Man of the World

August 29, 2016
Journalist Conason (It Can Happen Here) shows his writing and research chops to full advantage in this engrossing look at former president Bill Clinton in his post-presidency years. From the book's first pageâa detailed January 2001 snapshot of Clinton's first morning as a private citizenâthe book grabs the reader's attention and holds on tight. The profile begins with Clinton in his first post-presidency year, surprised at the backlash following his pardon of Marc Rich and struggling with a "badly tarnished" reputation. Conason follows Clinton as he searches for his footing, becomes involved with helping regions affected by natural disasters, and addresses the international AIDS crisis. Conason's detailed and intimate sketches show a newly health-conscious man ("overnight, he became that rarest of Arkansans: a vegan") who's equally comfortable interacting with other former heads of state and with a young African AIDS survivor helped by his initiatives. With Hillary Clinton running for president, it's fair to be wary of the book's potential propaganda value, but Conason, a consummate journalist, does his best to present an objective portrait, including his subject's occasional less-than-lovely words and careless acts. Coming in the midst of a particularly fierce election season, this look at Clinton and his extraordinary work ethic may strike readers as almost poignant. Agent: Jeffrey Posternak, Wylie Agency.

October 1, 2016

Since leaving the White House in 2001, former president Bill Clinton has remained an influential public figure. Journalist and liberal commentator Conason (The Hunting of the Presidentst) utilizes his close access to the Clinton family to write about these years, which found Clinton searching for purpose postpresidency. In debt from lawsuits and marred by his controversial pardoning of financier Marc Rich, Clinton began booking "well-compensated" speeches around the world while also fundraising for his presidential library in Little Rock, AR, and pursuing philanthropy in developing countries via organizations such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Unfortunately, the author spends as much time detailing his subject's activism as he does relitigating every slight and scandal, usually absolving the politician from wrongdoing. VERDICT Given Clinton's stature and influence, this book makes sense for libraries with robust politics and current events sections. However, readers who have been closely following national politics for the last decade won't miss much.--Chad Comello, Morton Grove P.L., IL

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