An addition to hyper-specific lists answering hyper-specific book requests, comes our Zodiac Reading List, offering 12 choice book recommendations for each star sign! Honouring those who hold zodiac signs and their connotations seriously, as well as those who don’t, it is a vetted list of great book titles for all:)
Aries: Bunny by Mona Awad
For the Aries that craves an intellectual challenge and is deeply entertained by the right balance of dark humour, we’d recommend Mona Awad’s Bunny. Following a group of students in a cutthroat and highly prestigious creative writing MFA program, Awad’s novel takes you to the dark and twisted cults of high-power college campuses. Samantha, a witty and ambitious woman who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo and fight for her place at the top, a truly Aries-approved protagonist, finds herself navigating peculiar and dangerous social dynamics as she finds herself being invited to a strange group of wealthy classmates, ‘The Bunnies’. The novel explores themes of ambition, the dark side of academia, and the competitive nature of artistic pursuits, all wrapped in a darkly funny narrative. With its sharp dialogue and unpredictable twists, Bunny is a thrilling ride that will keep your Aries fire burning.
Taurus: My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Ottessa Moshfegh’s darkly comedic novel My Year of Rest and Relaxation introduces us to an unnamed, disaffected young woman in New York City grappling with a profound sense of alienation. Inheriting a fortune, she embarks on an unorthodox quest for peace: methodically drugging herself to sleep for a year. As she navigates the strange dreamscapes of her unconscious, the outside world, including the looming shadow of 9/11, unfolds. This unconventional story might surprise a Taurus, known for their love of stability and comfort. But beneath the bizarre premise lies a profound exploration of dissatisfaction and the human desire for solace. It might spark curiosity in a Taurus reader, prompting them to question their routines and contemplate contentment’s meaning.
Gemini: Either/Or by Elif Batuman
Either/Or, the sequel to Elif Batuman’s The Idiot, picks up with Selin, our whip-smart protagonist, in her sophomore year at Harvard. Gone is the awkward freshman fumbling with Ivan in emails. Now, Selin craves real-life experiences – parties, sex, self-discovery – armed with her literary compass and a healthy dose of scepticism. Expect witty observations on academia, the absurdities of college life, and the messy pursuit of intimacy. A perfect summer read for a Gemini, with an intellectually curious protagonist that satisfies the zodiac’s thirst for experience, Batuman offers a captivating and stimulating literary journey through a text rife with email exchanges, wordplays and all manner of philosophical musings.
Cancer: Find Me by André Aciman
Find Me, by André Aciman, revisits the world of Call Me By Your Name, but with a twist. This time, we delve into the emotional journeys of Elio’s father, Samuel, and Oliver, Elio’s former love. A chance encounter on a train for Samuel sparks a new connection, while Oliver grapples with the lingering effects of his summer with Elio. The novel explores the enduring power of love, even after years have passed. This introspective novel makes for a great recommendation for Cancers, a zodiac known for its deep emotions and nostalgia. As Aciman’s rich characters explore past loves and the impact they have on the present, the novel becomes increasingly intimate and poignant, offering an opportunity for resonance. Centred on themes of connection, family, and second chances, Find Me is sure to stir Cancer’s empathetic nature.
Leo: Forest of Enchantment by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Craving a story with a fiery heroine at its centre? Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Forest of Enchantments might be your perfect match. Retelling the classic Indian epic, Ramayana, but from the perspective of Sita, a strong and independent woman, Chitra’s revisionist tale offers a main character that resembles Leo’s core energy, that of empowered leadership and an unwavering commitment to the self. While you witness Sita’s journey through love, exile, and challenges, the book also explores the stories of other women, some misunderstood and underestimated. If you enjoy unravelling complexities and rooting for underdogs, this narrative is sure to satisfy your desire for justice. An adventure that’s both familiar and fresh, The Forest of Enchantments is filled with the courage and resilience that defines a true Leo.
Virgo: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, is a classic coming-of-age story that takes us to the beloved and lovable March sisters: Meg, the eldest yearning for a life of luxury; Jo, the tomboyish writer with big dreams; Beth, the gentle music lover; and Amy, the artistic youngest. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, showcasing the socio-political through intimate portrayals of the March women, the novel explores crucial themes that are sure to resonate with Virgos, namely responsibility, self-improvement, and the importance of family. With its focus on growth and self-discovery, as well as the story’s arc as one that moves from idealism to matured practicality, Little Women is a timeless tale that Virgos of all ages will find relatable and heartwarming.
