Former President Bill Clinton's latest stop on his book signing tour was the University Book Store last night to promote his newest book, Giving: How Each One of Us Can Change the World. A crowd of several hundred wrapped and side-winded throughout the store, in sharp contrast to what would ordinarily be a tranquil Thursday night in what is recognized as one of the best college bookstores in the country.

Squeals of anticipation resounded throughout the store upon Clinton's arrival. The excitement was shared by everyone in the crowd in anticipation of his appearance. Many of the first people in line arrived at the bookstore as early as 11 a.m. to get their book signed, shake hands with the former president and have a quick word with the potential "First Laddie," as Clinton has jested in the past.

Distant yells and hollers trickled from outside as a small group of fans lined the back entrance of the store in the parking lot, alerting those inside that their man had arrived. Shrieks and screams resounded throughout the store when Clinton came through the doors, flanked by Secret Service members.

Junior Bryce Guske arrived around 11:30 a.m. to get in line.

"I asked him 'What do you think about being first man?'" Guske said. "He just smiled and said, 'We'll see.'"

Junior Alex Lark arrived around 11:30 too.

"I just told him it was great to meet him," Lark said. "It was so cool!"

Clinton received his fans on the second floor of the bookstore where he stood next to a large cube of Giving, 45 copies high.

Freshman Bianca Smoker got in line around 12:45 p.m.

"It was amazing, wonderful," Smoker said, "just to be in his presence."

Smoker's friend, sophomore Christine Ha didn't exactly arrive at the same time as her friend.

"Let's just say I was 'saving her spot,'" Smoker said sheepishly.

Ha disregarded all formalities when she got her chance to meet the former president.

"I said 'You're frickin' awesome' and gave him a high-five," Ha said.

Sophomore Eric Hagerty, director of political affairs for the Young Democrats, got in line around noon to meet Clinton.

"It was definitely pretty cool. I just told him it was an honor to meet him," Hagerty said.

Clinton was scheduled to be signing books for two hours. He took about 30 seconds with each customer, thanking them for buying his book.

Judging from those that got the chance to get their book signed early on, the many, many people in line won't walk away disappointed.

[Reach reporter Garrett Troy at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]