted it in your book for Barack Obama was an exciting one. The support that you and your wife gave to his campaign planner was pivotal in getting out a strong voter turn-out for him. Not only voting for a qualified presidential candidate is important in my mind, but also having knowledge of their political rise to the presidency and being able to have a ring-side seat that allowed you to analyze it from many angles gave you the expertise to write such an informative book. Congratulations on becoming a published author! It is well-deserved!

Cynthia
Sharing Short Stories/Alecner

This book is going places.

Interesting, but not quite my "cup of tea" for a book. I wish you the best of luck thought. Rated.

Auna June
Catalaysia: The Curse of Five

John Presta has changed the conversation about how we can impact our community and democracy in his true story of David and Goliath. No paper tiger here, Presta is the real thing.

Sorry I have taken so long to get to you but fiction just kept popping up all over the place. Thank you for introducing your book to me I found it an enlighting and interesting read in fact when my husband saw what I was reading I got sent off to make dinner so he could read some. Highly engaging
Sue Mackender

One Foot in the Jungle
&
Knowing Liam Riley

John, I read all the first chapter + prologue of course, and found this to be a far better read than I anticipated.
I don't usually read biographies and autobiographies because I enjoy it when a fiction novel takes me away to a place where I can forget about the world around me for a while, but I have to say, that's what happened here.
I think you and Michelle are dedicated people, and I thank you both for the enlightening story you have bestowed upon us.

Lisa. x

I like the "remove them, dust them" repetition. I'm an overseas Obama supporter, and I was putting off reading this in case it was negative, but no, it's fascinating. It shows how local becomes national and then international. Backed and starred.....and back on again!

I have only read a couple of chapters but this is really fascinating. I love Obama and it is great to read what he is actually like from someone who has been there! Books that include politics can sometimes ramble or become too factual which I find boring but you have managed to keep the details concise and interesting. I also found the bookstore fascinating. It's a shame your store is so far away. I would love to visit it. I hope to get back to reading more chapters soon. You have a great book here. Well done.

I would be grateful if you could take a look at my novel Pain. Your thoughts would be really appreciated.

Kim

What a great read. This is very well written and interesting. I read through the first couple of chapter and will be back to read more and let you know what I think.

I hope you can get a chance to look at Menopause. A dark comedy about a menopausal serial killer who kills all the “bad” people she has known throughout her life in order to make the world a better place.

I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

Thanks. Helen

Thank you for inviting me to read your book. I found it fascinating. I'm kind of an underground fan because I live in Oklahoma and work in Texas. I'm not from around here, but I've often been uncomfortable living with so many staunchly conservative people. I once made someone in my wife's family very angry because I responded to an e-mail that was trying to suggest Obama was a terrorist and attended a terrorist training school in the far east when he was a boy. I didn't just respond to the person who sent the e-mail, I responded to everyone in the chain of letters who had recieved the e-mail. I've very much offended by Foxx News types of lies and attacks, but the people where I live are not.

I respect everything about your life and background. I would love to own a bookstore, and writing has been my whole life. It's nice to know there are people out there who think like me, and who see the integrity and solid clear-thinking that Obama brings to our courntry's problems and political landscape. For so many it's just about seeing him fail--they don't want to contribute anything postive themselves.

I for one really liked your story because I can relate to the time when we were trying to get him elected president. I enjoyed knowing a little more about the events of his political past. I relate to Obama on a personal level. He has two daughters who are close in age to my own two daughters. Also, I'm a big fan of basketball. I also relate to him on the level of using intelligence to work through our problems, not just sticking to quick, sound bite answers that create sugary political strategies with not substance or contribution to the long-term.

I will try to read more of your book, and I support you. I started out in Journalism, but changed my major to Creative Writing. I still have a lot of the news hound in me.

I'm hoping you will be willing to read a little of my book and give me your thoughts. I feel like you can spot interesting writing, and would be a great ally in getting the word out that I have true talent as a writer. Right now I'm a little handicapped by being a newbie to the site, and also by having a great deal of brevity in my work, meaning the word is out that my chapters are too long for the readers out here. I'm thinking about chopping up my long chapters, but the book itself is now about 150 thousand words. I think it will be a big hit, once it's discovered. I would greatly appreciated whatever level of scanning you might be willing to do, and any comments you might have.

Thanks again,

Rich

Thank you for inviting me to read your book. I found it fascinating. I'm kind of an underground fan because I live in Oklahoma and work in Texas. I'm not from around here, but I've often been uncomfortable living with so many staunchly conservative people. I once made someone in my wife's family very angry because I responded to an e-mail that was trying to suggest Obama was a terrorist and attended a terrorist training school in the far east when he was a boy. I didn't just respond to the person who sent the e-mail, I responded to everyone in the chain of letters who had recieved the e-mail. I've very much offended by Foxx News types of lies and attacks, but the people where I live are not.

I respect everything about your life and background. I would love to own a bookstore, and writing has been my whole life. It's nice to know there are people out there who think like me, and who see the integrity and solid clear-thinking that Obama brings to our courntry's problems and political landscape. For so many it's just about seeing him fail--they don't want to contribute anything postive themselves.

I for one really liked your story because I can relate to the time when we were trying to get him elected president. I enjoyed knowing a little more about the events of his political past. I relate to Obama on a personal level. He has two daughters who are close in age to my own two daughters. Also, I'm a big fan of basketball. I also relate to him on the level of using intelligence to work through our problems, not just sticking to quick, sound bite answers that create sugary political strategies with not substance or contribution to the long-term.

I will try to read more of your book, and I support you. I started out in Journalism, but changed my major to Creative Writing. I still have a lot of the news hound in me.

I'm hoping you will be willing to read a little of my book and give me your thoughts. I feel like you can spot interesting writing, and would be a great ally in getting the word out that I have true talent as a writer. Right now I'm a little handicapped by being a newbie to the site, and also by having a great deal of brevity in my work, meaning the word is out that my chapters are too long for the readers out here. I'm thinking about chopping up my long chapters, but the book itself is now about 150 thousand words. I think it will be a big hit, once it's discovered. I would greatly appreciated whatever level of scanning you might be willing to do, and any comments you might have.

Thanks again,

Rich

I am very impressed with the heart behind your story. You certainly portray a great enthusiam. I wanted to read on.
You have a great writing ability. Your story flowed nicely.
I actually felt as I read that most people who are interested in politics would love to read just for the history you share. I am not political yet I found it fascinating.
Because your book is so interesting I will definitely read on.But I wanted to let you know after the first chapter how much I did enjoy what you wrote.
Lacy