Welcome to Twin Peaks

by Scott Knickelbine

A guide to the "Twin Peaks" phenomenon offers a summary of the first season, descriptions of the characters, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creators and cast of the series

Genres: Fiction, Film, Tv, Media Tie In

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 1990

Reviews

[Sammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look, we have to be honest: this is a tie-in book written to capitalise on the series shortly before its second season aired. That isn't a bad thing: it contains character descriptions, short actor bios, a first-season episode guide, and backgrounds on the creators, the music and the criticism of the series. Knicklebine writes clearly and with great knowledge of the nine-hours of source material available to him. (Occasionally, his prose slips and seems un-edited, but not often)

When I started reading this, I thought it had nothing to offer viewers 20 years after the series. However, this book is a treasure trove in some ways, for the contemporary opinions it possesses. Recounting interviews with Mark Frost, David Lynch, Julee Cruise and the cast, we get to see some uncensored elements of their feelings on the show, elements of which were certainly new to me.

This is certainly not the satisfying read it was in 1990. Obviously, much of the plot speculation and industry discussion is redundant. But that's not this book's fault: it still contains interesting tidbits for Peaks fans. If you're not a Peaks freak, though, you'd be best off just browsing the internet for info.

[Ville Verkkapuro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A silly little book or booklet about Twin Peaks, the TV show that is way more than a TV show. An exciting dive into the world of Twin Peaks, a lovely visit. Nothing special though.
It goes through the episodes, characters, Lynch etc.
I would've wanted something a bit more, especially the recap of season 1 seemed a bit unnecessary and dragging.
Also a nice companion for the new biography/autobiography by David Lynch.
A must-have for all the nerds, but nothing special.

[Jodi Lu · Rating 2 out of 5]

really, making this at all cool would have been unrealistic anyways but it's a noble attempt.

[Jemiah Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little pamphlet takes its "identity" as a guide to the fictional town very seriously - and yet never too much so, as it is constantly winking, nudging, and making bad jokes to remind the reader that it's all a goof. Nonetheless it contains some startlingly relevant and prescient information that can definitely enhance anyone's experience with the series. Also contains hilarious pictures of Lynch and Frost goofing, in costume, for the camera, as two townies as kooky as everyone else who lives in that charming, doomed little slice of America. Copies were easily obtained as of the summer of 2017; that may well have changed by the time of this reading. It's worth it to track down a copy and read it, though it's not worth a ton of money to obtain. It's basically a great book to read while on the commode. (Reading dates approximate.)

[Nikolas Kalar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though it's been twenty-nine years since the book was published, it is still a nifty little read. Even now, knowing where Twin Peaks ends up in both its narrative and in the cultural canon, things the author doesn't and couldn't have known, it is an interesting read. The comments from the cast and crew at the time of filming, seeing the cultural response to those early seasons, provides a version of a time capsule that is quick and easy to read, if not entirely new.

[Johnny Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an unauthorised guide to Twin Peaks that was later pulled from the shelves.

[William · Rating 1 out of 5]

Might as well read Wikipedia instead. Mostly just a recap of the TV show.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I watched every episode of Twin Peaks. This is the episode guide..a vain attempt to try and make sense of the show that will never make sense.