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READER HOROSCOPES FOR MARCH 2018 Plotting your destiny with matriarchal literati 
PISCES
Welcome to March, my friend! It’s your birthday and you can cry if you want to, laugh if you want to, or curl up in an invisible corner with your journal -- you get it! But seriously, we can’t recommend a better way to usher in a new year than taking some time to reflect on where you’ve been, and where you’re hoping to go. Life comes at you fast, and this month will be no exception: things are changing quickly and there are a lot of factors outside of your control--but not all! What are some goals and milestones you set for yourself that, in hindsight, weren’t all that realistic? Use the wisdom and experiences you’ve gained since then to reset those expectations and adjust your methods to make your new goals more attainable. For a touching reminder of just how fickle and unpredictable life can be, your lucky book this month is a novel that explores the reality of loss and the joy of finding love and companionship anew. If you’re a dog lover, you’re really going to enjoy this one.
LUCKY BOOK: The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
ARIES
This month has all sorts of interesting things in store for you, Aries. If that sounded vaguely ominous, well, we’re not taking it back. You know that old British motivational phrase (now defunct internet meme) that starts with “keep calm”? Yes. That one. That is your objective for the month. While ‘calm’ is not your typical or preferred setting, practicing a bit of serenity will come in handy when the plans you think you’re headed toward at 100 MPH go sideways. Rather than continuing to barrel toward them, try slowing down, and envisioning what else might be accomplished. Some doors just don’t stay open forever, unfortunately. But having an open mind in the face of unexpected challenges will take you far! If the disappointment of your temporarily thwarted plans is really getting to you, call a life time-out (that’s a thing) and disappear into your lucky book this month: a fascinating peek back to the ‘20s and 30’s and intersecting destinies of two women who had no idea what their futures held. The promise of a new day and all of the freedoms that accompany it can quickly overcome your previously held negative assumptions...but only if you let it. Go on, give it a try.
LUCKY BOOK: The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
TAURUS
Congratulations to you, Taurus, for making it through February! Shortest month it may very well be, there were a few points that felt completely interminable, so we salute you. And good news: March is going to be much kinder. So relax: unclench, shed that tough exterior, let some of the light in! This month will reinvigorate your appreciation for art--either through new creations that you dream up, or by getting lost in someone else’s. Try to let out the child living inside you, as it will only widely expand your imagination and capacity for love and play. Yes, you’re an adult, you pay bills, you have boring responsibilities, but you’re also a person living in a world that has new wonders to offer every day, if you just let yourself look. It’s possible to use the insight and wisdom you gain every day from living your very grown up life to inform the art you make or take in--rather than letting it burden or exhaust you. Even negative experiences can be someone neutralized through a unique or humorous lens. Fortunately, the author of your lucky book this month is something of a master when it comes to this. This memoir takes you through the life of a girl whose father is a married Catholic priest, and all of the misadventures--hilarious, raunchy, heartbreaking--that comprised her unusual childhood. Past hurts and trauma can make way for a more enlightened (and brighter!) future, so shine on!
LUCKY BOOK: Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood
GEMINI
Welcome to March, Gemini! You’re quite the busy bee this month; does your calendar have any open nights left? No worries, we’re just teasing you. Sometimes you’re on, sometimes you’re not so on, but this month is your time! Enjoy meeting new people and charming the pants off of them; many of these relationships you establish now will prove mutually beneficial in the immediate future and further down the line. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be discerning. After every date, outing, or social event, do a solo recap of everyone you meet, ideas that were proposed, new ventures you’re considering. What are the pros, what are the cons? Think carefully and weigh all of your options; no one is expecting answers tomorrow, as you shouldn’t be, either! Maintaining a clear viewpoint and cool head will be essential this month, as there’s some family drama brewing (isn’t there always?). There’s no need for things to turn ugly as long you keep those lines of communication open, which unfortunately, is often much easier than it sounds. Remain cognizant of old wounds--sometimes, they go back for many years. No one knows that better than the family in your lucky book this month, whose young daughter goes missing, the manifestation of a generational curse. When her older sister sets out to find her, she uncovers a host of secrets that change their lives forever. Trauma has a way of uniting family, but healing together will bring you even closer. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the ones who know you the best.
