By Zoe Doyle, Amy Wright and Ana Matute
If you’re unsure what your next read should be, your zodiac sign may be able to help. This issue, on Book Recommendations Based On Zodiacs, we’ve recommended books that mirror the unique personality traits of those with astrological signs Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer.
Aquarius – Mayflies by Andrew O'Hagan
A marvellous novel about friendship and how it defines our lives. Mayflies tells the story of two friends, James and Tully, during two time periods. It begins in Glasgow in the summer of 1986, with James and Tully experiencing remarkable moments of fun and euphoria. Flashforward to 2017 where these two young boys have grown up. This novel by Andrew O’Hagan is great for those Aquariuses who are looking to read about life and its changes over time.
Pisces – Beach Read by Emily Henry
Pisces is often perceived to be a very romantic and emotional zodiac and those of this astrological sign are likely to enjoy books that offer some dreamy escapism. Pisces may therefore enjoy Beach Read by Emily Henry, a touching rom-com that tells the story of two very different authors: January and Gus. Both authors are experiencing writer’s block and agree to swap genres as a challenge. The two form an unexpected bond, having previously been rivals at college and you’ll soon find yourself rooting for the pair. Beach Read will make you laugh and cry with its page-turning romance and cute storyline that is certain to take you on an emotional roller coaster.
Aries – The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty
From the bestselling author of The Daevabad Trilogy comes a new series full of excitement and adventure with pirates, sorcerers and magic. Amina al-Sirafi is a retired pirate, having left behind a life of backstabbing rogues and merchant princes for a peaceful one with her family. But when she is offered a job to rescue the kidnapped daughter of her comrade for an obscene amount of money, Amina can’t resist. However, it soon becomes clear that there is more to this job than meets the eye. This high-seas fantasy adventure would make the perfect read for Aries with their bold and spontaneous personalities.
Taurus – Dogs of Summer by Andrea Abreau
There is something special about Taurus and their passion for arts. Dogs of Summer is a contemporary book about those that grew up in the 2000s and the magic that we are still discovering with a little bit of nostalgia. Andrea Abreau’s novel tells the story of two girls that grow up in a neighbourhood in the Canary Islands, where they will feel love, passion, sadness and heartbreak. This beautiful and remarkable story will make you remember the ugliness and uniqueness of friendship while you are growing up.
Gemini – Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross
Geminis, symbolized by a pair of twins, are curious and adaptable with a keen intellect. These traits are shared by the main character of Dreams Lie Beneath. The realm of Azenor is plagued by a centuries-old curse that brings nightmares to life every new moon and requires magical wardens to protect its citizens. Clementine, the talented daughter of the territory warden of her small town, is ready to take over her father’s role. When two magicians challenge her father’s position – and win – she embarks on a quest of revenge for the position and her home. She must use all her wits and abilities to deceive her enemies, as she becomes embroiled in fighting the realm’s curse.
Cancer – Four Aunties and a Wedding by Jesse Q. Sutatno
Known for their nurturing and protective nature, Cancers often prefer to have deep connections with a small number of people who they can really care for. They may therefore be able to relate to Meddy in Four Aunties and a Wedding, who has an extremely close and loyal bond with her mother and protective aunties. Following on from the first book in the Aunties series, Meddy and her family are once again put in all kinds of dangerous situations, many of which her meddling aunties have unintentionally worsened. Nevertheless, there is nothing that can get in the way of the love and devotion they have for each other, traits shared by those with the Cancer astrological sign.