Quitting smoking is a very positive thing. That must be why so many smokers do it over and over again... Escaping the grip of the evil weed is no picnic, and it's not made any easier by non-smokers telling you it can't be that hard, and offering ‘helpful' advice at the worst moments. But practical help is out there, and the Stop Smoking guide is a great starting point.

The most important thing to note about Stop Smoking is that the authors have actually been through it themselves. Forget sandal-wearing green tea drinkers with no idea of how hard it is; you'll be hearing from the voice of experience, not a patronising do-gooder. Writers Peter Cross and Clive Hopwood don't claim you'll forget fags overnight, but they do offer genuinely sympathetic and helpful tips on your quest for a ciggie-free life.

Topics covered include how to break the chain reaction (the ‘this is my last one' or ‘well, I've had one, might as well have another' factor), how to keep busy and beat cravings, and how to step out of the comfort zone. Plus the truth behind patches, gum and other nicotine replacement therapies – do they really work, or is willpower all you need? The role of acupuncture is covered too.

Stop Smoking not only helps you give up, but offers hints on how to de-stress your life afterwards, and avoid slipping back into old ways. Now's the time to stop promising yourself you'll give up and actually do it.