'I'm Signing Like a Madman,' Jokes President Bush in Naperville Bookstore Visit

Mike and Dawn Blanton of Naperville attended President George W. Bush’s book signing Monday at Anderson’s Bookshop. Mike gave the 43rd president a fist bump.

“I told him that I once saluted his dad when I was in the Air Force,” Mike told Tribune Media. “He said to me, ‘You saluted a good man.’”

More than 1,100 people lined up Monday to see Bush sign copies of his book “41: A Portrait of My Father.”

“I’m signing like a madman,” Bush joked.

Here’s what the guests, who stood in line for hours, had to say.

“I’m excited to read his book as well as having the chance to see him in person. ... I’ve always liked him from the time I first went to New York and saw the 9-11 Memorial. I felt that he brought the country together, and I’ve always supported him.”

Melissa Surrette of Downers Grove

“I’ve been supportive of the entire Bush family since his father, the 41st president was in office. ... I’ve read his mother’s and his daughter’s books, and I think the president is a true patriot. It’s wonderful and an honor to meet him.”

Julie Jopes of Naperville

“I really wanted to meet President Bush, as I’ve already had the opportunity to meet both of the Clintons, as well as Jimmy Carter. Although I never met him — I also have President Reagan’s autograph.”

Kathy Horvath of Chicago

“I asked him how his father (former President George H.W. Bush) was doing. He said his father is in good spirits, but he can’t walk anymore.”

Jeff Kuhn of Dixon

“The experience of saying I actually met a president was something I could talk about to my students.”

Elizabeth Duesing of Plainfield

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