More of this Feature • Part 2: Just like any ordinary American home - NOT

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Between the covers of this massive coffee table book you'll find many of the secrets behind the inside workings of the White House as both a home and the premier entertaining residence in the United States. 

Some readers may find it difficult to swallow the rosy portrait of domestic life presented by a First Lady whom we all know has had marital problems. As I scanned through page after gorgeous page of photographs showing the parties and receptions that were held during the eight years of the Clinton presidency, I had to restrain myself from wincing at the photos of the loving first couple. I found it hard to believe passages suggesting spousal camaraderie such as:

Our kitchen is the place where Bill and I eat dinner together or have a glass of champagne after an event, or raid the refrigerator for leftovers when we come home late after attending a dinner at which we found no time to eat!

Unfortunately the narration is full of self-praise as it details the changes that were made to the White House under the author's guidance. Perhaps I'm being picky, but I would prefer that Hillary had left it to the historians to credit her accomplishments, instead of having this book read as just another subtle political campaign.

Shortly after we moved into the White House, I discovered there were very few sculptures in its collection. That seemed a notable oversight, and so I became committed to bringing sculpture to the White house for our millions of visitors and guests.

I'm glad, however, that I managed to overcome my cynicism long enough to appreciate the opportunity to peek behind the scenes at the White House. The machinery required to entertain the non-stop stream of guests parading through this historic home will awe anyone who has ever tried to pull off a party. The White House feeds as many as 2,000 dinner and reception guests a month. In many cases political alliances are at stake, especially with international dignitaries. While we may worry in our own homes about whether a guest is vegetarian or kosher, there's not nearly as much at stake as there is when the White House commits an entertaining faux pas. Therefore the Office of Protocol researches the customs and preferences of dignitaries months in advance. 

Before we decide what colors or flowers to use, it's important to know, for example, that in China white is the color of mourning and in Japan chrysanthemums are the flowers of death. When we're discussing the toasts at the State Dinner, it's important to know if our guests are prohibited from drinking alcohol or even from having it consumed in their presence, as is the case in some Muslim countries.

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