LUCKY BOOK: Forgotten Country by Catherine Chung
CANCER
Hey, Cancer. You’ve been working through some stuff lately, and it hasn’t felt very good. There come times when we have to pause what we’re doing, look around, and wonder why and how we got there. That’s kind of where you are right now: realizing that you’ve been going through the motions, not 100% into the roles you’ve been expected to play for some time now. If you’re questioning your place and second-guessing your enthusiasm, it’s okay! You’re not an automaton; people’s wants and needs change all the time. Pay attention to how you’re feeling as you navigate through the day: what’s wrong? What’s missing? Chances are, your dissatisfaction is showing in the parts of your life you see fit to share with others. Your group chats, your tweets, your Facebook statuses. Communicating your unhappiness is healthy, but be careful of where do you it. But more importantly, be prepared: what you’re putting out into the universe may come back to you sooner that you expect. When you gain freedom from the thing you feel is holding you back, what will you do next? The main character in your lucky book this month experiences much of the same anxieties and doubts that you’re facing this month, so dive in and take whatever wisdom you can from her intense emotional excavations. You’ll both come out the other side a bit spent, probably, but ultimately exactly where you’re supposed to be.
LUCKY BOOK: A Separation by Katie Kitamura
LEO
Listen to your heart, Leo! This month, let your compassion be your guide. What causes are you feeling called to? What news cycles have you followed diligently? What are the charities you consistently donate to? Take those passions and run with them: turn your care into tangible projects! Can you begin a fundraiser? Sponsor a trip? Hold a letter-writing marathon? It’s good to be concerned about things that are happening in the world, but what’s better is to figure out meaningful ways to put that concern to work in ways that feel feasible to you. But be aware: in taking on these projects, you’re going to be showing a side of yourself that others may not yet be privy to. This is how creativity works: when you envision a product that will go out into the world, you’re necessarily giving a piece of yourself that reveals what’s important to you. Scary, but worth it, wouldn’t you say? In your lucky book this month, you’ll encounter a young woman who is on the brink of freedom, but experiences a true crisis of choice when her siblings back home require much more from her than she feels equipped to give. And when a young man from a powerful political family enters the picture, the stakes are suddenly much higher. When is sacrifice worth the possibility of love? Let this book keep your fire burning as you set out to make the world a better place this month, Leo. You’ve got this.
LUCKY BOOK: Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
VIRGO
Well hello there, Virgo! Your energy levels are off the charts this month, and it’s contagious! When you’re feeling determined, there’s precious little that can get in your way, and it’s beyond exciting when you feel like you’re getting closer and closer to achieving your goals. Continue to be strategic in how you move--in your relationships, at the office, with your friends--and be sure that you’re not allowing your drive to completely take over. There will come times when you feel certain that people that you’re doing business with just aren’t at your level, and subtly persuading them to do what you want is the best course of action. While we’re all for playing to your strengths (and sometimes, saving someone from themselves is the kindest thing to do!) be mindful of when you’re playing into this: are you genuinely trying to find a solution that works for all, or simply focusing on number one? Tunnel vision may feel enlightening at first, like you’re working toward a singular purpose, but in reality, it’s blinding. You have the power to be the sort of person you’d like to work with. During your well-deserved breaks, pop into the world of a young museum curator, who quickly finds herself completely of her depth. Two years after the tragic death of the last curator, she finds that the secrets and lies of the past live on in the museum and its staff, and she struggles to bear the weight of her new role within the mounting tension. You may not be an Alena--or the hapless new curator--this month, but sinking into a tale about a dysfunctional workplace can shed some powerful perspective on your role as peacekeeper where you work. When new tensions arise and lines are drawn in the sand, how will you respond?
