Finally, a new and effective look at smoking
930114
I have been quit for a month now after trying to quit for 40 years!. His understanding of the addiction is some what different, but explains a number of things the traditional approach did not.
785194
Yes, I'm an addict - cigarettes being my poison of choice - for over 40 years. And, yes, I have tried to kick it using books, therapy, acupuncture, programs, medication and nicotine replacement.

From past experience, the resounding message that usually comes through is that with some assistance and self-discipline, addiction can be beaten - no problem. Some methods are even arrogant enough to claim that they can make the process relatively easy and quote excellent success rates. Many never follow up after completion of their programs, so how do they know how good they really are? It's not easy, hence permanent success rates are statistically fairly disappointing. Addiction in itself is not the problem - it is the manifestation of the problem.

Finally a book which tells it like it is! Not only do Fred Woolverton and Susan Shapiro go into the underlying causes of addiction, but warn us up-front that we will suffer through the process - for as long as a year. If you are not prepared for a difficult road, don't go past the first chapter, or don't buy the book. Addiction is the accumulation of years of deep underlying sadness, pain, feeling unworthy or unloved, not a self contained bubble of indulgent pleasure. There is a lot to unravel and heal - it has to take time.

By allowing ourselves to being open and prepared to gain an understanding of how and why our addictions have come to be, they explain how to approach and eventually free ourselves of the fear of not needing the perceived but ultimately unsatisfying comfort that addictions provide. Far from protecting us, they explain how isolating and destructive the "smokescreen" of addiction is.

For such a short book, they manage to touch on a wide spectrum of issues, leaving it to us, the readers, to explore independently in detail whichever topic or thread is most pertinent to us. Again, I believe that a wise therapist will succinctly let us know what is "out there", without boring us by belaboring their preferences.

There are always negative reviews, which is understandable. Unorthodox methods do not resonate for everyone, while others are hoping for another quick fix. Fred often quotes his personal issues and frequently sings his own praises. But I believe that any therapist worth his/her fee should have first hand experience coupled with academic credentials to augment his/her effectiveness.

Apparently the sign of a good therapist is someone who makes us uncomfortable to really force us to deal with our issues, not floating on air at the end of each session. Fred and Susan are real people who have done the time and they want us to benefit from their struggles.

My only real criticism is the narration of the audiobook by Rob Davis. He rockets along at breakneck speed, as if he has to impart as much information as quickly as possible. Fortunately I am already a great fan of audiobooks so his snappy delivery didn't put me off the medium of audio. However, in this case I would recommend a hard copy or Kindle. There is a great deal to absorb, lists to make and one needs to refer back for clarification and reinforcement. This is no drive-by reading,
1119944
I received this book on Friday and spent the weekend reading through it. It is more than just recipes which my wife and I both like. The book is filled with smoking tips and advice from a seasoned smoker in addition the recipes which are conveniently split up between beef, chicken and pork. Another really nice feature, and why this received 5 stars from me was the addition of sides, rubs and sauces. We will be using a few Renie you this coming weekend.

I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
3503160
If I had known that it was this easy to quit I would have read this book years ago. I really can't believe that I struggled with patches, gum etc for so many years when this simple, effective cure was available the whole time. Health Canada should distribute this title free of charge to every smoker in Canada.
Every smoker I know who has read this book is now a happy non-smoker. It really is that powerful and that easy.
32522
While reading Lighting Up, I quit smoking. My withdraw began the moment the book ended. Without Shapiro's voice to guide me through my own nicotine addiction, I was forced to accept my own sober misery. In an instant gratification society, it's easy to give into vices to hide what keeps us from happiness--our own neurosis. Shapiro's quest for overall health is about clearing smoke. Getting rid of the smoke destroying your lungs is fairy simple. But releasing the smoke in your heart is very tough. It becomes easier after joining Shapiro as she liberates herself and her readers by sharing her raw human emotions. Most stray away from showing weakness. Not Shapiro. She's a fearless memoirist, full of stories that ignite an even bigger fire--the power to be yourself.
1832452
I stopped smoking by reading this two hundred and some odd page book and it was "easy" and I don't miss it. When I do think about smoking, I smile a little and think about how cool it is being a non-smoker. No "cravings" though.
 For 40 years I was a hard case, I tried everything from drugs to hypnotism. Willpower, as you will find in this book, might be the worst way of all to stop. I honestly didn't think I could ever quit, I was WRONG! Three quarters of the way through the book I couldn't wait to smoke my last one.
 I'm sitting hear trying to find a better way to say it was "easy" and I don't miss it at all...ever.
3467375
i've been smoking for almost 7 years, tried multiple times to quit, tried different approaches some were effective but eventually i fell back to the habit. This book gave me a better understanding of  the reason i smoke, why i can't kick the habit or should i say, why it became a habit. The book showed me that it goes beyond being addicted to nicotine. A very well written and helpful book with a friendly approach (it doesn't force you to quit, it gives you the information you need to make your own decision: to quit or not to quit) If you smoke or know of any smoker that is trying to quit, give this book a try, For 4.99, you'll get more than you paid for.
1972886
Got my mom this book a few weeks ago. She just told me now that she is a happy non-smoker. Ive never heard her sound so empowered and committed to her own health and happiness. She was diagnosed with COPD a few years ago and had been a heavy smoker for 55+ years.

