Thank You for Smoking: A Novel | 
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| Editorial Review / Publisher's Information:
Product Description
Nobody blows smoke like Nick Naylor. He’s a spokesman for the Academy of Tobacco Studies–in other words, a flack for cigarette companies, paid to promote their product on talk and news shows. The problem? He’s so good at his job, so effortlessly unethical, that he’s become a target for both anti-tobacco terrorists and for the FBI. In a country where half the people want to outlaw pleasure and the other want to sell you a disease, what will become of the original Puff Daddy?
Amazon.com Review
"Nick Naylor had been called many things since becoming chief spokesman for the Academy of Tobacco Studies. But until now no one had actually compared him to Satan." They might as well have, though. "Gucci Goebbels," "yuppie Mephistopheles," and "death merchant" are just a few endearments Naylor has earned himself as the tobacco lobby's premier spin doctor. The hero of Thank You for Smoking does of course have his fans. His arguments against the neo-puritanical antismoking trends of the '90s have made him a repeat guest on Larry King, and the granddaddy of Winston-Salem wants him to be the anointed heir. Still, his newfound notoriety has unleashed a deluge of death threats. Christopher Buckley's satirical gift shines in this hilarious look at the ironies of "personal freedom" and the unbearable smugness of political correctness. Bracing in its cynicism, Thank You for Smoking is a delightful meander off the beaten path of mainstream American ethics. And despite his hypertension-inducing, slander-splattered, morally bankrupt behavior--which leads one Larry King listener to describe him as "lower than whale crap"--you'll find yourself rooting for smoking's mass enabler. --Rebekah Warren
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Customer Reviews:
• Everyone's A Caricature 09 October, 2007
Thank You for Smoking is a collection of caricatures, each more clever than the other. The Mod (Merchants of Death) Squad is a great concept, and the cigarette, alcohol, and firearms pitchmen that comprise it are outlandish uber-parodies. The same with the Captain (Doak Boykin), the urbane, old moneyed, vaguely racist, mint julep drinking tobacco industry leader with the weak ticker. There's even a Malboro Man equivalent, the rugged Tumbleweed Man. All are so over the top as to be ridiculous, yet something tells me they're exactly as Nanny state politicians and class action attorneys picture them.
Of course, the politicians are just as unctuous- philandering liars who can be bought on short money. The histrionic anti-tobacco activists don't come off pure, either, exaggerating statistics and exploiting kids with cancer to further their aims. [After all, "smoking is the nation's leading cause of statistics."]
The character development was far and away TYFS's strength; the meandering, unrealistic plot was its weakness. The story line is pretty thin, and the book's climax is unfortunately its least believable aspect. In general, there is a huge conspiracy afoot that requires you to swallow an awful lot. Some characters and subplots are brought up without any development, such as Nick's son, and the idea of making a movie to revitalize onscreen smoking.
Still, the characters and their excellent dialogue alone make this worth reading. Major character and smoking spokesman Nick Naylor's charm, spin, and rationalization of why, for instance, cheese is worse for you than cigarette smoke, make for an unforgettable character. Buckley's use of imagined newspaper headlines, and fictitious dialogue from minor players like Larry King and Oprah are inspired.
- Reviewed by customer ID: AGCOCRW8A56U8
• Smoking Gun 22 July, 2008
I thought it was great and I wish I could write as well as Mr. Buckley. Makes me want to find more of his books to read
- Reviewed by customer ID: A3NH9HCKJMH1Y2
• Take That, Political Correctness! 10 June, 2008
`Thank You for Smoking' by Christopher Buckley
Christopher Buckley once again delivers with his supremely sharp jabs at American political correctness and smug political sanctimony. Buckley's hero, Nick Naylor, top spokesman for the tobacco industry keeps you in hysterics as he flaks for his industry during appearances with the likes of Larry King. The unfailingly intelligent banter served up at Naylor's weekly lunch club with his fellow MoD's (Merchants of Death - reps of the firearm & alcohol industries) will bust your gut. Mr. Buckley's knack for sublimely over the top humor will undoubtedly keep you in stitches and wanting for more. The story contains enough twists and turns, wild characters and silky wit to keep you reading his novels forever. For any lover of smart satire, definitely check out this terrific novel. As with any great book turned movie, celluloid inevitably finds a way to disappoint and `Thank You For Smoking' is certainly NOT an exception. If you've seen the movie and think you've got the story - trust me - you haven't. The book is a near entirely different plot and far smarter offering of fun - check it out!
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2IX287WGSY5MW
• Hilarious ... 10 November, 2008
Well worth the price of admission ... funny, funny stuff; great satire. NOW, I'll rent the movie ...
Books always come first.
- Reviewed by customer ID: AGKYAQDUQEEX3
• Awesome 02 September, 2008
If you liked the movie at all, you will love the book. I'm going to read all of Buckley's novels now.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1YE3DYHJDF9KT
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