Invariably, Bush gets asked a lot of questions about her father, not only because she is the president's daughter, but because her book also deals with issues of safe sex. But the book transcends politics, she said. "I'm not interested in politics in the same way he is. I'm just interested in being a regular person."

In the past, she has shied away from the spotlight, "because I really didn't have a reason to speak out. But after working with children like Ana, I have become passionate about telling their stories."

She subtitled the book "A Journey of Hope" because, ultimately, it is a hopeful story, she said. She loves the word "hope." "It's a beautiful word, and even more in Spanish, la esperanza."

But in many ways, the book represents her own journey. "All our lives are journeys. We all change. I think it is fun to see yourself changing, growing."

In the future, she sees herself doing more writing. Bush and her mother have been working on a picture book that will soon be published by HarperCollins. "I'm very excited about that." She'd also like to return to teaching, having taught both third and fifth grades in Washington. "I love those little kids. I hope to continue teaching and writing, to find a way to merge those passions."

More than that, she said, "I hope I continue to grow."

Whatever comes, she will carry with her the lessons she has learned from Ana. "She taught me to enjoy every day."

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If you go . . . .

What: Jenna Bush book signing

Where: Salt Lake City Main Library Auditorium, 210 E. 400 South

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Tickets: $35 (available at Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore)

Phone: 328-2586

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E-mail: carma@desnews.com