The Boy Next Door
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The Boy Next Door *
The life of President Bill Clinton as seen through the lens of one who was his next-door neighbor during high school and who has maintained a close and uninterrupted friendship ever since, by maintaining a near-constant correspondence, serving roles in both his gubernatorial and presidential administrations, and having shared personal interests, especially music.
Books are available for purchase at your local Little Rock book shop as well!
•Clinton Presidential Center gift shop
•Wordsworth Books, Little Rock
•Paper Hearts, Little Rock
by Carolyn Yeldell Staley
Reviews
“In her fun, hard-to-put-down book that offers readers a fresh view of a much-chronicled figure, Carolyn Staley gets extra points for an unvarnished portrait of Bill Clinton. This funny, poignant, and full-of-surprises memoir is a platonic love story with the central character a young Bill Clinton, charismatic, brilliant, and ambitious, wanting to change the world. The Boy Next Door is a rewarding read, and one that confirms that the boy from Hope and Hot Springs never left them far behind.”
-- Janis F. Kearney, former presidential diarist, and author of Conversations: William J. Clinton: from Hope to Harlem, Daisy: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, and Only on Sundays: Mahalia Jackson’s Long Journey.
“Carolyn Staley's wonderful memoir captures not only the uniqueness of her 60-year friendship with Bill Clinton, but the richness of the values they share, and the power of friendship and faith in underpinning a purposeful life. A trip down memory lane for me, and an uplifting read for anyone!"
-- Mack McLarty, Clinton's first White House Chief of Staff, and later Counselor to the President and Special Envoy for the Americas in the Clinton Administration
“This book is captivating! No previous writer has covered a President’s early high school years who actually knew him and his friends! You get to look at a remarkable young boy, you know will grow up to be a remarkable President, and after this amazing book, you know how it happened! I would recommend this book to any person! It is more informative than you can believe!”
-- Harry Thomason, TV and Feature Film Director
Carolyn Staley is an original Friend of Bill (FOB), having known him since their early teens. A love of music, intellectual curiosity, and the search for spiritual uplift have bound them together over the years. Carolyn's insightful recollections give us greater insight into the individual we have come to admire, revere, and love. And she has given us a years-old example of the enduring bond of friendship.”
-- Rodney Slater, former Secretary of Transportation
About Carolyn
Carolyn Yeldell Staley directed government agencies at the National Institute for Literacy, the Governor’s Commission on Adult Literacy, and the Arkansas Arts Council. She ran for AR State Representative in 2010.
She has performed concerts worldwide. She chaired the Inaugural Dedication services for Governor Bill Clinton and his 1992 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. Carolyn is an ordained minister. She is married to photographer Jerry Staley. They are the parents of three young adults and grandparents of five.
Upcoming events
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Clinton Presidential Center
August 19, 2025, 6 PM
Clinton Presidential Center, Great Hall, Little Rock--moderated book discussion and signing.
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Arkadelphia Arts Center
October 13, 2025, 2 pm
(Time subject to change)Arkadelphia Arts Center, book discussion and signing.
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Garland Co. Library
October 21, 2025, Noon
Garland County Historical Society meeting at Garland Co. Library, book discussion and signing, Hot Springs, AR.
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The Vapors
December 2, 5:30 PM,
The Vapors, Hot Springs, Meeting of the Virginia Clinton Kelley Democrats, book discussion and signing.