She didn't believe she was strong enough to quit and nobody else in her life did either. She tried patches, e-cigs and all kinds of crutches over the past few years and always ended up feeling defeated and helpless. But reading Allen Carrs book resulted in a paradigm shift.

While Im really glad cigarettes are no longer a part of her life, what gives me the most joy is how enthusiastic and alive she sounds. If you or someone in your life is interested in being free of tobacco but has struggled or faced feelings of failure, please check out his book and/or seminars. Truly a life changer.
933743
This article is easy to follow and anyone with minimal mechanical ability can take it from here.  Good reference for some more smoking' ideas.
1715402
After way too many years of being a smoker, this book was the catalyst that helped me quit.
I saw James Spader on late night tv talking about this book, got it, and finally, smoking is in the past.
Worked so well, am now reading Carr's Easy Way to Lose Weight.
109308
I was a smoker for almost 40 years. I used to tell anybody who asked me about it (even my doctors) that I was sure I'd never quit comepletely. I had cut down to four or five cigarettes a day for the past ten years, but couldn't let go of those -- they became even more important in my daily rituals.

By the time I finished Allen Carr's book, I could hardly wait to put out that last cigarette. It's been more than two weeks now, and, while I miss the ritual, I don't miss the smoke or the nicotine at all.

Allen Carr says that his book doesn't involve brainwashing; I think it does, in the most literal sense of the word. It washes away all of the mental and emotional attachments to cigarettes that would keep us smoking forever. The physical "withdrawal" is a piece of cake once that happens. BTW, my biggest excuse for continued smoking was that I feared I'd gain a lot of weight.  I've lost three pounds since I quit smoking!
4793779
My friend suggested I read this book after seeing incredible results this book had on his girlfriend. I cannot believe how easy it was to quit smoking - the approach to the problem is the most incredible. When I told my friends about it they just couldn't believe that I had quit. And quit for good!!

This book comes highly recommended and is a must have for all smokers.

Cheers!!
1607822
I'm a closet smoker; and when I came across the title of this book online, I was severely intrigued. I read the reviews on here and quickly ordered it. Sandy's way of writing and describing her smoking story was awesome. It gave me a little bit of thought to how it would be if I weren't a closet smoker. If you have any interest in smoking or what to know that smokers are people too, please read this book. It's an easy read but very well written.
4355097
This book isn't about scare tactics, or cutting down, or how to use patches and gums correctly. The fact that it goes against these conventional methods is why it works so well. Instead, Allen Carr acts as your own personal cult deprogramer, helping you to break down the illusions and notions you and the rest of society have always had about smoking: once a smoker always a smoker, quitting is long and hard, you're an idiot for smoking in the first place, ect. As going through the book and discovering that my strong foundation for smoking was breaking down, I realized that by the time I was done reading, I didn't need to smoke. And I haven't ever since.
3576802
I'll admit that I'm new to Cigar smoking.  Sure, I know the basics as far as care and cutting, but that's about it.  I wanted to know more and found this book to be ideal for Cigar newbies such as myself. Heck, even some experienced smokers could learn a thing or two by reading this book.

