Title: Thank You for Smoking
Author: Buckely, Christopher
Year: 1994
B's Stars: 8 of 10
Plot:
Nick Naylor is a lobbyist for the tobacco institute - not because he believes in the cause, simply because he is good at it and it pays well. He meets with the other "Merchants of Death" (guns and alcohol lobbies) to discuss their woes. How does he get young people to start smoking with so much public pressure against him.
Review:
Christopher Buckley has written a lot of great Washington satire, and this may be his best. Through Naylor Washington, Hollywood, and big business are all fair game. For example, Naylor comes up with the slogan, "Do what your parents tell you to do - never start smoking." This is brilliant because no teen likes to do what their parents say and the last 2 words are 'start smoking.' If you enjoy satire I highly recommend Buckley - and this is a great place to start.
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1 comment:
I am ashamed to admit that I didn't realize that this was a book first! The movie adaptation is fantastic; Aaron Eckhardt does a tremendous job in his role as Nick Naylor. I have just ordered a copy from Amazon ... can't wait to read it!
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