The Best Books to Read This Year, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Updated: Jul. 25, 2024
Two astrologers help us reimagine the zodiac signs as books and book genres so you can find the best reads for you
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Need some creative inspiration for your next novel selection or literary obsession? Consider the zodiac signs as books—ones you’ll identify with, according to the stars. Book genres and the zodiac have a distinct connection, as both are based on repeating patterns and recognizable symbols, which means that books based on your sign can offer insight into your history and experiences. “Books are modern myths,” says KristaLyn A. Vetovich, known as the Storytelling Astrologer. “They help to draw the ancient into the present in a way that we can feel it.”
Stories unfold similarly to astrology, and the best books and genres align with the zodiac archetypes to offer purpose and an understanding of life’s cycles and patterns. So whether you’re choosing fiction or nonfiction, look for book recommendations that fit your zodiac sign or help you feel a certain way. “A horror book can give you an outlet for your fear if you haven’t been able to express it,” Vetovich says. “Thrillers can give you something to fixate on if you need to release some anxious energy. A fantasy book can give you an escape, and cozy fiction will give you permission to rest.”
You could pick up some astrology books and piece together your ideal book genre based on the research. But we asked two astrologers to do the hard work for you. They looked at the zodiac signs as books and book genres to help guide your reading. Find your sign below, then learn about the types of books that are bound to move you.
Join the free Reader’s Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.
Aries (March 21–April 19)
Genre: Action-adventure
Aries is the fiery first sign of the zodiac, so it should come as no surprise that books filled with action and adventure are ideal. If you were born under this sign, reach for thriller books—they’ll have you racing through pages while on the edge of your seat.
Aries energy can be fast and furious, ambitious and creative. “[Aries are] the fires of creation, where things start, and where action happens,” Vetovich says. “Really great sword-fighting scenes would be perfect for Aries.” This sign is associated with the beginning of spring and the idea of springing into action, so look for adventure novels that let you explore strange new worlds.
Taurus (April 20–May 20)
Genre: Romance
Taurus is a sign of earthy comforts and sweet luxuries, big and small. People with the sign of the bull appreciate books that arouse the senses and offer immersion into pleasure and fun—think feel-good books and beach reads that you can curl up with or take on vacation. Any knots in the plotlines should unravel with ease and charm.
So if we’re considering the zodiac signs as books, Taurus is totally romance. These folks are poised for happy endings, with nothing too complex or stressful in the mix. Vetovich recommends romance books of all types but says Taurean readers will especially love cozy romances and fun rom-coms.
Gemini (May 21–June 20)
Genre: Humor and LGBTQ+ books
Gemini is a sign represented by twins—chatty, high-energy besties who are always having a conversation. This air sign is “diverse, broad and expansive,” says Vetovich, who recommends contemporary slice-of-life fiction. When it comes to zodiac signs as books, Geminis are the LGBTQ reads of the bunch. People born under this sign will love stories that reflect modern society, as well as plays and screenplays with quick-paced conversation.
Alternatively, astrologer and author Andrea Hannah suggests adding comedy to your book collection. “More than any other sign, Gemini loves to laugh,” she says. “Give any Gem a rom-com with a unique premise and witty banter, like The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton, to fill their fun-loving hearts.”
Even better? Combine the two recommendations and fill your to-be-read pile with laugh-out-loud funny LGBTQ+ titles.
Cancer (June 21–July 22)
Genre: Women’s fiction
Cancers are known for their intense emotions, so books based on this zodiac sign will nurture the body, mind and soul. Vetovich recommends “anything regarding family or found family.” Literary fiction, women’s fiction and novels filled with emotional depth are great choices. Look for family dramas and epics with themes around parenting. Cancer is a sign that speaks to the inner child, so children’s books may also stir the heart of this moon-ruled sign.
With an ability to handle strong feelings and monumental passions, Cancers appreciate sad books for their ability to engage empathy and elicit an emotional response.
Leo (July 23–Aug. 22)
Genre: YA fiction
Leo is a fire sign known for zest, enthusiasm and confidence. Vetovich suggests people born under this radiant sign pick up a young adult novel because it’s likely to depict “the thrill of life” and will be “a fun romp that’s expressive.”
Leos burst with positivity and are perfectly comfortable as the heroes of their own stories. With strong main-character energy, Leos will appreciate the way young adult fiction perfectly captures the daring glory of youth and the swagger of mythic adventure.
Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
Genre: Historical fiction
Virgos are known for their careful attention to detail, so when it comes to reading, they appreciate a well-organized structure and great writing that’s exacting without being overblown. Heroines who are practical in romance and adventures are a bonus for this sign. So what’s a Virgo to read? Historical fiction is perfect for their demanding taste, as they can tune in to all those well-researched facts and historical minutiae.
Well-written feminist books and nonfiction that immerses the reader in technicality and trivia are also great choices for this zodiac sign.
Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
Genre: Biographies and legal dramas
“Justice comes into Libra’s zone,” says Vetovich, who recommends courtroom dramas and stories centered on the legal system. This zodiac sign’s symbol is the scales of justice, after all.
