Thank You for Smoking

Dark comedy is a tough genre. Difficult to write and even more difficult to sell. It's always hard to be funny, but even harder when the topic is grim--the unnecessary deaths caused by smoking. While some people will be offended, the truth revealed in an excellent dark comedy is unsurpassed. This is not just a book about smoking. . .or lobbying. It is a book about smoking, lobbying, alcohol, firearms, cholesterol, cheese, spinning, the press (print, radio, and television), workplace politics, and career paths. Ultimately, it is about making your own choices and taking responsibility for the consequences. Those who view this novel as merely shining a spotlight on the evils of the tobacco industry have, I think, missed the larger point. Well-written, in a style that is both funny and informative (though occasionally abrupt), with enough densely-packed passages to please the literary crowd and enough surprises to be a page-turner. Highly recommended. Donald J. Bingle, author of Forced Conversion.

A friend's parents brought me this book when I was down for the count with some serious health issues. The book is hilarious and fast-paced, and while it doesn't spend too much time delving into the minutiae of the lobbying industry (perhaps if it were written today), the reader does get a satirical look at how the wheels in Washington get greased. Everyone who borrowed the copy of this book that I had loved it as well. I'm thrilled that it's been made into a movie and that this book (and author Chris Buckley) will finally get the recognition that probably wasn't there when the book was first published. I can't wait to see the movie.

A relative gave me this book and said it was sure to entertain, I wasn't disappointed. The book is a satire of the tobacco industry that goes even beyond what I thought was possible to promote tobacco. Although I don't smoke, the people peddling tobacco are unique? individuals that have quite a gift? for promoting something so toxic to the human body. Although the subject is appalling, I was laughing my head off at the outrageous interpretations of medical studies and clever rebuttals the tobacco spokesman came up with to counter the media and medical community. In a dark way, it really is a funny book....

Christopher Buckley knows how to write satire that has a delicious bite along with the laughs. Nick Naylor, our protagonist, is a highly paid consultant for the tobacco lobby that is thinking about cutting back expenses because of their shrinking market and lack of success on the Hill. So, Nick decides on a plan to go on the offensive for the public mind and breath. Unfortunately for Nick, his new public notoriety brings attention from some folks who have a rather aggressive passion against smoking. This book takes on everyone. Lawmakers, lawyers, lobbyists, amoral businessmen who don't care what they sell as long as they get rich, activists who are motivated by a lot other than their stated cause, media types, and the public. We all get it in ways that will make you say ouch and still find a laugh. Good novel that has held up well.

A comedic novel about a spokesperson for the tobacco industry? At first, this may sound as promising as a novel about a dirt salesperson. But Thank You For Smoking is utterly hilarious, perfectly-pitched comedy. It is swiftly paced, and not easy to put down. It's a great escape to a place you didn't think you'd want to go until you got there.