Chicago community activists and Beverly residents John Presta and his wife Michelle, were running their small independent bookstore on Walden Pkwy. and 99th, when Barack Obama's campaign asked them to help in his 2000 race for Congress. The Prestas came on board and stayed on board after his loss. The book is an engaging, detailed first-person account of the Prestas personal interactions with Obama and how they, together with Obama and his early campaign workers, slowly and steadily built a grassroots organization around a highly committed group of some three hundred volunteers. This book details how Obama and individual grassroots and "netroots" organizers built a successful campaign, despite the Chicago political machine, and won the 2004 Senate race. With great insight into a younger Barack Obama's character, vision, self-confidence, and determination, Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots shows how change comes slowly, gradually, incrementally, then suddenly, and how one person or two can make a difference that changes the world.

The book is scheduled for official release on the twentieth. Author John Presta will have advance copies and be on hand to sign and discuss his book this Saturday at noon at the Blue Moon Coffeehouse. Presta also leads the "Reading on Walden" political discussion group at the Blue Moon on the first Wednesday evening of every month. Stop by 1742 W. 99th street, call 773.840.3618, or visit the website at http://www.BlueMoonCoffeehouse.net !