Wanna Cook? is an unofficial companion to the critically acclaimed television series Breaking bad, created by Vince Gilligan. I recently finished watching the show and I absolutely loved it. It deserves all the praise it has received and it’s no surprise that books have been written about it. Being an unofficial companion, this books doesn’t have a great deal of insight into the behind-the-scenes, and this disappointed me a little, but it offers recaps of every episodes as well as an analysis of the main themes that present themselves over the shows five seasons.
I waited until I finished the show until I read this book, but it is possible to read it as a companion while you’re watching the show as the episode recaps only focus on that episode and what’s come before, so f you’re a new viewer and want a little more insight don’t be put off by thinking that you’ll be spoiled. There are essays at the end of each season, and these do give spoilers, but they’re easy enough to save until you’ve finished watching the show (and if you’re anything like me you’ll be so hooked that it won’t take long).
The writers show a great deal of affection for the show and their analysis is thoughtful and insightful. They talk about how the stories develop, and pay particular attention to the camera techniques used throughout the show. The episode recaps are enjoyable to read and they don’t go into excruciating detail, so the book is easy to pick up and put down.
Whether you’ve already seen Breaking Bad or you’re just about to start it, I think Wanna Cook? is well worth your time.
