Bring Back Bill

Y'all buy my book now, y'hear?

As daylight dawned Thursday, hundreds lined up in front of Books & Books in Coral Gables hoping for a quick glimpse of former President Bill Clinton.

“Bring Bill back!” North Miami Beach resident Ileana Rodriguez laughed as she patiently queued, waving a copy of Clinton’s latest book above her head. “He was the best President we ever had.”

Indeed, the former Commander in Chief proved he still has the star-power to draw a hefty crowd. He was in town to promote his latest book but he also found time to sneak in a bit if fundraising for his presidential hopeful wife. Hillary’s hubby attended a fundraising event last night at Roasted Pepper restaurant in Pembroke Pines.

The new release is his latest literary venture since the 2005 memoir My Life. Titled Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, it’s a look at how regular people can get involved in their communities and help change the world.

Dressed in a pale blue shirt and light brown pants, the former President began the three hour signing session in Coral Gables this morning shortly after 8:15 a.m. One of the first to receive an autograph, smile, and a handshake was Miami-Dade School District Superintendent Rudy Crew, who told reporters: “I hope a lot of people read this book and make the world a little better.''

Those who bought advance copies of the book were issued a voucher, which granted access to the store, yet not all voucher holders were guaranteed an autograph. Books & Books sold an estimated 1,200 copies of Clinton’s book. --Joanne Green