LUCKY BOOK: Alena by Rachel Pastan
LIBRA 
Libra, sit down, take a load off. You’ve been carrying a lot lately, and it may be time to look through some of the baggage you’re carrying, as it isn’t even all yours! Being a support system for loved ones is a beautiful gift, but within reason. How much of yourself are you giving, and how much time are you taking for yourself? What are your needs? Are they being fulfilled? It can be hard to feel good about withdrawing that helping hand when the people you love are depending on you, but if you’re empty, you’re not able to fill anybody else up. Slow down and acknowledge that you are just a human being, and you need to recharge just like anybody else. There are real consequences to running yourself ragged; you will not win any trophies for being the most tired, despite what you may think. Make a vow to yourself, or to another friend who you can rely on, that you will use this month to slow down and give yourself a breather. Find less labor-intensive ways to help, if you need to, or sub out for alternate systems of support that can help shoulder the load. Lose yourself in a book that is guaranteed to replenish you: witty, frank, and gorgeous meditations on how the victories in life, no matter how large or how small, change us for good, and for the better. You do so much, and give so much--know that the positive energy you’re putting into the world is making a real difference. Yes, you!
LUCKY BOOK: Small Victories by Anne Lamott
SCORPIO
Change is hard, Scorpio. It’s unsettling, and sometimes downright scary. But it can also be a blessing. Consider this your warning: opportunities are coming this month that may uproot some significant aspects of your life. This is good thing, though--with change, comes growth! But use any anxiety you may experience at the prospect of this change to examine what’s going on internally. Are there places in your life where you know that you’re getting in your own way? Are you trapped in a cycle of bad communication in a relationship? Are you holding yourself back at work because you’re afraid of taking on additional responsibility? Is there a goal you’ve been putting off for months or even years because you’ve convinced yourself you’ll never reach it? Now is the time to end the negative self-talk and take a chance on yourself. Stop feeding the impulse to limit yourself; it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy! Keep your eyes open; don’t let yourself be caught off guard by the new opportunities coming your way. If you stay ready, there’s no need to get ready. Your lucky book this month is just what you need to keep you on your toes, Scorpio. Sometimes a bit of fear is a good thing....and this novel of power, desperation, and broken souls is absolutely designed to unsettle you just enough to keep you paying attention. Get swept away in a Fever Dream, and then wake up to the reality of a new day on the horizon. Good luck!
LUCKY BOOK: Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin
SAGITTARIUS
It’s oh so quiet, Sagittarius. And thank goodness--life has just been rather loud lately, hasn’t it? March will be your month to spend more time alone, someplace peaceful, and just reflect on life. You’ll likely experience a burst of creativity--follow where that leads you, by all means. That story you abandoned months or even years ago: don’t be surprised if you finally find your ending. The face that’s been in your dreams: it may be time to rent a studio somewhere and get back into painting. However your creative energies want to make themselves known, let them. This intense introspection and processing of emotion is healthy, and it’ll feel amazing, too. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should shut yourself away from the world completely. Taking it to that extreme may result in an actual depression, so accept company when you feel up to it, and give your parents a call, too. They’d love to hear from you. Your lucky book this month is a collection of vignettes by a character who is rather like you this month. Charming, quirky, interrogative of herself, her surroundings, the random pleasures and annoyances of daily existence. Take these in bit by bit, or all in one sitting, however you feel is best. It’s your world, Sag. Sit back and enjoy it!
LUCKY BOOK: Pond by Claire-Louise Bennett
CAPRICORN
March is a tricky month, so watch out. You’re feeling pressured to perform--whether at work, at your side hustle, or both--and it’s more than a bit stressful. How this usually manifests in you is your need for competition: how are the others in your field doing? Is there someone you perceive as on your level, and are you alarmed that they may be ‘winning’? When these sorts of thoughts pop up, try to identify them for what they are (unnecessary! unhealthy!) and keep it moving. Giving in will only result in your needing to prove yourself in ways that maybe, in the short term, get you what you want, but you’ll be leaving some pretty annoyed and hurt friends in your wake. No one likes a sore winner, Cap. Think about where this pressure may be coming from--is it anxiety, insecurity, a distraction from a larger issue? You have the final say over your actions, no matter how strong your impulses may be. Second-guess your immediate responses when you feel yourself going to that place. And maybe take a few more naps! Being overly tired always makes you extra snappy. For even more R&R, your lucky book this month is a story collection perfect for transporting you away. Filled with tales that explore love, childhood, parenthood with a light touch of the fantastical, you’ll have no trouble coming back to center when everything just feels like too much. You can do this, Cap. Just remember to breathe.
