Five books every student should read

The extensive summer months happily takes us all away from the stresses of university work and deadlines.

Although this sounds like heaven eventually boredom will inevitably set in.

Of course, ordinarily reading a book seems about as appealing as looking after five screaming children... Yes, you'd rather be sipping sangria in the sun, but soon enough money will run low and rainy days will be the norm.

Therefore getting stuck into a good novel may just be the cure.

1.Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susanne

A cult classic that will make you think the way up is certainly not the best way to go.

The story follows Neely, Anne and Jennifer, three beautiful girls living in New York chasing the ideals of fame and fortune.

Unfortunately for them this comes at a cost, as their worlds, one by one soon spiral out of control.

The story starts off slow; however don't give up as you'll soon be engrossed into a world of love, greed and tragedy.

2. Porno by Irvine Welsh.

Irvine Welsh's sequel to the classic Trainspotting takes look at the sordid world of pornographic film-making.

We catch up with Renton, Sick Boy and the rest of the gang ten years down the line to find they're still up to their usual tricks.

The boys are enticed by a pay-off scam they hope will be their last. This highly funny and utterly twisted book is a massively entertaining read that delves into the life of drugs, crime and betrayal - something the author delivers brilliantly again and again.

Part thriller, part mystery novel this book follows an ancient group, the Roman Catholic Church and conspiracies of secret societies in Rome.

Leanne Bennett

3. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.

The slightly less hyped original to the classic The Da Vanci Code.

Angels and Demons introduce readers to the world of Robert Langdon. Part thriller, part mystery novel this book follows an ancient group, the Roman Catholic Church and conspiracies of secret societies in Rome.

Similar to the style of The Da Vinci Code this book is certainly as exciting and intriguing. The novel has also been adapted into a feature film starring Tom Hanks.

4. Kill your Friends by John Nevin.

Set in London in 1997 this book follows Stelfox Bixthley, a central focus in the music industry who takes his greed to a new level.

He soon crosses shores in hope for his next hit record.

In a mist of cocaine-fuelled binges he takes his love for the business to desperate and murderous extremes.

This book reveals the backstabbing and contrite world of the record business and introduces the cut-throat characters behind this world.

5. The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenger.

This complicated but truly enduring love story reveals the lives of Henry De Tamble and Clare Abshirne.

When a 28 year old meets the 21 year old Clare nothing seems out of the ordinary - but Clare has known Henry her whole life. This is because he has a rare genetic disorder known as chrono-displacement that causes him to time travel.

The book takes readers on a journey through Clare's unusual childhood.

Often magical and thouroughly intriguing Niffenger's best seller will have you reaching for the tissues throughout.