BILL CLINTON

A straightforward account that does a good job of pulling together basic facts and stories made familiar in recent periodical literature, with Clinton's childhood, education, political rise, period as governor, and presidential campaign covered in equal measure. The authors include the rough spots (alcoholic stepfather, draft status, verbal attacks on Hillary during the campaign, etc.), offering plenty of facts but allowing readers to reach their own conclusions; the many quotes from friends and the telling incidents add up to an admiring but consistent portrait of an intelligent, dedicated man, able and willing to learn from experiences like his mixed success in his first term as governor. The book closes with Inauguration Day and a fair summary of current national goals. There are a few b&w photos, but the lack of a bibliography or an index will limit use. (Biography. 10+)