LUCKY BOOK: Awayland by Ramona Ausubel
AQUARIUS
Whoa, there Aquarius! You’re go go go all March with barely any time to slow down. But is that actually true? With so many crossed signals (quick question: just how many times have dinner/happy hour/brunch plans been thwarted by time or venue mixups?) you’ve got to find a spare minute to catch your breath. Move with purpose, not just speed. This goes for all areas, but particularly in your career. Where are you going, and what is your strategy for getting there? This path that you’re on right now, are you positive this is the best one? If it’s not, get off of it! You won’t lose any time by making sure you’re in exactly the right place; you’re actually saving it. Never hesitate to redirect your steps when you realize that it’s time. And don’t be too proud to admit when you were the one who entered the wrong address in Google Maps (it happens!). For a riveting tale of mystery, thrills and reversals, look no further than your lucky book this month. An orphan is raised to assist in a daring, seductive heist, but when she comes to care for the mark in unexpected ways, plans go awry and true loyalties are revealed. When you need refuge from the breakneck pace of your daily schedule, this book will be your perfect armchair companion. Inhale, exhale. Then dive in.
LUCKY BOOK: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
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READER HOROSCOPE FOR APRIL 2018 Spring into your literary portents from the stars
ARIES
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Aries! Bust out the birthday crown and bubbly, because it’s finally time to celebrate YOU. Of course, once the party has died down and your last guest hugs you goodbye, it’s time to sit in the silence and do some reflecting. You’re one year older: how have you changed in the past year? What’s remained the same? Do you still hope to reach the same goals, or have your benchmarks shifted? Life has a way of completely upending expectations formed when we were still naive enough to believe in the illusion of control: whether it was a pivotal move, job acceptance, or relationship beginning or ending, circumstances rarely play out the way we originally imagine. On one hand, it’s a blessing, because how boring would life be if we could accurately predict every twist and turn? And on the other, of course, is the heartache and sometimes downright embarrassment of being caught off-guard with stunning regularity. Luckily, you aren’t alone, Aries! It’s completely normal to feel bewildered and unpracticed at the game of your own life, as long as you do your best to learn from the lessons it foists upon you. Your lucky book this month may unearth some of those memories, or simply act as a confidant and companion in trying times. Sloane Crosley’s signature wicked humor and frank truth-telling in this timeless essay collection make it feel like you’re swapping stories with an old friend whose kooky setbacks always make you feel slightly better (or just understood) about your own.
 LUCKY BOOK: I Was Told There’d Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
 TAURUS
 A change is gonna come, Taurus! And while that is definitely not your preferred state of things, it’s inevitable, so as much as you can, get ready to embrace it. After all, from the very moment we enter the world, hollering and exposed, change becomes the only constant: growing up, learning from minute to minute, observing the ever-shifting tides of the wider world around you. You establish belief systems and views based on your upbringing and what you consider just. But sometimes, those beliefs are tested, and the accumulated wisdom from your experiences forces you to reexamine what you once thought to be unshakable. A scary occurrence, to be sure, but never one to run away from. When you begin to feel the panic of once-trusted convictions crumbling around you, do your best to look your fear directly in the eye. What are you noticing? What are you trying to escape? And what are you headed towards? Ease some of the tension you’re experiencing by losing yourself in this month’s lucky book: a thrilling and fantastical short story collection that examines the nature of life through its stages: love, conception, gestation, birth, death. We’re all familiar with them, yet it can become all too easy to feel like you’re experiencing them in a vacuum -- not so. Allow yourself to be reminded of the universality of doubt, of questioning and recalibrating, and let change you’re going through illuminate a new way forward.
