Product Description

Unlike usual stop-smoking manuals, this collection of interviews with more than 30 former smokers has something for everyone. "The stories can be a source of inspiration, hope, and helpful hints for smokers who have, like the storytellers, made repeated failed attempts to quit."--Jane Brody, New York Times.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1065845 in Books
• Published on: 1991-11-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From Library Journal
Thirty-two not very inspiring stories from people who have quit smoking are collected in this volume by Farquhar (medicine, Stanford) and Spiller, a nutrition researcher at University of California, Berkeley. Tobacco heir Patrick Reynolds and actress Celeste Holm's experiences are included, with those of 30 other people of all ages and occupations. Better choices are Steve Allen's Passionate Nonsmoker's Bill of Rights ( LJ 9/15/89) and Robert S. Sobel's Quit for Life (LJ 12/88).
- Robert Schmid, L.R.C., Univ. of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical Sch., North Chicago
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
If you've ever tried to quit smoking and failed, and you want to make your next puff your last one, read this book and you'll find out how to do it. These are the real life stories of a host of individuals who have made it. (Joseph A. Califano, Jr. )

In a fascinating and inspiring book, [the authors] give 30 former smokers a chance to share the secrets of their success. The stories can be a source of inspiration, hope, and helpful hits for smokers who have, like the storytellers, made repeated failed attempts to quit. (Jane Brody - New York Times )

Refreshingly unlike the usual stop-smoking manual, this collection of over 30 interviews with people who kicked the habit follows their paths to hard-won triumph in brief oral histories and commentary. . . . The strength of the book is its refusal to simplify or glorify a gritty struggle. Realistic and persuasive. (Publishers Weekly )

About the Author
John W. Farquhar, a cardiologist, is a professor of medicine at Stanford University and the director of the Stanford Wellness Center in Palo Alto, California.

Gene A. Spiller is the founder and director of the Sphera Foundation in Los Altos, California.

Customer Reviews

Excellent advice, all stories smokers can relate to.
Great book! To me quitting smoking was a very lonley feeling, especially since after I quit it seemed like everywhere I looked or everyone I knew was smoking. Most books tell you how to prepare to quit, This book helps you for after the quitting and plus! Most of the stories are about how they started, all the failures and how they finally quit but everyone can relate to the addiction thing! Buy this book!

Made the Last Puff a reality
Simply put, this book and its disarmingly straightforward approach to quitter support gave me the final incentive and push to beat smoking. As I read this book, I found my resolve and courage rising until I was able to make that final decision to quit smoking... and then move on with my life. There is no proselytizing, no scary statistics, or dire predictions of painful death, but hope and encouragement from those who have been in the trenches beside you... as you struggle to take that Last Puff.

Good information, but outdated.
Just finished this book this morning. It was very interesting reading the stories and I in fact stopped smoking 3 days ago. But...the stories seemed outdated and talked about a lot of people smoking in offices and homes, etc. You don't see that much these days. Plus, knowing the book was published in 1991, I subconciously added 10 years to the age of everyone in each story and that made me think "I wonder if they stayed quit?" The last section of the book after the stories is very repetitive. "As so-and-so said on page xxx...." seems to be in every other sentence.

I'd recommend reading it still, but better if you can borrow a copy or get it from the local library.

Good luck on quitting!