Summer reading is upon us, and whether you’re just getting back into the reading groove or simply craving some inspiration to get you started, look no farther than the stars. These book recommendations are hand-picked to match your zodiac sign, but don’t limit yourself—explore the full list and pay close attention to the books matching your Sun and Ascendant signs. Happy reading!
Aries
Aries, we love your courage and independent spirit. There’s no guessing games with you and thank goodness! Your Mars-ruled nature carries a strong forward momentum with a thirst for adventure and freedom, whether expressed outwardly or evidenced in your internal life. Either way—books about travel, identity, and the fierceness of the human spirit may be just the ticket.
Oranges are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Taurus
Taurus, child of indulgent Venus and dilettante of the practical, you never fail to teach us the importance of creature comforts and maintaining a life that is healthy for body and mind. You have an innate understanding of your own needs and boundaries, and your will does not falter easily. Find stories of resolve and growth to nurture your spirit—whether fantastical or pragmatic, these themes will bring you home.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Gemini
Gemini, container of multitudes and precious baby of the literary world—you haven’t been forgetting to visit the library lately, have you? You’re at home in stories and love to exchange information in all its forms. Whether in conversation, comics, books, movies, and more, you’re energized by the dynamic world and our collective multiplicity. Excite your agile mind with these tales and talks—you’re always better off when surrounded by new ideas.
Animal Joy by Nuar Alsadir
Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke
Cancer
Don’t mess with the crab or mother moon will come for you! Cancer, you are a timely reminder that home is worth caring for and defending. Softness is the ultimate strength, and your fierce advocacy for yourself and your loved ones is an urgent invitation: love requires action, and family is not happenstance. Let these stories take you on an emotional journey—some emo, angry, or proud—and remind you that safety comes in many forms.
Margaret and the Mystery of the Missing Body by Megan Milks
Women Talking by Miriam Toews
Leo
Leo, the illuminator and champion, we are all blessed by your light. Like the summer’s hottest months, your solar brilliance brings to fruition the best and brightest ideas, and your radiance reminds us of the central joy of the human experience: being ourselves is being our best. You excel at celebrating the individual, and you may want to begin with these stories of hope, joy, and candor—for our brightest moments begin with a bit of honesty.
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
Virgo
There are so many Virgo librarians, and for good reason: you are caring, knowledgeable, and want to see everyone at their best. After the summer rush you ask us: wait, why are we doing this? Your prioritization is a vital reminder that intentions without follow-through are meaningless, and excellence requires hard work. Give studious perfection a break and relax into tales of learning, discerning, and turning over a new leaf.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang
Libra
Libra, balanced at the center of the Zodiac between Summer’s rush and Winter’s resolve, how do you make it look so easy? More than anyone, you know that diplomacy and social grace are not happenstance, so lay down the burden and dive into an aesthetic experience with these lush stories full of art and artifice. Let the authors do the curating, okay?
Blackouts by Justin Torres
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Scorpio
Dive into the deep waters of Scorpio and you may never return. Not everyone is cut out for the honest truths found at the bottom of the well, but you understand that honesty is kinder than just being nice, and groveling won’t get you anywhere worthwhile. Cut to the chase and sink into these bold and honest stories —it won’t always be comfortable, but easy isn’t worth it.
Bad Gays by Huw Lemmey and Ben Miller
Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder
Sagittarius
Aim the bow and let that arrow fly, baby! Whether you’re seeking Truth, a new adventure, or just an impeccable party vibe—Sag is the one-stop guide. Being the smartest in the room has never looked so easy, felt so fun, or been as unassuming as you make it to be. Some of the best journeys take place on the way to new ideas, so grab your bag and take off to new horizons with books of grand ideas, exciting travels, and an openness to what may come.
The Fraud by Zadie Smith
All Fours by Miranda July
Capricorn
There’d be no fun and games without your diligence and reasonability, Capricorn. Without you the world might just fall apart—forgetting to leave the light on for what’s yet to come. You have an eye for the future, a mind for the pragmatic, and your resolve and determination are hard to come by. There’s a lot of hard work ahead of us, but why not have some fun imaging what it all might amount to? Dive into these tales about hope for the future and the ravages of time—after all, our wildest dreams begin with what we do today.
North Woods by Daniel Mason
A Half Built Garden by Ruthanna Emrys
Aquarius
Aquarius, you’re impossible to pin down! But more than anyone you understand that mystery is half the fun of it. Why make labels when you can contain multitudes? You understand humanity on a collective level; you’re a vessel for the beauty, insanity, and undeniable weirdness of what we are. Like a cheerleader shouting, “Yes! Sure! Do whatever!” you’re a necessary reminder that we all have a unique beat to bounce to. Celebrate the indefatigable human (or alien, robot, etc.) spirit with these stories of individuals who are alone in their journeys, but common in their search for meaning.
Murderbot by Martha Wells
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Pisces
We’ve reached the final stop on the merry-go-round and it’s never been weirder. You’ve seen it all, been there done that, and still have a taste for more. Some might accuse you of being lost in the sauce, but it’s not life if you haven’t sampled every flavor, no? There’s a deep wisdom and empathy swimming through your spirit—something anyone around you has benefitted from. You’re not afraid to bask in the grand mystery of it all, so rest your mind and fill your heart with these stories of curiosity, kindness, and a sense of awe.
A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers
Atlas of the Heart Brene Brown
Bio
Mason Neil, SPL Resident Astrologer
Mason is a Cancer Rising ruled by a Gemini Moon—a perfect recipe for working in literacy and fostering community in the library setting. They love cats, dogs, butterflies, raccoons, otters and even rats!