 LUCKY BOOK: A Guide to Being Born by Ramona Ausubel
 GEMINI
You are Gemini! Let’s hear you ROAR! This month, you’re completely fired and ready to go. Let’s face it: we’re living through some very challenging times, and the pace and content of our breaking news alerts can feel downright dystopic. But there are a number of different ways to engage with that reality, and this month, you’re not feeling particularly inclined to mourn, mope, or stick your fingers into your ears. With the resurgence of spring comes a wave of energy that has you feeling inspired to activism, whatever that might mean for you. Ready to arm yourself with signs and take to the streets? Organize a night of letter-writing making calls to Congress? Creating fundraisers for your favorite charities? There are an abundance of ways to raise your voice in support of the causes that matter the most to you, and we salute your commitment to righting some of the world’s many, many wrongs. Just don’t allow yourself to get so swept up in your vision that you lose sight of the people around you -- especially the people who share a similar goal, but maybe not always the same methods. Buoyed by righteous indignation, it can be alarmingly easy to slip into a dictator-like role rather than listen and compromise when the stakes feel high. For a story that gorgeously and deftly explores modern-day feminism through the lens of a bright young woman, your lucky book this month is guaranteed to please. Simultaneously succinct yet taking a generational view of a few crucial, groundbreaking aspects of women’s liberation, this novel will only stoke your fire, while reminding you of the importance of listening, collaboration, and learning from the people around you.
 LUCKY BOOK: The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
 CANCER
 Hey there, Cancer! Welcome to a brand new month. It won’t be a totally smooth one, but alas, that’s life. There are times that it seems as though no matter what you do, you just can’t win. Even worse, the people you’re closest to -- partner, best friends, parents, siblings -- are sometimes your loudest naysayers. What is that about? Here’s the thing: the ones you know us best are usually able to see our blind spots. If you ate a hearty spinach salad for lunch and had several pieces stuck in your teeth, you’d be furious if someone who claimed to love you pretended not to see it, wouldn’t you? Well, it may be a decidedly less benign issue than impacted spinach, but the fact is, there’s likely an aspect of your life that you’re unwittingly messing up right now, and your loved ones are the only ones in the best position to let you know. Try not to jump to a defensive position, but listen to what they’re saying and take their observations to heart. Maybe their concern is completely unfounded, but most likely, there’s a kernel of truth (if not more) that you can benefit from. They’re helping you. Don’t allow anyone to trash you, of course, but if you feel their intentions are pure, then accept that help, for your sake and for theirs. And consider the alternative: it’s laid out in your lucky book this month. Think of all the poor souls in positions of high visibility and power who didn’t have anyone save them from themselves until it was too late, and they suffered a takedown in front of thousands or even millions of friends, acquaintances, and total strangers. Cautionary tale! Don’t give yourself the chance to be put in that position -- accept the humbling advice, and thank your loved ones for getting you together.
 LUCKY BOOK: So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson
 LEO
 Into April and through the looking glass, huh Leo? Things are feeling pretty topsy-turvy lately, and it’s beginning to make you a bit seasick. The bad news is, you’re going to have to live with it a bit longer. You’re in a moment of flux: old routines, relationships, and habits that you’ve come to rely on are suddenly changing, often without your permission or preparation. It can be terrifying to feel as though you’ve suddenly lost the plot, and you’re set adrift in what used to be the familiar landmarks of your own life. But! The good news: it will end, eventually. Things will settle and re-organize themselves into a new normal. You can adapt; you will be fine. But until then, figure out some ways to cope with this moment of transition. What are your core beliefs, things that you can turn to when everything else seems wonky and unsure? It can be as simple as returning to a beloved childhood book or movie, attending a religious service, or quiet meditation. Don’t let a few shake-ups disrupt your entire sense of self and stability; after all, you’re still here, aren’t you? Of course, sometimes it helps to have some perspective, and dive into a world where characters are experiencing some similar emotions and handling things all wrong. (Call it literary schadenfreude, the best kind, because it’s guilt-free!) Your lucky book this month features a woman who can’t quite control her reckless impulses when her life begins to spiral out of her control. A startling and moving examination of how race and class collide in 1980s Brooklyn, but darkly sharp enough to feel incredibly relevant today. You’re feeling unsettled? This will settle you right back in!
