We are reviewers, so yeah we get to read a lot of amazing content on a daily or weekly basis. But, we are also human, and all of us has had some horrible experience throughout our own epic journeys as reviewers. Thus behold this is what we delight ourselves in, what we tend to grab when we had a bad day on the job and we needed to review a not-so-great book, comic, game, movie, series, or manga title or when nostalgia hits and you just need to fall back into something great. From amazingly crafted magical words with dragons and wizards to a darker drama renowned for warmth and humor to the mouth of Mount Doom with a pitstop in sci-fi, these are the books we at The GWW call our guilty pleasures.
the hobbit
Published by: George Allen & Unwin (UK)
Written by: J.R.R Tolkien
Publication Date: 21 September 1937
Submitted by: Heather E. Houston
The Hobbit J. R. R. Tolkien September 21, 1937, Twelve-year-old me on my own form of life adventures discovered Middle Earth and The Hobbit from a gift given to my mom by her then-boyfriend. It was unlike anything else I had ever read, and Tolkien changed my entire perspective as I entered a world where the “little guy” can make a difference, go on a terrifying adventure, match wits with a dragon, and come out on the other side a bit singed but ultimately okay. He wasn’t the biggest jock on the playground or the most popular. He is the unlikeliest of heroes in that he is the one that no one wanted or believed in. Even Bilbo didn’t think he was cut out for adventure. Sometimes it calls to us though, and he went from the weakest link to the main strategist as the weeks stretched on. Fast-forward 28 years, and I now call her boyfriend Dad and love going back to The Hobbit as the book that will remain my rock. I’m on my 3rd copy and can knock it out in a day for nostalgia and/or comfort.
J.R.R Tolkien The Hobbit available on Amazon Price: $9.12
to kill a mockingbird
Published by: J. B. Lippincott & Co.
Written by: Harper Lee
Publication Date: 11 July 1960
Submitted by: Tara Woolfolk
I enjoy re-reading moving books, like “Underground Railroad”—okay, all things Colson Whitehead, and Helene Wecker’s “The Golem & the Jinni.” The following books tie with my favorite revisitation; they have diverging purposes.
One serves a need for reflection over time; Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” I first read it in grade school and am blown away by how it feels uniquely relevant each time I return. My perspective is consistent, yet details shift like sand.
Harper Lee To Kill a Mockingbird on Amazon Price: $6.86
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing
Written by: J. K. Rowling
Publication Date: 1 Oct 1999
Submitted by: Tara Woolfolk
The other book (series) serves my need for a vacation from real-life concerns, bound only by hardcovers and my imagination. I love all seven, but I chose the book I read alone after my nephew had me read him part of the first, but refused to let me hold it until his daily after-school return (hilariously obstinant). It is “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (aka, book 3 of 7). It is a bittersweet joy to get wrapped in this universe.
J.K Rowling Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban on Amazon Price: $13.97
Altered
Published by: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Written by: Jennifer Rush
Publication Date: 1 January 2013
Submitted by: DarkAngel
Altered is a riveting, action-packed genetically engineered thriller and debut in the Altered Saga written by Jennifer Rush. The 18-year-old protagonist, Anna Mason is a young, home-schooled girl who sneaks into a secret lab located beneath their farmhouse. Anna initially broke into the lab 4 years ago. Her father worked for a clandestine company called the Branch and was not cautious about codes, hence it did not take long before Anna deciphered the code and gained entry. Eight months ago, her dad asked for assistance in the lab. However, sneaking into the lab regularly proved to be more exciting than going down there with permission. And this is where the story starts.
So, what is in the lab? And why does Anna find herself sneaking down there at midnight? Genetically altered boys. Four of them to be exact. Monitored and received treatments, Anna’s role was to observe, record data, and adjust treatments when necessary. When the Branch decides that it is time to collect the boys (the units), they resist and escape. Forced by her father, a reluctant Anna leaves with the boys, with a promise made not to return and to stay away from the Branch. The only problem is, none of the boys have any recollection of their true identities before the lab. Let the adventure begin! That is the gist. Altered is a highly addictive, fast-paced, action-packed book with lots of plot twists and action. This is a quick read because you wouldn’t be able to put this one down.
Jennifer Rush Altered on Amazon Price: $16.95
the lord of the rings
Published by: Allen & Unwin
Written by: J.R.R Tolkien
Publication Date: 29 July 1954
Submitted by: Johann du Plessis
My escape from reality is possibly the standard for high-fantasy novels. Yes, from the brilliantly creative mind of possibly one of the best authors to have ever graced the face of the earth J.R.R Tolkien`s The Lord of The Rings. The epic adventure that runs from The Shire through Middle-earth and ends at the Cracks of Doom, is probably one of the most beloved stories to be ever told. And yes, this is my fallback, my escape from reality when I’m in desperate need of it.
Why? You might wonder, well it has everything in it from an amazing world filled with all manner of creepy and cruel to the most awe-inspiring settings to be ever captured in the written word. It has tense battles, funny moments, and a truly inspiring story. The absolute best part is, that Tolkien wrote this in a manner that anyone and everyone will take away something from this journey that they will love and cherish for many years to come. You could possibly disagree and rather watch the films, but believe me friends within the confines of this epic masterpiece is many an adventure that will be missed. So if you find yourself a bit nostalgic or in need of a story that will take your imagination to new heights, look no further than the Lord of The Rings.