Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking

The book is widely acclaimed for its remarkable effectiveness in helping individuals quit smoking, often after numerous failed attempts with other methods. Many reviewers express surprise at how painlessly and permanently they stopped, with minimal cravings or withdrawal symptoms, sometimes for many years. Readers frequently report a fundamental shift in their perspective on smoking, describing it as a "rewiring" of their brain that eliminates the desire to smoke rather than requiring willpower to resist. The author's background as a heavy smoker himself is often cited as a key factor in the book's credibility, as he addresses the common thoughts and fears of smokers without resorting to scare tactics. The method is praised for focusing on the psychological aspects of addiction, helping readers understand the "brainwashing" associated with smoking and transforming the act of quitting into a feeling of freedom and gain, rather than a loss.

Despite its proven effectiveness for many, the book receives criticism for its writing style, which some describe as simplistic, repetitive, or even "badly written" and "infantile." A frequent complaint concerns the author's self-congratulatory tone and perceived commercialism, with some reviewers finding the self-promotion obnoxious or suggesting the book's instructions to purchase additional copies felt like a "pyramid scam." Some readers found the author's generalizations about smokers, such as the universal unpleasantness of a first cigarette, to be inaccurate and detrimental to his credibility. The method has been labeled by some as "psychological trickery" or neurolinguistic programming, which they argue might only work on certain personality types. While effective for many, a few reviewers did not quit immediately after reading or found the book's approach did not resonate with them, with one expressing skepticism about any book's ability to address the varied reasons individuals smoke.

Ultimately, the overwhelming sentiment from reviewers is that despite its stylistic shortcomings or perceived flaws, the book delivers on its promise for a significant number of readers. Its unique approach, which aims to change a smoker's mindset rather than relying on willpower or nicotine replacement, is consistently highlighted as the key to its success. The book is highly recommended for smokers who possess a genuine desire to quit and have previously struggled with other methods, as it offers a fresh perspective that many find liberating. While not universally effective, its high success rate among those committed to quitting suggests it can be a transformative tool for individuals ready to embark on a smoke-free life, often turning them into "non-smokers" who no longer feel any desire for cigarettes.