The Last Puff: Ex-Smokers Share the Secrets of Their Success (Paperback)

~ (Author), Gene A. Spiller (Author) "What is the pivotal event that makes it possible for someone to quit smoking permanently, often after a long period of excruciating failures?..." (more)
Key Phrases: very heavy smoker, oral gratification, New York, United States, Alcoholics Anonymous (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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 )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co. (November 17, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393308030
• ISBN-13: 978-0393308037
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #836,104 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent advice, all stories smokers can relate to., May 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Last Puff: Ex-Smokers Share the Secrets of Their Success (Hardcover)

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!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Made the Last Puff a reality, May 31, 2000

By	DrakeScott (Portland, ME USA) - See all my reviews

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good information, but outdated., January 29, 2002

By A Customer

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!