cover image Reading the Stars: Astrology for Book Lovers

Reading the Stars: Astrology for Book Lovers

Book Riot. Abrams Image, $19.99 (160p) ISBN 978-1-4197-5887-4

Literary website Book Riot (Lit Stitch) serves up an irresistibly amusing look at how booklovers can “better understand... how your zodiac sign shapes your reading life.” This covers the basics of astrology—including sun signs, moon signs, and the zodiac circle of life—and pairs descriptions of each sign with reading recommendations based on that sign’s sensibilities. Because Libras prioritize “balance and fairness,” they like to read a variety of genres and might want to check out self-care books because they “tend to put others before themselves.” Emotionally intelligent Pisces, on the other hand, are often romance and “vulnerable memoir” readers whose literary soulmate is the Libra because “they can bond over their love of feel-good books.” The reading recommendations provide several titles based on each sign’s literary taste, as when it’s suggested that Aries read Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia because the whodunit will hold their fickle attention. Brief profiles note the zodiac influence on authors who share that sign; it’s suggested, for example, that the conclusion of George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series might be due to his “impossibly high Virgo standards.” The analysis of zodiac reading habits is lots of fun, even if it only adds up to a slight diversion. This is an ideal gift for bookworms with a celestial bent. (Oct.)