The Best Book Genre for You, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Updated: Mar. 11, 2024

Whether you're an adventure-seeking Aries, an apocalyptic Aquarius or a rom-com-loving Taurus, here's how to choose the best books based on zodiac signs

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Need some creative inspiration for your next novel or literary obsession? Consider choosing books based on zodiac signs—ones you’ll identify with, according to the stars. Book genres and the zodiac have a distinct connection, as both are based in repeating patterns and recognizable symbols, which means that books based on your sign can offer insight into your own 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 books or nonfiction books, look for book recommendations that fit your own 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.”

To learn more about the history of this ancient symbolic practice, check out the best astrology books, and to add a few new favorite reads to your bookshelves, here are the best genres and books based on zodiac signs.

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Aries (March 21–April 19): 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. This includes thriller books and even page-turning short books or short stories that keep Aries readers racing through while on the edge of their seats. Aries energy can be fast and furious, ambitious and creative. “[Aries is] 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, as well as the idea of springing into action, so look for adventure novels that explore strange worlds and revise classics for new generations.

Taurus (April 20–May 20): Romance

How do you find a book based on zodiac signs as a Taurus? A Taurus is poised for happy endings, with nothing too complex or stressful, so Vetovich recommends romance books, especially cozy romances and fun rom-coms, for Taurean readers. Taurus is a sign of earthy comforts and sweet luxuries, big and small, and Taurus people 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.

Gemini (May 21–June 20): LGBTQ books

Gemini is a sign represented by twins—chatty, high-energy besties who are always having a conversation. Air sign Gemini is “diverse, broad and expansive,” says Vetovich, who recommends contemporary slice-of-life fiction and maybe something with a superhero vibe. For Gemini, the perfect books based on their zodiac sign might include plays and screenplays, because they love quick-paced conversation. The ideal novels are LGBTQ books, because these stories, especially romances, express modern society and cutting-edge modes of communication. If you’re a Gemini, pick up a book that arouses your curiosity and intellect.

Cancer (June 21–July 22): Women’s fiction

Cancer is the sign of intense emotions, so books based on zodiac signs for this person should nurture the body, mind and soul. Vetovich recommends “anything regarding family or found family.” Literary women’s fiction, books for women and novels filled with emotional depth are great choices. Look for family dramas and epics with themes around parenting and reparenting. Cancer is a sign that speaks to the inner child, so children’s books may also stir the heart of this moon-ruled sign. Cancers are also able to handle strong feelings and monumental passions, so tearjerkers and other sad books are definite Cancer territory.

Leo (July 23–Aug. 22): YA fiction

Leo is a fire sign known for zest, enthusiasm and confidence. Vetovich suggests young adult novels for this radiant sign, because they often depict “the thrill of life” and “a fun romp that’s expressive.” Leo bursts with positivity and is perfectly comfortable as the hero of their own story. Books based on zodiac signs for Leo also include energetic genres like book-to-movie adaptations or autobiographies. Because Leo struts with strong main-character energy, middle grade and young adult fiction are perfect to capture the daring glory of youth and the swagger of mythic adventure.

Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): Historical fiction

Virgos are known for their careful attention to the granular details, which means they’re bound to notice any typos as they take stock of a book’s font and binding. Virgo appreciates well-organized structure and heroines who are practical in romance and adventures of all sorts. Great writing that’s exacting without being overblown is also appreciated by this sign. Historical fiction is perfect for a Virgo’s demanding taste, as they can tune in to all those well-researched facts and minutia. Well-written feminist books and nonfiction that immerses the reader in technicality and trivia are also great choices.

Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22): Biographies

For Libra, courtroom dramas and legal process stories will light a fire (their sign is the scales of justice, after all). “Justice comes into Libra’s zone,” says Vetovich. They’ll also 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, reparation and 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): Mystery

Scorpio is a sign that’s not afraid. “[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 based on zodiac signs that are great for Scorpios include anything gothic with a detective at the center who delves into gritty worlds in search of truth. Mystery books are the perfect sagas to keep a Scorpio enthralled. They also won’t mind being immersed in a seedy, dark underworld, because they suspect it exists in the real world. Scorpios turn over the rocks many of us fear to touch and can also deal well with true crime and horror.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): Graphic novels

Of all types of readers, Sagittarius readers “have the binge vibe,” says Vetovich, who recommends comic book stories and graphic novels for Sagittarius, because they’ll love a “very visual medium that they can digest from the page.” Sagittarius is also drawn to serials and book series where they can keep going and going. They also have an enormous curiosity and love to read about people’s experiences. Look to books set in faraway places or that feature wild, unexpected adventures that leap off the page and into the imagination.

Capricorn (Dec. 22–Jan. 19): Classic novels

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. Vetovich 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 or other historical classics. Capricorn can also appreciate modern retellings of history, so it can grasp the groundwork and underpinnings of literature as a whole.

Aquarius (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): Science fiction

Aquarius has 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. Look to science fiction books (especially those with a social justice bent) for Aquarius, because they appreciate forward-thinking societies and aren’t afraid of things veering into the weird. Aquarius cares about people and values equity, but they can also see where communities turn sideways.

Pisces (Feb. 19–March 20): Fantasy

According to Vetovich, Pisces is a sign that 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. Pisces offers lyrical invention and can bring images into being. Magical realism, invented worlds, fairylands and creative reveries form the ideal books based on zodiac signs for dreamy, poetic Pisces. Look to fantasy book series that feature the fey, magicians, mythical creatures and adventurers who take you deep into allegory.

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