Mesnier (Dessert University) takes us through his early days of climbing the pastry ladder, an adventure that eventually landed him in the White House kitchen. Readers will gain insights into the world of cooking and food preparation in some of the world's finest restaurants. Reflecting on his years of service in the White House (beginning with the Carter administration through the current Bush administration), Mesnier includes observations not only of the eating habits of our First Families but also of what it's like to live in presidential quarters and how the dynamics of each family differ. Included are recipes for some of the favorite desserts mentioned (carrot cake for Bill Clinton; pecan bourbon pie for the Carters; rhubarb parfait for the G.W. Bushes). Mesnier's specialties spun sugar desserts and petits fours come to life through his descriptions. This is not a tell-all book but a rather gentle regaling of the author's unique experiences with these special people. An entertaining, insightful, and informative slice of American life; recommended for public libraries. Elizabeth Rogers, CEF Lib. Syst., Plattsburgh, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information