The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
This is a beautifully written book by the great Ernest Hemingway about an old Cuban fisherman and his battle with a great Marlin. Yet it is about much more than an old man and the sea, and provides a gripping read. A book every man should read to teach us how to be a man, this will undoubtedly help to relieve all the stresses of the busy exam period.
Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut
Sarcastic, sidesplittingly hilarious, and overly honest, Kurt Vonnegut pulls no punches in his thoughtful exploration of America. Breakfast of Champions will have you laughing through your procrastination, reminding you that no matter how cynical you might be, there will always be someone even more so. A great reminder when you’re stuck in the library.
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
Told in the style of a series of vignettes, Me Talk Pretty One Day is the fascinating, sometimes unbelievable, story of the drug-addled artistic youth of David Sedaris. Each episode is short enough to fill a reasonable break from revision and so far removed from your everyday life as to provide a wonderful escape. A must read for stressed out artistic types.
Complete Prose by Woody Allen
Woody Allen’s short stories and plays are perfect for a quick study break that may or may not stretch out for a few hours. When you want a bit of classic self-deprecation, but can’t justify watching Manhattan or Annie Hall, because watching films would be admitting procrastinatory defeat, Allen’s writing will tide you over and wipe all your worries away.
Anger Management for Beginners by Giles Coren
Here infamous food critic and author Giles Coren takes us on a whimsical journey of every little thing that sends rage through his body. From sex to vegetarians to everything in between, no stone is left unturned. Be warned fans of the Harry Potter series, his wrath knows no bounds as he decimates JK Rowling. You’ll be managing your anger in no time.