Safran (Lucky) Strikes Again

As a long time fan of John Safran, I found this title to be an outstanding change of pace in terms of subject matter while still staying true to his roots. It's got Father Bob, it's got Raspberry Cordial, it's got John's classic self doubt despite his being, to my mind, well established in his credentials. While I hope he never loses that charming angst, the quality of this book challenges the validity of his concerns.

An utterly shocking piece diving deep into Philip Morris and their seeming invulnerability through manipulation of language and seeming involvement in every aspect of our society. Don't be fooled into thinking this is just a take down of why smoking is bad for you, this is about corporate conspiracy and it's happening right now (written 2021).

John's shock at the lack of media coverage of what has gone on is surely shared by us, dear listeners, by the time the book is through. Actually way before that, but definitely by the end.

I've listened to all John's books and while I've enjoyed them all, this is by far the most important. Fundamentalists and Murders in Mississippi have nothing on big tobacco.

Read by the man himself, this is the only way to really enjoy anything by John in my opinion. The man with the golden lisp. If you love John, you've already got this book - if you're new then this is a fantastic place to start.

As a side note, I weirdly found myself wanting to vape after the first hour or so of the book, and I'm not a smoker, vapist or juicy fruiter. Maybe I'll suck my thumb instead.

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9 people found this helpful

Philip Morris: International Juul Thief

Relatives of Edward Sapir may not like this book; however, Bob redeems linguistic merit where necessary. Thanks John.

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2 people found this helpful

Unsmoke the world, but at what IQOS... t

I thoroughly enjoyed this, although I'm going to need to know how much that wine cost.

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Witty, hilarious and intriguing

If John Safran wrote more books, the world would be a better place! Hilarious, serious and clever. I felt like I was in the story with John.

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Brilliant, funny, insightful

A terrific read. John Safran self narrates his hilarious, witty and poignant book on cigarettes, vaping, the tobacco industry and Phillip Morris. This book is a deep dive on how this company bends and twists around laws to keep people hooked on tobacco. And somehow I chuckled the whole way through. Highly recommend.

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An entertaining read that'll open your eyes

I loved it. Lifts the lid on how PhilipMorris manipulate us all to their benefit.

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A great book with interesting research

I found this book very interesting! The author went to great lengths to research and explain different points throughout.
The moral of the story of course is that smoking in whatever form you put it is cancer, is death, is bad and there is no way around it. And all of the “gimmicks” whatever you call the latest flavour - puffer sticks, e-cigarette, hot stick, vaporiser- it is all crap, all cause cancer and all are designed to make you addicted to something directly harmful to your body.

Unfortunately, the smoker in my family found the book too confronting and refused to listen after 1hr in. I, however, loved it! The narration pace is a bit slow, but you can just adjust it to x1.2 and it works smoothly.

Honestly, just listen to this book. It will give you extra points of view and ideas for conversations.

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Funny. Deep. Interesting.

I loved learning about how everything is interconnected and what really goes on. The story just kept on giving.

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Much Needed & Hilarious

I’ve dug so deep for info about vaping and the industry since it helped me kick my 25 year cigarette addiction over 6 months ago. I’ve searched podcasts, articles, you name it. This is really the best resource I’ve found and it all makes more sense since listening. Bonus: I discovered John Safran who is pretty rad!

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Filthy tactics of Big Tobacco!

AMAZING BOOK exposing the lies and deceptions of Philip Morris and the big tobacco industry players.
It was simultaneously captivating and disgusting to hear about the rotten crooks and the layers of horrible trickery that is taking place in such a fatal and dangerous industry. There’s is no level that they will not stoop to deceive anyone endangering their massive profits.
John did a fabulous job of maintaining my attention and intrigue while exploring and delivering a wealth of information and interviews.
Congratulations on such a great book and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who has smoked or knows a smoker, or values the principles of honesty and integrity. Enjoy!

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