Beyond that, Libras will find inspiration in true stories, like the best biographies, because they value integrity and equality. Libras are especially moved by biographies of social justice figures and people who’ve worked toward amends and reparations, as well as those who live by a credo of truth.
This sign’s sociable nature also aligns with stories that read like etiquette manuals or novels that delve into inclusive social scenes. If you haven’t noticed, Libra bridges divides across vast differences (and genres!).
Scorpio (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)
Genre: Mystery
Scorpios aren’t afraid to dive deep (they’re a water sign, after all!)—when it comes to life or fiction. That’s why, when looking at the zodiac signs as books, astrologers pick out mystery titles. “[Scorpios] like to go really deep with things,” says Vetovich. “They can handle big feelings, and they like mysteries because they seek depth and piecing things together.”
Books with a detective at the center who delves into seedy, dark worlds in search of truth are perfect for this sign. And mystery book series are the perfect sagas to keep Scorpios enthralled.
If you were born under this sign, don’t hesitate to branch out beyond mysteries. Scorpios will turn over the rocks many of us fear to touch and can also deal well with true crime and Gothic horror. Even dark fantasy is a good pick. Case in point: “Scorpio loves to explore the gritty underbelly of this world—or any world,” says Hannah. “With Leigh Bardugo’s signature penchant for dark magic and deadly secrets, The Familiar is just the fantasy novel to deliver the depths they crave.”
Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)
Genre: Graphic novels and globe-trotting adventures
Of all readers, Sagittarians “have the binge vibe,” says Vetovich, who recommends graphic novels for this sign. Sagittarians will love the “very visual medium that they can digest from the page,” they say. Plus, folks with this sign are drawn to serials and book series where they can keep going and going and going.
“Sagittarius is always one bad day away from hopping the next international flight and starting a new life,” says Hannah. With their enormous curiosity, they can look to books set in faraway places or that feature wild, unexpected adventures that leap off the page and into the imagination. She recommends “a twisty, globe-trotting adventure like A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke to quell the travel bug … for now.”
Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
Genre: Classic novels and retellings
Symbolized by the sea goat, Capricorn is serious and likes to understand the foundations of things. Vetovich says Capricorns are great at building knowledge and are the type to delve into history textbooks because they want to know what happened and why.
She recommends classic novels for this studious zodiac sign, “stuff they can have a great discussion about at a collegiate level.” This could mean books by Charles Dickens, foundational literature like the Iliad—we recommend Emily Wilson’s revelatory translation—or other historical classics. Capricorns can also appreciate modern retellings of history, which help them grasp the groundwork and underpinnings of literature as a whole.
Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)
Genre: Science fiction and dystopian
Aquarians have a searing intelligence and the ability to look unflinchingly at difficult social problems and issues. “They’re always ahead of their time,” says Vetovich. “They’ll be the ones in the dystopia saying, ‘I told you this was gonna happen.'” And that’s why dystopian fiction and apocalyptic stories are ideal for Aquarian readers. They’ll groove on stories set in the future that focus on technology and innovation.
If this is your sign, you’ll love science fiction books too, especially those with a social-justice bend. Aquarians like you appreciate forward-thinking societies and aren’t afraid of things veering into the weird. They care about people and value equity, but they can also see where communities turn sideways.
Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20)
Genre: Fantasy
According to Vetovich, Pisces appreciates mythological retellings and anything with imagination and lore woven throughout. “Pisces brings out stuff they can’t put names to and puts it into a world,” they say. This sign offers lyrical invention and can bring images into being. Magical realism, invented worlds, fairylands and creative reveries form the ideal books for dreamy, poetic Pisces.
“Immersive fantasy is a big hit with imaginative Pisces, but add in a mega dose of romantic tension, and you’ll send them to another realm,” adds Hannah. “A Dark and Drowning Tide by Alison Saft is chock-full of the lush, spine-tingling romance that will keep them turning the pages.”
Hungry for more? Look to fantasy book series that feature the magicians, mythical creatures and adventurers who take you deep into allegory.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more books, zodiac, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
About the experts
|
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’ve been sharing our favorite books for over 100 years. We’ve worked with bestselling authors including Susan Orlean, Janet Evanovich and Alex Haley, whose Pulitzer Prize–winning Roots grew out of a project funded by and originally published in the magazine. Through Fiction Favorites (formerly Select Editions and Condensed Books), Reader’s Digest has been publishing anthologies of abridged novels for decades. We’ve worked with some of the biggest names in fiction, including James Patterson, Ruth Ware, Kristin Hannah and more. The Reader’s Digest Book Club, helmed by Books Editor Tracey Neithercott, introduces readers to even more of today’s best fiction by upcoming, bestselling and award-winning authors. For this piece on the zodiac signs as books, Molly Pennington tapped her experience as a journalist and professional astrologer to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Andrea Hannah, astrologer and author of The Maker’s Guide to Magic; email interview, July 12, 2024
- KristaLyn A. Vetovich, astrologer and author; interviewed February 2023
Originally Published: March 11, 2024