Libra: On Beauty by Zadie Smith
This is a recommendation for the thoughtful and aesthetically-minded Libra, but not for the reasons you’d guess. Smith’s On Beauty, an adaptation of Forster’s Howards End, narrates the intertwined stories of two families living in a fictional, Cambridge-like city outside Boston. Appeasing Libra’s inner diplomat with delightful and constant back and forths, the novel is masterful in its nuanced portrayal of the love-hate relationship between the competitive but friendly Kipps and Belseys. Wittily exploring the lives of a mixed-race family caught between the cultural clashes of the US and UK, On Beauty threatens to challenge the zodiac’s love for balance, taking us to families that are constantly flustered by their opposing political views, artistic temperaments, and matters of love. But worry not. Libras are bound to find succour in Smith’s sharp observations, as well as her unique ability to find harmony amidst chaos.
Scorpio: How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie
Bella Mackie’s wickedly funny revenge tale makes for a delicious treat for all Scorpios with a taste for the dark! Meet Grace Bernard, a scorned Scorpio like yourself, fuming over her absentee millionaire father who callously abandoned her and her mother. A fiery protagonist who refuses to take anything lying down, Grace hatches a devious plan to eliminate her entire family, one by one, with a darkly comedic twist. As Grace recounts her exploits from her prison cell (wrongfully convicted), you’ll be captivated by her sharp wit and unflinching determination. This thrilling ride explores themes of betrayal, class warfare, and the lengths we go to for justice – a perfect recipe for a Scorpio’s night in.
Sagittarius: Book of Chocolate Saints by Jeet Thayil
Saunter into a world of artistic chaos with Jeet Thayil’s The Book of Chocolate Saints. This novel is a wild ride through the life of Newton Francis Xavier, an artist teetering between brilliance and self-destruction. Expect a kaleidoscopic narrative, with Xavier’s story told through various voices and styles. This book quite literally mirrors the soul of the fiery Sagittarius, specifically the archer’s love for authentic wandering exploration. The novel journeys through the underbelly of Delhi and the art scene of Manhattan. Moving through Xavier, and journeying through his relentless pursuit of self-discovery and a battle with a world devoid of easy answers, the plot and its protagonist are sure to resonate with Sagittarius’ spirit and quests. A daring exploration of art, faith, and the human condition, Thayil’s Book of Chocolate Saints is perfect for a Sagittarius craving a literary adventure or even relatable protagonists.
Capricorn: Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel
Induct yourself into the treacherous and immaculate Tudor court of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. An award-winning novel that chronicles the rise of Thomas Cromwell, a cunning and ambitious commoner, Wolf Hall navigates the dangerous web of King Henry VIII’s desires. Capricorn readers will find themselves enthralled by Cromwell’s strategic brilliance and unwavering determination. As he navigates a labyrinth of political machinations, his shrewd mind and meticulous planning will resonate with Capricorn’s natural pragmatism and goal-oriented nature. With its rich historical detail and suspenseful plot, Wolf Hall offers a captivating exploration of power, loyalty, and survival that will leave a lasting impression.
Aquarius: Biopeculiar by Gigi Ganguly
Aquarians, the water bearers of the zodiac, are known for their unique blend of traits that make peculiar fiction a perfect fit for them. And Gigi Ganguly’s Biopeculiar is the peculiar book you need to read. Pitched as ‘odd stories about the natural world’, it is a collection on climate unlike any other. From stories where dolphins get high to a world of cloud characters and cloud-herders (like sheep-herders), Ganguly’s speculative fiction curiously toes the line between fact and fantasy as it offers a collection of fun, whimsical, stimulating and intelligent stories for the odd, empathetic and new-seeking reader! Fiction that isn’t afraid to get weird, often delving into complex concepts and philosophical questions, speculative stories like these offer the intellectual challenge that keeps the Aquarius mind engaged.
Pisces: Drive Your Plow Over The Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
In the snowy Polish countryside lives Janina, a recluse with a passion for astrology and animal rights. When a neighbour is found dead, Janina, convinced it’s not murder but animal retribution for his poaching, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. The police dismiss her theories, but Janina, fueled by intuition and a deep connection to nature,delves into a world of cryptic clues and hidden meanings. This is more than a murder mystery; it’s a philosophical exploration of empathy, justice, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Pisces, known for their empathy and spiritual awareness, will resonate with Janina’s fight for a world where balance is restored. Prepare to be swept away by a unique and thought-provoking story.
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