Whether you want to be a freelance writer in the video game world, master a Hispanic recipe or two, or learn how to finally clean up your act and cast aside personal demons, books can definitely be the answer and your saving grace

Although some of the following may require a bit of time to comprehend, each of these books are absolutely worth a read. Without further ado, here are five books that will warm your heart, heal your soul, place your life on the right track and more.

Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Write
by Nathan Meunier

“Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Write: The Freelance Guide to Video Game Journalism,” written by seasoned freelance writer Nathan Meunier, is a wonderful book which aims to educate the aspiring freelance writer who wishes to conduct business within the video game spectrum.

Meunier’s book, which currently sells for $14.99 via Amazon, includes 32 informative chapters and 230 humorous yet absolutely essential pages, ranges from getting started as a freelance writer to conducting business as an industry professional.

Not knowing how to begin a freelance career can be incredibly daunting and may stray aspiring writers away from their hopes and dreams, but “Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Write” provides the reader with a simplistic approach to the profession which can eliminates the initial fear of getting started.

The book will hold your hand and guide you towards success if utilized properly. It’s absolutely worth a read and is mostly, although not exclusively, meant for those who want to write for large video game publications.

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
by Jordan B. Peterson

Life is a struggle, and it’s even worse for those without a complete sense of direction. “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos,” written by the controversial Jordan B. Peterson, is a book which provides structure for those who are without.

Although this book requires a bit of reading comprehension, as it takes a little time to digest and wrap your head around a few of Peterson’s examples, it does manage to hit home and serve as an eye-opener for those with whom it resonates.

As the name suggests, there are 12 rules, or chapters, included in this book which are meant to lead lost individuals down the right path while avoiding “chaos.” Chapters like “Standing up straight with your shoulders back” and “Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street” are simple chapters to understand but impact life greatly.

Peterson’s book is a #1 national bestseller and #1 international bestseller.

Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions
By Russell Brand

English funny man and actor, Russell Brand, has written a book called “Recovery: Freedom From Our Additions” which takes a honest, yet witty, stroll down recovery lane.

“Recovery,” is retailing on Amazon for $16.07 and takes a derivative yet helpful and honest approach through the 12 steps of recovery found within the organization, Alcoholics Anonymous.

Brand’s approach to the 12 steps of recovery can tend be comedic at times, but this perspective often provides a more pleasurable and digestible read. Rather than supplying the reader with a boring “this is what you did wrong and here’s how to fix it,” attitude, Brand manages to take a more down-to-earth slant on recovery by implementing personal examples and behaviors.

This, in essence, allows the reader to feel a sense of community, as they are not alone in the struggle and gridlock that is addiction.

The Red Sea Bride
By Sylvia Fowler

Although riddled with typos, “The Red Sea Bride,” written by Sylvia Fowler, is absolutely worth a read.

This 20 chapter book, which sells on Amazon for $14.99, includes a tale of love, trust, family, oppression and more, as a young Western woman converts to Islam for the love of her life and moves to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for roughly 20 years.

As a young woman with dreams and strength of her own, and a young child to boot, Sylvia must choose between a life of oppression or independence, which the latter is definitely hard to come by for women in the Middle East.

Like Water for Chocolate
By Laura Esquirel

“Like Water for Chocolate”, written by Laura Esquirel and sells – at the time of this writing – for $9.70 via Amazon, is quite the love story which takes place over the course of a year.

This Hispanic novel highlights a young and spirited girl named Tita who is very much in love with a young man named Pedro. Although they wish to be together forever, completely enchanted by love and lust, alternative events prove otherwise which makes for a spicy yet delicious read.

This book also provides the reader with original and tasty Mexican-style dishes, ranging from baked goods to turkey mole with almonds and sesame seeds. There are 12 recipes in all, each for every month of the year.