John W. Farquhar, a cardiologist, is a professor of medicine at Stanford University and the director of the Stanford Wellness Center in Palo Alto, California. Gene A. Spiller is the founder and director of the Sphera Foundation in Los Altos, California.

"In a fascinating and inspiring book, [the authors] give 30 former smokers a chance to share the secrets of their success. The stories can be a source of inspiration, hope, and helpful hits for smokers who have, like the storytellers, made repeated failed attempts to quit."