Reading is a hobby that many people use to escape their own realities or immerse themselves in stories they can relate to or learn from. But the question is always, what do I read? The struggle of picking a book is real, especially when there are so many great (and not so great) ones out there. Whether you're looking to physically turn the pages of a novel on your summer beach vacation, scroll through a memoir on your tablet in bed, or listen along to an audiobook while you wash the dishes, astrology may be able to help you find your next read. Ahead, astrologers lay out what book you should check out based on your zodiac sign.
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Aries (March 21-April 19): Pride and Prejudice
T. Egerton, WhitehallThose born under the sign Aries are independent thinkers with big personalities—and will enjoy reading about characters they can relate to. "They are drawn to stories of determined, strong, and persistent people because they possess the qualities of a leader and a fighter," says Emily Newman, astrologer and founder of Best of Psychic Reader. "They will like something where the hero is able to overcome a big obstacle." Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, which follows headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy as they navigate romantic feelings and clashing personalities with the backdrop of Regency England, would be a perfect pick for Aries. It's a classic for a reason.
Taurus (April 20-May 20): It Happened One Summer
Harper Collins PublishersTaurus is a sensible and steady sign, but they are still drawn to beautiful things and exquisite aesthetics. Newman suggests they read books that "delve into the distinctions between external and internal beauty," and It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey does just that. This lighthearted romance brings a materialistic, high-maintenance woman into the small town world of a local fisherman—here she finds her heart more attached than she anticipates and begins to question some of her superficial ways. Another plus: Both the main characters are stubborn and headstrong, just like a Taurus.
Gemini (May 21-June 20): The Golden Couple
St. Martins Publishing GroupGeminis are a sassy sign who tends to focus on multiple things at a time. Jill Loftis, astrologer and founder of Nuit Astrology, says they live in a world of "ideas and thoughts," yet at the same time have very short attention spans. As the social butterflies of the zodiac who relish their ability to talk to anyone, she says "books with information they can share with others are ideal," just as long as it's not an 800-page slow burn. The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen is a quick and tense story that deals with a mysterious therapist and a married couple that might not be as perfect as they seem. The page-turner will keep Geminis on their toes as more secrets get revealed—and they'll certainly want to share all their plot theories at their next dinner party.
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Cancer (June 21-July 22): Last Summer at the Golden Hotel
Penguin Publishing GroupCancers are a nurturing sign associated with the concept of home, so it makes sense they are drawn to books with family dynamics as the central theme. Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland is a light contemporary novel that focuses on two families spanning generations as they try to save their hotel in the midst of societal changes. “Cancer people are sensitive,” says Newman—so this beach read is the perfect way to give them all the feels without making them too emotional.
Leo (July 23-August 22): The Power
Little Brown and CompanyLeos are fierce and have big personalities. According to Newman, this fire sign enjoys dystopian novels with a lot of flames because they offer the right mix of drama and suspense. A step up from The Handmaid’s Tale, The Power by Naomi Alderman flips the script and puts women entirely in charge. Similar to Leo, this book is bold with slightly mysterious elements, and according to Newman, "will prompt people to rethink reality.” This novel stands out, just like the Leos in your life.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Bossypants
Little Brown and CompanyVirgos don't take life too seriously, but they do value truth. This "grounded, analytical sign" will enjoy reading a book that touches upon everyday life and self-improvement—but can make them laugh while they better themselves, too. “People born under this sign aren't as serious as others, so a little bit of pointed humor may go a long way,” Newman says. Virgos will gobble up funnylady Tina Fey's memoir Bossypants, in which she recounts her life while offering meaningful advice and major giggles.
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Libra (September 23- October 22): Outlander
Random House Publishing GroupLibras are a social sign who may just be hopeless romantics at the root of it all. "Love and romance with a hint of sophistication speaks to them, as do rules and balance,” says Loftis. An attraction to elegance makes a romantic historical fiction a perfect read for this air sign. And since they also tend to be more indecisive in nature, a series with nine books that span over 600 pages, will make it so they won't have to decide anything for quite some time. Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon, the first in the series of the same name, is a love story for the ages peppered with time-traveling and historical events that will make you feel like you’re part of the action.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): The Push
Penguin Publishing GroupScorpios are a passionate sign that really knows how to lean into their emotions and can relate to deep connections among others—in life or a book. They also have a great depth and intensity, and are not put off by the more sinister or taboo parts of life. So, Loftis says novels with a "dark streak" are the best pick for this water sign. The Push by Ashley Audrain explores the darker side of a mother daughter relationship and will leave you questioning everything as you read.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life
Penguin Publishing GroupSagittarius, the most adventurous of the zodiac, is intrigued by the idea of long-distance travel. This "fun-loving and young sign" is on a mission to expand their mind and engage in things that will fill them with wonder, explains Newman—and if they can't hop on a plane and do it right at this moment, they can at least read about it in a book. In Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life, author William Finnegan will take you on a surfing trip all over the globe from San Francisco to Madagascar. But this autobiographical account tackles much more than waves, providing a deeper look at culture, friendship, and obsession. Surf's up!
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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): More Than Enough
Penguin Publishing GroupAs a sign that is incredibly organized and always seeking success, Capricorns are all about having authority and being in control. They have high aspirations for achievement, so Loftis shares that "books that help them climb the corporate ladder or improve themselves should be on their shelves." More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth, the multi-hyphenate former editor of Teen Vogue, will encourage you to shatter glass ceilings like she has throughout her career. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring and her debut book is one Capricorns won't want to miss!
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): My Year of Rest and Relaxation
Penguin Publishing GroupAquarius are inventive and quirky. People born under this sign do things their own way and are anything but conventional, so Newman says they'll enjoy reading something out of the box, like My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh. This novel examines the life of an unnamed female protagonist whose goal is to exist in a utopia of complete withdrawal from conscious thought—the catch is she decides to only take a year’s time to transform her entire outlook on life. Take this intense storyline that dives into some deep and uncomfortable feelings, coupled with the author's witty tone, and you've got the perfect unorthodox book for an Aquarius.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20): See You Yesterday
Simon and Schuster Books For Young ReadersPisces are influenced by their imagination and emotions, and will often fully immerse themselves in whatever they're doing—including a book! "They have a tendency to be a little untethered to reality," says Loftis, so she recommends reading something on the more spiritual or escapist side. See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a Groundhog Day style story where the two main characters can’t seem to stop reliving the same day—but each time it's a chance for them to grow closer, and to make you swoon.
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