Books to Read After Watching Breaking Bad

Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich is a powerful and complex novel that is sure to appeal to fans of Breaking Bad. The book tells the story of Clayton Burroughs, a sheriff who comes from a long line of outlaws. For generations, the Burroughs clan has lived on Bull Mountain in North Georgia and built a criminal empire that runs shine, pot, and meth over six state lines. Despite his family’s criminal activities, Clayton tries to distance himself from the criminal empire by taking a job as a sheriff in a neighboring community.

When a federal agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms arrives with a plan to shut down the mountain, Clayton’s loyalty is put to the test. The hidden agenda of the agent will pit brother against brother and lead Clayton down a dangerous path that could destroy his family and himself. The novel is told from alternating points of view, spanning decades and providing a sweeping narrative of the mountain and its inhabitants. The writing is atmospheric, capturing the forbidding, loyal, gritty, and ruthless environment of the mountain and its people.

Bull Mountain is a masterful debut that explores the complexities of family, loyalty, and crime. The novel’s themes of family and the lengths men will go to protect, honor, or destroy it make it an excellent choice for fans of Breaking Bad. Brian Panowich’s writing is confident and evocative, making Bull Mountain a must-read for anyone who enjoys fast-paced, complex stories with fully realized characters.

“The Cartel” by Don Winslow, is a gripping and intense novel that takes you deep into the world of the drug trade, corruption, and revenge. It is the second book in the “Power of the Dog” series and has been widely acclaimed for its hard-hitting and authentic depiction of the drug war in the 21st century.

The narrative of “The Cartel” is set in 2004 and follows the story of Adán Barrera, the kingpin of El Federación, who is serving time in a California prison. At the same time, ex-DEA agent Art Keller lives in a monastery, having lost everything in his thirty-year blood feud with the drug lord. But when Barrera manages to escape, Keller finds himself at the center of the action, with a two-million-dollar bounty on his head and no one else capable of taking Barrera down.

As the violence and bloodshed escalate, Keller and Barrera become locked in a deadly struggle that takes them across Mexico and into the halls of power in Washington, D.C. With its searing and uncompromising narrative, “The Cartel” has been compared to the popular TV series “Breaking Bad” for its portrayal of a man caught up in a dangerous world of drugs, power, and violence.

Narconomics: How to Run a Drug Cartel by Tom Wainwright takes you on a journey into the heart of the drug trade and its 250 million customers. It provides a fresh, innovative look into the inner workings of the cartels and offers insights into the strategy and tactics they use. From creating brand value to fine-tuning customer service, the drug lords have been attentive students of the best practices from corporations such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and Coca-Cola.

The author, Tom Wainwright, travels to various locations including Andean cocaine fields, Central American prisons, Colorado pot shops, and the online drug dens of the Dark Web to provide a comprehensive look into the drug trade. The book introduces a cast of characters, including “Bin Laden,” the Bolivian coca guide; “Old Lin,” the Salvadoran gang leader; “Starboy,” the millionaire New Zealand pill maker; and a cozy Mexican grandmother who plots murder while cooking blueberry pancakes.

Narconomics is not just an investigation into the workings of the drug trade, but it also offers a blueprint for how to defeat the cartels. By analyzing them as companies, the book provides law enforcers with a better understanding of how they operate and offers insights into how to make the most of the resources they have to fight this global, highly organized business. The author shows how the cartels care a surprising amount about corporate social responsibility and explains how the gangs decide whether to compete or collude, providing a unique and insightful look into the world of the drug trade.

No Country for Old Men is a novel written by the bestselling and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Cormac McCarthy. Set on the Texas-Mexico border, the book takes readers on a dark journey through a world where drug-runners have replaced rustlers and small towns have become war zones. The protagonist, Llewellyn Moss, finds a pickup truck surrounded by dead men, with a load of heroin and two million dollars in cash still in the back.

Moss’s decision to take the money sets off a chain of events that lead to catastrophic violence, with law enforcement and a mysterious and deadly mastermind on his trail. Throughout the book, McCarthy expertly blends themes of crime, violence, and morality to create a gripping and profound reading experience.

No Country for Old Men is an excellent choice for readers who enjoyed Breaking Bad, a popular TV series about a high school chemistry teacher who turns to a life of crime after being diagnosed with cancer. Both works explore the dangers of crossing the line into a life of crime and the consequences that come with it. The book’s unique blend of timeless themes, gripping narrative, and expert characterization make it a must-read for fans of the TV show.

The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade is a comprehensive history of the Mexican drug trade, revealing the 100-year history of an industry that started as a peaceful enterprise by farmers and healers and ended up being dominated by cartels and kingpins. The book is written by historian Benjamin T. Smith, who provides a myth-busting account of the trade and explains how it evolved over the years, affecting various aspects of Mexican society, including agriculture, medicine, economics, and the country’s relationship with the United States.

The book is based on extensive archival research, leaked DEA, Mexican law enforcement, and cartel documents, and dozens of interviews with key players in the trade. Smith introduces readers to a cast of vivid characters, including “queen pin” Ignacia Jasso, physician Leopoldo Salazar Viniegra, and Harry Anslinger, the founder of the American Federal Bureau of Narcotics. The stories of ordinary agricultural workers also provide a glimpse into the human cost of the trade.

The Dope is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of the current drug war violence, the U.S.-backed policies that have contributed to the violence, and the corruption on both sides of the border. Smith’s research and analysis provide new insights into drug use and the failure of drug enforcement, making the book an essential source of information for those looking to better understand the violence in the drug war and how old myths still shape Mexico in the American imagination today. It is also a good book to read after watching Breaking Bad as it provides a deeper understanding of the historical context of the drug trade and the real-life events and characters that inspired the popular TV show.

