There are smug senators and smugger Hollywood agents, cancer-prone smoking cowboys, and most of all, the unphasable Mr. Naylor, the self-described Colonel Sanders of nicotine.

NPR: 'Thank You for Smoking' Displays a Sense of Humor

The story deals with a retelling of the Oedipus myth, music, talking cats, ghosts, Colonel Sanders, the danger of living in the past, and trying to live in the present.

FORBES: Book Club as Metaphor

Much like those who manage Mr. Speedy, the Alka-Seltzer man, Tony the Tiger or Colonel Sanders, those representing former living brand icons know how, where and why they should make their star appearances.

FORBES: How Not To Screw Up A Celebrity-Brand Match

That's where KFC's Colonel Sanders went wrong.

FORBES: America's Most-Loved Spokescreatures