To keep this short and sweet, I will say that the book gives you tips on simple things like lighting (wood matches = good, paper matches = bad, butane lighters = good, fluid lighters = arson), cutters, ash trays, and how to handle cigars.  It also gets more advanced and even historical, covering such topics as different cuts, different blends, origins, farming, curing, aging, geography, and more.

I have been enjoying this book while smoking a few good (and not so good) cigars and each time I learn something new.  Last night, I read about how tobacco is grown, the different parts of the plant, and the how the differences between locales effect the the resulting tobacco leaves.  The author gives plenty of detail but does so without boring you.  I have already learned more about tobacco than I ever thought I would!

The book also does a nice job explaining important topics such as cigar sizes and their associated names, how the different sizes effect flavor, and how to choose good cigars from your local shop.  There is also information on many different brands, which has been a handy reference.

My only disappointment with the book is that there is a chapter dedicated to pipe tobacco.  While this is a nice bonus, I could do without it.  The book also skims over one really important topic: choosing a good humidor.  Sure, there are several pages discussing the basics, but a humidor is so important that I wish there was a little more detail.  For that reason, I deducted half-a-star.

Overall, you can't go wrong with this book.  It's chock full of useful information and is probably the best reference for new smokers.
966938
I was a smoker for over 30 years!  Knew I needed to quit and tried & failed several times.  Decided to try one more time after the price of smokes went up AGAIN :-  Found Mr. Carr's book on the internet and at the time it wasn't available in the US, had to order it from the UK.  After reading about 1/3 of the way through I knew this was the information I needed to be able to quit!  He destroys the "myths" that keep you shackeled to the coffin nails ... I wanted to quit after the 4th chapter, but he tells you to KEEP smoking until you finish the book.  Mr. Carr doesn't lecture you on the dangers of smoking, or belittle you for having failed to quit - he acknowledges that you are an adult and have seen all the horrible news out there about what smoking does to you and he doesn't need to tell you about it.  What he does do is ... well ... simply amazing!  It's not a long book or difficult to read; he has an easy going style that is very conversational and you'll feel like he's a good friend as you read. Once you discover the LIE you'll be amazed at how easy it really is!  Congratulations on being a NON SMOKER when you read this book!

Forgot to add ... there is NO such thing as ONE cigarette!  If there were, you wouldn't need to QUIT smoking now would you?
1262327
I'll admit that any book with the work heresies in the title has an automatic advantage in peaking my interest, but this volume does so much more than merely entice. MacCoun and Reuter have done an amazing job of looking that drug prohibition from a new point of view. Frankly, despite the passage of a few years, I believe that this book is absolute essential if one hopes to really understand the controversy over the War on Drugs.

Rather than attempt a summary of the contents, let me simply point to three specifics as representative of the wealth of insight the reader will encounter. First, MacCoun and Reuter have expanded the typical dichotomous legalization v criminalization perspectives to include depenalization and commercialization. Counter the arguments of drug prohibitionists, depenalization does not seem to be inextricably intertwined with massive increases in the prevalence of drug use as is anticipated with legalization. Also, legalization may have less negative increases in prevalence without the accompaniment of commercialization. By adding these two considerations, MacCoun and Reuter enable expansion of the debate into potentially fertile areas for improving the consequences of prohibition.

Secondly, the careful analysis of the 48 negative consequences of prohibition and the related causal linkage to enforcement, illegal status, and use should be the focus of careful reflection by every reader. In many respects, the damage caused by the War on Drugs is a kind of collateral damage - unintentionally caused by the implementation of US prohibition efforts.

Thirdly, MacCoun & Reuter reconceptualize the total harmfulness of illicit drugs as the interaction of three factors: prevalence, intensity, and micro harm (i.e., user self-damage). Much of the criticism of drug prohibition deals with the extensive micro harm without equal weight being given to the total harmfulness to our society. The negative correlation between prevalence and micro harm is among the more interesting possibilities to consider.

In summary, it is quite difficult to imagine a more sensitive evaluation of drug prohibition that so carefully considers the US case in light of the European context and the historical experience with legal addictive substances (alcohol and tobacco). I cannot recommend this book more highly.