Where All Light Tends to Go by David Joy is a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and is in the country-noir tradition of Winter’s Bone and Breaking Bad. The story takes place in the area surrounding Cashiers, North Carolina, and focuses on Jacob McNeely, a young man seeking redemption in a cruel world.

Jacob’s father runs a well-organized meth ring, with local authorities turning a blind eye to his dealings. Jacob has been working for his father for years, all the while dreaming of reuniting with Maggie, his first love. However, a fatal mistake changes everything and Jacob is faced with a difficult choice: stay and appease his father or leave the mountains with Maggie.

In a place where family ties are strong and hope is hard to come by, Jacob must find the strength to rise above the only life he’s ever known. David Joy’s insightful writing makes this coming-of-age novel an intimate and extraordinary experience, as he explores the lives of these men and the region that bred them. The New York Times Book Review praises the book, calling it “remarkable” and “bone-cutting.” Where All Light Tends to Go is a good book to read after watching Breaking Bad for those interested in a deeper exploration of the world of meth and the consequences of criminal activity.

The Science of Breaking Bad, by Dave Trumbore and Donna J. Nelson, is a comprehensive guide to the scientific elements of the popular TV series Breaking Bad. Emmy-winner Bryan Cranston stars as Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who turns to a life of crime as a meth manufacturer. Through five seasons, Walt’s science is put to the test in a variety of ad hoc experiments and illicit meth making endeavors.

Trumbore and Nelson delve into the show’s scientific accuracy and evaluate its portrayal of chemistry, biology, physics, and their various sub-disciplines. They explain the science behind Walt’s DIY battery, the dangers of Mylar balloons, the use of hydrofluoric acid to dissolve bodies, and the chemistry of methamphetamine itself. Nelson, who served as the show’s science advisor, provides behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insight into her work with the show’s creator and writers. The book also features a foreword from Marius Stan, who played Bogdan on the show and is a PhD scientist.

The Science of Breaking Bad is a must-read for science buffs and Breaking Bad fans alike. Trumbore, a science and entertainment writer, and Nelson, a professor of chemistry, provide a scientific tour of the show’s most captivating moments, decoding the science behind Walt’s actions and exploring the feasibility of his ad hoc experiments. This book offers an in-depth look at the science behind Breaking Bad, providing a deeper appreciation of the show for its fans and a new perspective for those interested in the intersection of science and entertainment.

Head Wounds, by Michael McGarrity, is a story about Clayton Istee, the son of retired police chief Kevin Kerney, and his battle against an elusive Mexican hitman. The book follows Clayton as he tries to salvage his law enforcement career by investigating a double homicide at a Las Cruces hotel. The victims had been scalped and their throats cut, and the case shows all the signs of a signature hit.

As Clayton delves into the background of the victims, he discovers that they had walked away with $200,000 of a high-stakes gambler’s money six months prior, and that the crime had been hushed up by an undercover federal DEA agent. The agent resurfaces and recruits Clayton for a dangerous mission to seize the Mexican drug lord responsible for the killings.

Thrown into the violent world of borderland drug wars and corrupt law enforcement, Clayton finds himself in a fierce duel with a cunning assassin who is determined to kill him and his family. The climax of the Kevin Kerney series is sure to shock and surprise readers.

The story of Head Wounds can be compared to the popular TV show Breaking Bad, as it features themes of murder, revenge, and redemption in the context of a dangerous criminal underworld.

Bryan Cranston’s journey to becoming one of the most recognizable and celebrated actors of his generation is chronicled in his memoir, A Life in Parts. From a young age, Cranston was drawn to the world of acting, honing his skills by performing in school plays and re-enacting scenes from his favorite movies with his brother. However, when his father left the family, Cranston’s acting aspirations took a back seat to a more stable career in law enforcement. It wasn’t until a cross-country motorcycle journey that Cranston rediscovered his passion for acting and decided to pursue it as a career.

In A Life in Parts, Cranston offers an intimate look at his life, both on and off screen. He shares the story of his early years in the industry, from his time on the soap opera Loving to his recurring roles on Seinfeld and Malcolm in the Middle, to his Tony-winning performance in Broadway’s All the Way and, of course, his iconic role as Walter White in Breaking Bad.

Through his memoir, Cranston sheds light on the creativity, devotion, and hard work that goes into becoming a successful actor. He offers insights into the challenges and benefits of innate talent and the importance of maintaining one’s craft. With its blend of humor, grit, and emotional depth, A Life in Parts is a compelling read for fans of Breaking Bad and anyone interested in the world of acting.

Trainspotting is a novel by Irvine Welsh that has received critical acclaim, with Rebel, Inc. praising it as “the best book ever written by man or woman…deserves to sell more copies than the Bible.” This novel was the starting point of Welsh’s successful career and provides an in-depth look into the lives of a group of individuals in Edinburgh, Scotland, including junkies, rude boys, and psychos. The novel is raw and authentic, giving an unflinching portrayal of life in the gritty underbelly of society.

The characters of Rents, Sick Boy, Mother Superior, Swanney, Spuds, and Seeker are unforgettable and make Trainspotting a unique and thrilling read. The novel was adapted into a film in 1996 and became a cult classic, directed by Danny Boyle (A Shallow Grave) and starring Ewan MacGregor. Welsh’s writing style is both unflinching and exhilarating, making Trainspotting a must-read for those who enjoy a good, raw, and intense story.

Trainspotting is a novel that will stay with readers long after they have put it down. Its portrayal of life in the bleakest of circumstances and its cast of unforgettable characters make it a unique and compelling read. Whether it is read for its social commentary, its character studies, or simply for the thrill of it all, Trainspotting is a book that deserves its place in the pantheon of great literature.