On the hunt for your next 5-star summer read? We asked the Net Friends team to share books they couldn’t put down. From gripping legal thrillers to cozy fantasy favorites, this list has something for every type of reader. Oh, and there’s a cookbook tucked in here.
Whether you’re headed to the lake, swinging on the porch, or sneaking in a few pages between meetings, these Net Friends staff recommendations are the perfect additions to your summer reading stack! Find your next book from our Net Friends staff selections:
How Not to Die by Michael Greger
Recommended by Isaac Lyons, IT Expert
A part-cookbook, part-nutrition deep dive, this publication champions a plant-based diet with science-backed advice to help you live longer and healthier.
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
Recommended by Neelesh Patel, President
A mindset-shifting book on how to use your money to maximize life experiences; before it’s too late.
The 5 Principles of Parenting by Aliza Pressman
Recommended by Emily Dao-Forrester, Brand Manager
Written by a developmental psychologist, this practical, psychology-informed guide is a lifeline for modern parents. Emily enjoys the companion podcast Raising Good Humans too.
Network Effect by Martha Wells (Murderbot Diaries #5)
Recommended by Will Roberts, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Action-packed, smartly written, and emotionally charged, this installment in the Murderbot series is so good it got its own AppleTV adaptation.
Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman
Recommended by Olivia Strocsher, Procurement Specialist
A grim but poetic medieval fantasy, where a fallen knight journeys through plague-ridden Europe with a mysterious child. It’s haunting and beautiful.
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
Recommended by Susanna Perrett, Product Marketing Manager
For fans of reality TV and murder mysteries: think Survivor meets Lord of the Flies. A group of reality TV contestants are stranded on a remote island, and their game quickly turns deadly.
The Belgariad Quintet by David Eddings
Recommended by Isaac Lyons, IT Expert
A classic high-fantasy series perfect for fans of nostalgic, YA adventures. Isaac loves revisiting it like an old friend.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Recommended by both Susanna Perrett and Olivia Strocsher
A reimagining of David Copperfield, it is set in rural Appalachia. It’s poignant, raw, and widely praised by our team.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Recommended by Krysta Acevedo, CRM Specialist (and upvoted by Joel Abney, COO)
Beautiful prose and Polish folklore-inspired fantasy. Krysta calls it a mental escape you’ll want to finish in one sitting.
The Defense by Steve Cavanagh
Recommended by Susanna Perrett, Product Marketing Manager
Meet Eddie Flynn: a con artist turned lawyer. The courtroom scenes crackle, and the entire series is worth the binge.
Starter Villain by John Scalzi
Recommended by Will Roberts, Director of Strategic Partnerships
A comedic sci-fi romp with a hilarious cover. Think “corporate intrigue meets supervillains,” with a dose of absurdity.
The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook by Meredith Hayden
Recommended by Emily Dao-Forrester, Brand Manager
A vibrant cookbook packed with recipes that range from effortlessly simple to elevated classics, brought to you by TikTok’s beloved chef, Meredith Hayden.
Craving more great reads? Stay tuned for Part 2 of our summer book list, where we dive deeper into thrilling sci-fi adventures, epic fantasy sagas, and edge-of-your-seat mysteries. From Wayward Pines to Project Hail Mary, there’s plenty more to spark your next obsession!
Lastly, don’t miss out on our Summer Playlist too!
Take IT Off Your To-Do List.
Tech holding you back? Losing productivity to downtime?
Discover how we can simplify your tech and free up your time, contact us today.
At Net Friends, we believe in the power of human expertise. While we leverage AI to enhance our content and processes, all blog posts are written and edited by our knowledgeable staff. You can trust you are getting insights directly from our team.