Wanna Cook?: The Complete, Unofficial Companion to Breaking Bad

I approached this book with great trepidation, thinking it might be yet another quickie cash-in. Thankfully, this is everything I hoped it would be, and so much more. Not only is it a handy and informative episode guide, this hefty tome also delivers several insightful essays on what will soon be universally regarded as The Greatest Television Show In The History of The Medium. I cannot comprehend ANY fan of the show being disappointed with this well-researched, beautifully-assembled companion to Breaking Bad. Highly-recommended.

The book came out long after Breaking Bad wrapped last year, but I am delighted with it, and like the previous reviewer, it made me want to watch the series again, and I am doing so. The author breaks down each episode with interesting details, but very few spoilers. In addition to notable insights into each episode, it provides fascinating information on such subjects as chemistry, air traffic controlling, law enforcement, health insurance and so forth. It seems to be well-researched and informed, and is quite humorous in places. If you love Breaking Bad, you will Love this book!!

When I heard about this book I HAD to have it, being obsessed with Breaking Bad. I like the book -- it talks about each episode, the characters, gives little known-facts about various things (many of which I already knew from my obsessive research about the show, but still...) The reason I give it 4 stars and not 5 is this -- (and other reviewers have said this and I agree) -- in the episode analyses, the writers try too hard to avoid spoilers. They try so hard that they could have provided much greater detail, much more analysis and exposition about the events of the series. IMO, anyone who buys this book has likely already seen the entire series. They could have just put on the cover or wherever that the book was full of spoilers. By avoiding or skirting around certain plot details they miss important things that needed to be discussed. (I also don't like how, in the text when citing Jane Jane example, they repeatedly use the word "junkie" as a reference for all drug users.) That said, the book is definitely worth having for any BB fan!!!

Got this for my wife who is obsessed with Breaking Bad. The book is not just a repeat of the series but offers some off the wall information concerning events, characters and places in the series. Lots of off the wall information and a great companion (as indicated in the books title) for any Breaking Bad nut.

Great companion to the series. Points out lots of little things I miss. Not a blow by blow synopsis of the action but rather an analysis of the script, camera angles, psychological aspects, character studies, etc. Makes the series even more enjoyable ( if that's possible ). If you're a Vince Gilligan fan you gotta have it.

Great reviews and insight into each episode without giving too many spoilers (though some of the essays between the episodes might give away stuff so careful if you have not seen the whole series.) There are a few suppositions by the author I disagree with but overall a great companion piece to go along with the best television program ever.

I was looking for something a little deeper but I still enjoyed it. It's basically just an episode guide with a few essays mixed in, but the writing is quality. Definitely recommend unless you're a freak like me who wants to see every single little detail analyzed. In that case, Breaking Blue is the way to go.

As I go back through the show, I thoroughly enjoy checking in with this book. Keep it nearby as you watch/binge -- for BB nerds and fans it is a no-agenda companion. I gave it as a much-appreciated gift as well.

This is an outstanding book, I've just finished reading it and it leaves no stone unturned, and frequently reveals details you never even considered whilst watching the show. This is essentially an episode guide with expertly written recaps, points about the overall repercussions of Walt and Jesses actions laden throughout. You get a few sections dedicated to further analysing the overall show, including specific characters, music, camera angles, and a whole lot more besides, and theres a page after every chapter rounding up who killed who and how many died, which makes it handy to keep track of. You get the same roundup at the end of the book as well numbering every single kill the characters made. As a huge fan of breaking bad, being able to flick through this book on subsequent revisits to this fantastic show paints it in an entirely new light, the authors are clearly huge fans of the show and it shows in every paragraph. This is the cloest we are going to get to an official companion to the show, seeing as AMC seemingly don't want an official book for the time being which is a shame. Going off topic slightly but the official book of The Sopranos is the best example of an official companion book I've seen yet, and I don't understand why AMC don't want to have their own take on events. I have a few minor grumbles about the book, one is that it could have been in colour format with pictures to go with every episode on glossy paper, and I would have preferred a hardback version but they are the only negative points I have: this book is outstanding, you have to buy it if you are a fan.

The ultimate guide to the best TV-show ever! Rich information to every episode, characters, important locations, music etc. etc. First choice when you wanna cook...

This book is A very thorough analysis on every episode of the greatest show ever in the history of television, Breaking Bad. Throughout the book are discussions on various topics related to breaking bad. Examples are Walter Whites motivations, the anti-Sklyler movement etc. The last one is strange in that the actress who plays Skyler was getting real life threats as if she was really Skyler! Strange indeed. I would rae this book a 5 just for the things everyone can learn about the show, and that it is a very good and handy episode guide. It is well written and edited and really is a must for the big time Breaking Bad fan. Some knowledge of the show is necessary before you read the book. It makes no sense for someone who has never seen the show to buy this. ( see some of the Amazon.com reviews about this point) lol

Criminology and Psychology students would benefit from watching each TV episode and reviewing the relevant chapter in turn. It is one hell of a read, not easy though so don't expect to be entertained from the perspective of reading a novel , fans of the TV series will have little problem in understanding and even enriched by this study. Wholeheartedly recommend, there is a lot here for money.

The best 13-odd dollars I've spent on a book from Amazon.ca in a long time. We watched the series from front-to-back first and then I read this book. It was WAAAAAAY better than I expected. "The Unofficial Guide..." blurb on the front cover had me somewhat skeptical but as soon as I began reading this book, I was just as addicted to the television series. It is very well written and there are tidbits about the show that you would have never noticed. It simply is that good. Buy it. You won't regret it.