Puff Piece by John Safran - Book Review | Tobacco, Humour & Insightful Critique

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March 28, 2025

Puff Piece by John Safran – Book Review

By Keith

I’ve been a fan of John Safran since I was in high school, owning several of his DVDs such as “John Safran’s Music Jamboree” from 2002, which explored different genres of music and their subcultures and “John Safran Vs God” from 2004 where he road tests different religions. I was so into him back then that I even tracked down copies of his unaired ABC pilots, which were insanely good (and hard to get before YouTube existed).

A while ago I started checking out his audiobooks on Audible including “Depends What You Mean By Extremist” (2017) and later “Puff Piece” (2021) which is quite fitting for this website.

Puff Piece Review

As usual, “Puff Piece” by John Safran is a daring and insightful exploration of a complicated topic, this time – the tobacco industry, particularly focusing on the iconic Marlboro brand and its parent company, Philip Morris. With his trademark blend of humour and critical analysis, Safran takes readers on a journey through the often absurd world of tobacco marketing, lobbying, and the cultural implications of smoking.

Structure and Style

The book is structured around Safran’s personal narrative, interwoven with rigorous research and interviews. His conversational tone makes complex topics accessible, while his sharp wit brings levity to serious subjects and keeps you engaged. For example, Safran recounts his experiences attempting to understand the allure of cigarettes through humorous anecdotes, making the reading experience both entertaining and thought-provoking, even for a non-smoker like myself.

Critique of Marketing Tactics in the Tabacco Industry

One of the standout features of “Puff Piece” is Safran’s critique of the marketing strategies employed by Philip Morris and the Marlboro brand. He delves into the transformation of Marlboro from a women’s cigarette to a symbol of rugged masculinity, exemplified by the “Marlboro Man” cowboy campaign in the 1950s. Through this analysis, Safran highlights how tobacco companies have historically manipulated societal norms to promote smoking, despite being bad for you.

Examination of Lobbying Efforts of the Tobacco Industry

Safran also sheds light on the extensive lobbying efforts of the tobacco industry. I found this particularly interesting as I did not know much about how lobbying works, despite living in Australia where coal mine lobbying is a big thing. He elucidates how Philip Morris has worked to influence legislation and public perception, often downplaying the health risks associated with smoking. His exploration of these tactics is not only informative but serves as a cautionary tale about the power of corporate interests in shaping health policies. Granted, it’s a bit late for that.

John Safran’s Personal Reflection and Humour

Interspersed throughout the narrative are Safran’s personal reflections on smoking. His candid discussions about his own relationships with cigarettes allow him to reflect on his own participation within the ecosystem. He doesn’t shy away from exploring the seductive nature of smoking, providing a nuanced perspective on addiction. Safran’s self-deprecating humour and keen observations make for a compelling read, allowing readers to engage with the content on a personal level, which again, as a non-smoker was helpful as initially I wasn’t sure if this book would interest me.

Conclusion

Overall, “Puff Piece” is an engaging and critical examination of the tobacco industry, Marlboro, and Philip Morris. Safran’s humorous yet clever writing style captivates readers while prompting them to reflect on the ethical implications of tobacco marketing and lobbying. This book is not just a critique of smoking; it’s a broader commentary on corporate responsibility and the complexities of consumer culture. Safran’s unique voice (which is very unique, especially if you’re listening to the audiobook) makes “Puff Piece” a must-read or must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the intricate relationship between marketing, public health, and personal choice.