Fiction Book Recommendations, Astrology Girl Edition

Your 2022 reading challenge is not going to complete itself! If you’re not sure where to start, check out your big three and their corresponding reads. Zodiac signs and horoscopes don’t define you, of course, but these works of fiction may speak to your soul in ways you don’t expect. Maybe these titles are already collecting dust on your shelves, but if not, this list of astrological book recommendations is a totally justifiable excuse to take a trip to your favorite bookstore and stock up.

Aries: “Daisy Jones & the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

March 21 - April 19

The Aries sign is bold and ambitious, much like the titular protagonist of “Daisy Jones & the Six.” In this coming-of-age novel, Jones doesn’t let anyone stop her as she barrels through L.A. She’s indulging in the party scene of the late ‘60s, but what she wants most is the chance to be a rockstar. She loves a challenge, much like an Aries would, and her intoxicating and unforgettable demeanor plunges her band into stardom. Like Daisy, you’ll be enraptured by the luxurious allure of Hollywood and the intense desire for applause.

Taurus: “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston

April 20 - May 20

Tauruses love to enjoy the finer things in life, and they never say no to a time of relaxation and decadence. Reading “Red, White & Royal Blue” feels like taking a long bubble bath and treating yourself to a sinfully rich dessert. It’s a fluffy romance between the first son of the United States, Alex Claremont-Diaz, and British Prince Henry. As someone who loves to be pampered, you’ll swoon and sigh as you devour all the cake-level sweetness of their relationship.

Gemini: “Act Your Age, Eve Brown” by Talia Hibbert

May 21 - June 20

Image Courtesy: Harpercollins Publishers

“Act Your Age, Eve Brown” embodies Gemini traits like spontaneity, playfulness — and a bit of erratic behavior. The book opens with Brown releasing the doves at a wedding because “someone had to liberate those poor doves.” Despite wreaking havoc, Eve proves to be extremely lovable. The heart and soul of the novel, her curiosity and childishness give this book its twin-signature character.

Cancer: “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

June 21 - July 22

Cancers are intuitive and nurturing, similar to many characters in the beloved “Little Women.” Centered on the bond between sisters, daughters and mothers, this book is all about the compassionate love that comes to Cancers so easily. Marmee, Jo, Amy, Beth and Meg all embody tenderness in their own ways. There’s an abundance of genuine affection in this novel that will leave you feeling all kinds of warm and fuzzy.

Leo: “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

July 23 - August 22

“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is an idyllic read for a passionate, theatrical and fiery Leo. This historical fiction picks you up and drops you right into late 1900s L.A. It is saturated with red carpets, ambition and opulence. Leos love to bask in the spotlight, and they will find solidarity with protagonist and Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo.

Virgo: “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry

August 23 - September 22

Virgos are perfectionists at heart, much like this novel’s male lead, Alex. He’s practical, systematic and the foil to Poppy, the female protagonist. This book is a friends-to-lovers romance about how two people can be drawn together despite seeming to live on entirely different planes of existence. Virgos, if you love someone who turns your world upside down, you’ll definitely relate to Alex’s unwavering devotion to his topsy-turvy Poppy.

Libra: “A Very Large Expanse of Sea” by Tahereh Mafi

September 23 - October 22

Libras’ souls are ignited by balance, harmony and justice. “A Very Large Expanse of Sea” is an eye-opening, coming-of-age novel about a teenage girl named Shirin. She wholeheartedly embraces her culture and blossoms into her identity as a young Muslim woman. It brings important issues like racial prejudice and xenophobia to light and is written by Tahereh Mafi, a first-generation Iranian American. This novel tells a story full of truth, insight and resilience.

Scorpio: “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson

October 23 - November 21

Scorpios are known to be elusive, and this thriller’s mystique will rival their enigmatic personality. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a murder mystery about a closed local murder case and a girl named Pippa who chooses to study the case for her senior project. To her, the case ruling simply does not add up, and she is blindly determined to find out the truth. What happens when Pippa begins to uncover secrets that were meant to stay hidden? “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” will hook you with its unraveling intrigue and have you turning page after page. Reading this book is akin to getting to know a Scorpio: bewildering, complex and worthwhile.

Sagittarius: “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt

November 22 - December 21

“The Secret History” is a novel about a group of misfits at an elite New England college, and it follows them as they lose themselves in a search for purpose. It’s classical Greek tragedy meets dark academia, with characters who often make horrible decisions but whose motivations are ultimately relatable. This book will satisfy a Sag’s thirst for knowledge and self-discovery.

Capricorn: “Beach Read” by Emily Henry

December 22 - January 19

Image Courtesy: Penguin Publishing Group

Capricorns are all about perseverance and dedication, which will come in handy when reading this slow-burn romance. The twin-flame lead characters of “Beach Read,” January and Gus, are two extremely angsty writers who fall for each other, which is obviously synonymous with a dramatic rollercoaster. The turmoil is all worth it in the end, and no one will appreciate the heartwarming triumph of a (spoiler alert!) happy ending like the patient Capricorn.

Aquarius: “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig

January 20 - February 18

Aquarians are revolutionary progressives with imaginations that run rampant with existential thoughts. Reading “The Midnight Library” will transport any Aquarius to a library with infinite books. Each story you pluck from the shelves reveals an alternate reality of your own life, showing you different versions of your own story. This dazzling novel will have your mind whirring with every new idea, and it will appease the intellectual, thoughtful Aquarius.

Pisces: “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover

February 19 - March 20

“It Ends With Us” is the ideal read for the intuitive and sensitive Pisces. Their empathetic personalities will allow them to connect deeply with the protagonist, Lily Bloom. This novel is full of raw emotion; if you just want to let yourself cry, this will definitely open up the floodgates. You’ll need three to five business days to pick up the pieces of your shattered Pisces heart after reading this.

If any (or a few) of these suggestions ignited your desire to read, I implore you to dive headfirst into these worlds of fiction. You’ve got all year to get through them, but the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll get to check those books off your reading list. Allow the stars to guide you to your new favorite novel and embark on your introspective, literary journey.

Strike Out,

Writer: Daniella Conde

Editor: AJ Bafer

Graphics: Claire Federico

Gainesville