The Monica Show Comes to Town

There were questions aplenty Monday when America’s most notorious non-author dropped by a Century City bookstore.

For openers, what prompted an estimated 1,500 people to stand in line for as long as seven hours to get Monica S. Lewinsky’s autograph?

And why did the bookstore’s public relations people work so hard at enticing reporters to what they billed as Lewinsky’s only book signing in this country--and then refuse to let them inside?

Only cameramen and photographers were allowed in Brentano’s Bookstore, where the former White House intern sat cordoned off at a rear table signing “Monica’s Story.” They were quickly hustled in and out and forbidden to ask any questions.

Autograph seekers had to buy copies of the $24.95 book--which Brentano’s was offering at a discount--and show a receipt before Lewinsky scrawled her name with a blue felt-tipped marker. The customers were not allowed to ask any questions, either.

“I wish I could have asked her if what she did was worth it,” said Alexis Stevens, an unemployed administrative assistant from Pasadena. Instead of buying a copy of the book, Stevens borrowed one from another person in line so she could get inside to sneak a peek at Lewinsky. She later gave the book back to the man after getting the autograph.

Joy Duke, a homemaker from Pacific Palisades, waited five hours in the line that stretched from the front of the bookstore, down stairs leading to an underground parking garage and then around the block on the street outside.

Duke was accompanied by her 8-year-old granddaughter, Brittany Richards, as she had several books signed. Duke said that when she mentioned that one of the books was for Brittany, Lewinsky counseled her “to wait a few years before letting her read it.”

“The thing I would have asked Monica was what she’s going to do the next time she gets involved with anyone,” Duke said.

The line of reporters barred at the door were loaded with their own Monicagate questions.

“If I could, I’d ask her what she possibly makes of crowds of people hanging around a bookstore to get a book she didn’t write,” said David Dow of CBS radio.

Debra Snell of KCBS-TV Channel 2 News said she wished she could ask Lewinsky “if all the attention for the reasons you’re getting it is worth it,” and, “Do you have any self-esteem left?”

Walter Richards of KTLA-TV Channel 5 said he wished he could ask Lewinsky if she’s satisfied with her life “at this point in time, and if so, why?”

KCAL-TV Channel 9 cameraman Scott Torrens said he wanted someone to ask Lewinsky “if she’s mad about the camera adding 10 pounds” to her look.

John Quinlen of the “Roseanne” television show--which once reportedly tried to lure Lewinsky on the air by offering to pay her $2 million for an interview--had three questions ready to ask in case he got the chance: “Ben & Jerry’s or Haagen-Dazs?” “Who is a bigger enemy: Linda Tripp or fat-free ice cream?” “Do you think Gwyneth Paltrow was sincere with her acceptance speech?”

Gary Garver, who conducts interviews for radio shock jock Howard Stern, had a list, too: “Ever smoke a cigar the right way?” “Did you ever receive credit for your internship?” “What’s the best joke you’ve heard about yourself?”

Back in the customers’ line, New York City book dealer Mike Wehrmann was standing next to five cases of “Monica’s Story” books he purchased. Wehrmann said Brentano’s workers had assured him when he spent $900 on the books earlier in the day that Lewinsky would sign every book placed before her.

But hours later--as rumors circulated in the crowd that one autograph collector at the head of the line sold his signed copy for $1,200--security officers were warning that there was a limit of five books per customer.

“Yeah, I have a question I’d like to ask her,” Wehrmann said. “My question for her would be: ‘Would you please sign all 50 of my books?’ ”