25 novels that should be read by journalism students

A list of 25 novels of interest to journalism students has been compiled by the blog of  OnlineCollege.org. It says it created the list because of how  literature and journalism so frequently hook up:

"Students really should explore this bizarre, beautiful and wholly logical relationship before embarking on a journalism career," says the organization, which provides information about online learning of all kinds. "Even though the industry's shape changes considerably along with inevitable technological upgrades, the lessons to be learned in history remain the same."

The top five novels listed are:

• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson: Easily considered the quintessential work of gonzo journalism, this classic novel transports readers to the darkest pockets in the "American Dream." Part memoir, part fiction, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas makes for an essential read when exploring different literary movements.
• Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathanael West: "Miss Lonelyhearts" is actually a frustrated newspaper columnist ashamed with his advice column and foolhardy boss. Pitch-black comedy ensues, including horrifically, hilariously misjudged sex with both the boss' wife as well as a pushy regular reader.
• Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh: Louse Fitzhugh's most beloved read might target young adult audiences, but can still delight students looking for a little nostalgia. Harriet M. Welsch makes more than her fair share of mistakes, but her pluck, determination and attachment to her spy notebook make her a fun, fictional investigative journalist.
• Bel Ami by Guy Maupassant: Former military man Georges Duroy manages to land a career in journalism, from which he begins professionally ascending. Unfortunately, he does so through manipulation, charm and other means of a scoundrel, preying mostly on successful women.
• Bunker 13 by Aniruddha Bahal: Despite debuting to worldwide acclaim, Bunker 13 still won the 2003 Bad Sex in Fiction Award, given by Literary Review. Journalism students with a love of spy action, sex and drugs might want to check out this tale of a magazine reporter serving as a double agent between Indian and Pakistani intelligence.