ON THE ROAD WITH HILLARY: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Journey from Arkansas to the U.S. Senate

Politics fanatics and Hillary buffs will jump at Halley's account of his nine-year stint as advance man for the first-lady-turned-senator—the person responsible for organizing her public appearances and creating the perfect photo op. Whether rubbing elbows with Pamela Harriman or trying to keep Hillary Rodham Clinton and Fidel Castro on opposite ends of the same hotel, Halley thrived on the chaos behind the pomp. Neither jet lag, temperamental ambassadors nor stubborn heads of state were too much for the resourceful, hyperorganized and admittedly demanding Halley, who seemed born knowing how to fill seats and mediate disaster. Although unafraid to confront political leaders—Halley once got in a shoving match with then President Clinton—he consistently exudes humor, childlike wonder and a pinch-me sensibility about his job. Readers hoping for an exposé should look elsewhere, as Halley has nothing but praise for the Clintons. He blames the intensity of their scandals on cutthroat Republicans and "media jackals," and highlights the Clintons' love and support of each other and Chelsea. Although no secrets get revealed (unless one counts the occasional unsightly bad mood), Halley gives readers satisfying scenes of normality: Hillary worrying about her luggage and an underwear-clad Bill highlighting passages from Seamus Heaney. "This woman was the real thing," thought Halley when he first met Hillary, and through 36 countries, 25 states, a slew of scandals and endless excitement, Halley's initial impression only strengthened. 8-city author tour, national publicity. Agent, Barbara Rifkind. (On sale Aug. 26)

Forecast:Neither memoir nor political treatise—but much like a well-staged photo op—this good-natured day-in-the-life account puts all its main players in flattering light; fans of both Clintons will likely find it appealing.