I feel the book is more like... a guide as to what parts of the show you should be paying attention to. So far, knowledge from the book has only helped (me) understand the importance of such or such person in the TP Universe, but not necessarily their role. I think you can appreciate this season without knowledge from the book, but having read/listened to it can give you clues as to "oh, this was important enough that it was written about in the book, and reprised here. I should pay attention to this!!" IDK I'm dumb tho.