What You Should Read This Fall, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Curl up with a read guided by the stars.
Photos: Anastasiia Krivenok/Getty Images
September 22nd will bring the fall equinox, and in the blink of an eye, we'll all begin to notice the change of season. And for many of us, this will mean the autumnal breeze and crisp leaves will inspire us to throw on a cozy sweater and curl up in our favorite nook by the window to drink a hot drink while reading a pageturner.
Just in time for the new season, the O team compiled a list of autumn reads for each zodiac sign, inspired by our list of the best books of fall 2020. From Audre Lorde to mysteries to social justice to romance, there's something for every zodiac sign.
Aries
The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne and Tamara Payne
Aries are known to be warriors, which is why they'll be excited to read about Malcolm X's lifelong fight for justice. They'll find infinite inspiration in the activist's story, as told by Les Payne and Tamara Payne, who compiled nearly thirty years of research and interviews into one amazing biography. Not only does this book shed newly found insights on Malcolm X's life and work with the Nation of Islam, but it also gives the reader a rare look at his childhood and family, a life story that will inspire Aries especially to work for change in America.
Taurus
Mill Town: Reckoning with What Remains by Kerri Arsenault
As an earth sign and lover of nature, Tauruses will become extremely enraged (which is hard to do, because they are slow to temper) when they read this exposé that details the effects of a paper mill on two small towns in Maine. But to be clear, the point of the book is to make everyone angry. The paper mill has taken a toll on the residents, financial well being, and the beautiful natural habitats that once inhabited these areas. It's a call to take action that seeks to change the way businesses affect our environment and lives, one that Taurus in particular will feel passionately about.
Gemini
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante
I wholeheartedly promise that I am not being lowkey shady by assigning Gemini The Lying Life of Adults. However, no sign other than Gemini will fully appreciate the dualistic nature, richness, and depth of the characters in this book—even if the characteristics of the story's ensemble are less than scrupulous. The Lying Life will also make Mercurial Gemini think about where the truth lies in all matters, allowing them to question what is real and what is false in the tales we tell.
Cancer
A Girl is A Body of Water by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
A Girl is a Body of Water is about a young Ugandan girl's quest to know her biological mother and heritage. As one of the most sentimental and emotional signs of the zodiac, Cancers often have either a complicated or close relationship with their parents—particularly the maternal influences in their lives. All the more reason why the seemingly tough crustacean will read this book with a heavy heart, though we suggest they have a box of tissues nearby. And be forewarned: After the final page, Cancer, you'll want to call your mom or family to say, "I love you."
Leo
The Selected Works of Audre Lorde, edited by Roxane Gay
Much like the zodiac sign Leo, Audre Lorde was and is a force to be reckoned with. Her work inspired and helped so many people to attain greatness, and for decades her work has allowed people who don't have a voice be seen and heard. As readers follow firsthand accounts of the struggles throughout Lorde's life, her fearless roar—much like passionate Leo's—will inspire them. This fire sign will absolutely identify with the writings and works of the courageous, brave, and fearless soul, a purveyor of universal truths.
Virgo
One by One by Ruth Ware
Little known fact: Virgos are the detectives of the zodiac. They are the ones who provide analytical insight and procure facts to understand matters on a deep level. They enjoy reading thriller books and solve mysteries by figuring out who's committed the crime—which will give Virgos a lot to think and talk about. This autumn, Virgos won't be able to put down One by One until the last page—even then they will want to go back and reread this chilling tale until they can logically piece together the misdemeanor(s) and perpetrator(s) (no spoilers) in this book.
Libra
Monogamy by Sue Miller
Libras are notoriously known to invest their energy, time, and hearts into relationships, because they are lovers of love and always want to give their all to another. But while they are 100% monogamous to their partner, they often wonder if their significant other is giving them the same amount of respect and admiration in return—because if not, they will become (rightfully so) off-balanced. The plot for Monogamy centers on Libra's biggest fear of not being the one and only romantic companion of the person they've built their lives around for years. Consider this a guide for Libras to protect their hearts.
Scorpio
Jack by Marilynne Robinson
Never underestimate a Scorpio is in love. Once they open their hearts and bare their souls to another, they are in it to win it. And they are willing to work for love, because they understand that relationships take work—and they don't come easy. Jack is a revolutionary and tender love story that revolves around two complicated characters who from different worlds and fall for each other in Jim Crow South during the 1950s. This book tells the emotional story about how love can heal, transform, and change us forever—a sentiment Scorpio can fully support.
Sagittarius
Just Us: An American Conversation by Claudia Rankine
Always one to push the envelope and discuss important controversial matters that take people out of their comfort zones, Sagittariuses will find complete intellectual resolve in reading Just Us: An American Conversation. This book focuses on how society as a whole can come together, regardless of their differences—which is exactly what Sag fights and advocates for on a daily basis. Social advocacy and justice is extremely important to the archer, who will find themselves be inspired by this read to learn more about how we can connect during such intense political times in the United States—and around the whole world.
Capricorn
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Capricorns have a softer, sensitive side that they hide under their strong and tough exterior—much like Gifty, the protagonist of the novel. And much like the sea goat, Gifty reflects on the past to heal her family's present circumstances as immigrants from Ghana in America. This book blends spirituality and the innate scientific mind together in a miraculous and brilliant way that will make us all question our beliefs. Transcendent Kingdom is a real look at the American Dream, from the perspective of how a family deals with struggle, loss, addiction, and love.
Aquarius
If Then: How the Simulmatics Corporation Invented the Future by Jill Lepore
Aquarians are known to be the innovators of the zodiac. With that comes a love of technology and computers—in addition to being history buffs. If Then: How the Simulmatics Corporation Invented the Future serves as a think piece about how companies in the past have used our personal information and data as a source of consumerism, something we've been experiencing in modern times. The book is a controversial cautionary tale that will intrigue the mind of Aquarius, as they will debate the ethics over the past, present, and future effects of the machinery and apps we use in everyday life.
Pisces
Likes by Sarah Shun-Lien Bynum
Pisces are known for their beautiful and amazing imagination. However, they aren't known for their attention span, as they like to only engage in varied endeavors that activate their sentimental side, artistry, and emotions. All the more reason why they'll be drawn to this book as it discusses a range of novel ideas that will keep their eyes transfixed to every page. In nine thought provoking and emotional tales, Pisces will indulge in reading about parenthood, a teenager's life through Instagram posts, the inner world of a prestigious private high school, obsession, celebrity, time-travel, a fairy festival, and many more short stories.
View the original story here: What You Should Read This Fall, Based On Your Zodiac Sign.