 LUCKY BOOK: New People by Danzy Senna
 VIRGO
 Oh, Virgo! The advent of Spring is so often a disjointed, murky phenomenon, with indecisive weather outside and inconsistency inside. Messy, in other words. And if there’s one thing you do not relish, it’s mess! Fortunately, the clouds and rain will make way for the sun, but it’s just going to take a bit of time. But think about it this way: when the clutter of life begins to build, the friction it creates helps us get some stuff done more thoroughly than we may have otherwise. Rather than take a depressingly long view, zoom in on the particulars: what is there to be done? If you’re stressed at work, devote an afternoon to cleaning your email inbox. It’s not a sweeping gesture that makes all things right again, but it’s a tangible step towards clarity and peace. Did you find a mouse in your apartment last week that you refuse to think about now? Do yourself a favor and just make the call to an exterminator. Small steps! In every area of your life, pinpoint the rough parts that are bringing you anxiety and pick them off, bit by tiny bit. Progress may be slow, but it’s still progress. You’re getting a doozy of a lucky book this month, one that’s guaranteed to put all of your current issues of perspective yet continue to illuminate the power of making purposeful steps toward your salvation (by whichever scale you happen to measure it). A young boy flung far from his home, pursued by danger and traversing an apocalyptic, barren country, must learn how to choose hope and bravery over despair. In a dystopian world where morals have melted away and one wrong movement can mean sudden death, all he can do is keep his wits about him and keep moving forward. A valuable lesson to absorb, though thankfully at much lower stakes!
 LUCKY BOOK: Out in the Open by Jesús Carrasco
 LIBRA
 Welcome to a brand new month, Libra! And a brand new season to boot. April will bring its challenges, so be prepared for a bit of turbulence. Some of your relationships are about to be tested in a real way, but if you really think about it, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. It can be very easy to let small hurts slide, temporarily let go of missteps and frustrations for the sake of calm and keeping a cool head in the midst of a busy schedule. But the reckoning always comes, sooner or later! Those flashes of irritation don’t really go away if they’re not addressed, they just get buried for the time being. Use this new beginning to have some difficult conversations; you desperately need to vent. And most likely, your partner/friend/family member/coworker does too! Maintain focus on what you need (don’t forget your “I” statements!) and don’t meander into unrelated topics. Think of this as another aspect of spring cleaning: you’re clearing away the debris from past wounds to make room for the goodness and growth to come. Tackling these difficult moments with grace and knowing when to compromise, when to concede, and when to de-escalate are the telltale signs of a healthy, mature relationship, romantic and platonic alike. Your lucky book this month is a modern classic, a hilarious tale of an emotional stunted adult that will paint your relationship endeavors this month in an even more flattering light! It follows the story of ultra-cool Will Freeman, who’s developed the ultimate dating hack: attend single parents’ groups full of single women hoping to meet Mr. Nice Guy. But along comes twelve-year-old Marcus, who takes a liking to Will and turns his seemingly foolproof  strategy upside down. Grab this one when you need a mental break from the relationship heavy-lifting; it’ll be sure to provide some laughs when you need them most.
 LUCKY BOOK: About a Boy by Nick Hornby
 SCORPIO
 Scorpio, what’s going on? April’s just begun and it’s already got you down! If you feel yourself growing increasingly stressed by the day, take a step back and look around. Attacking your problems head on will only work if you know what to attack, and right now, your anxiety feels too broad and uncertain to allow for much clarity. Time to embark upon a cleaning mission -- whether that be literal, and you spend a weekend cleaning your apartment or work space from top to bottom; or metaphorical, and you spend a weekend away, doing some intense inner reflection and meditation -- whatever your methods, it’s time to take a short break from life and its stressors in favor of getting yourself back to center. Where are you feeling particularly blocked? What’s standing in your way? You may be surprised by the answers to these questions. But they won’t come to you right away; it takes work and patience to discover these parts of yourself, especially if you’ve been unknowingly hiding from them for a long time. Be intentional: commit yourself to emerging from this place of negativity you’ve been stuck in, but trust yourself to the process. Once you’ve decided to take action and you begin your internal excavation, then allow yourself to truth your own intuition. Don’t dismiss anything that seems like a “stray” thought -- follow them, examine them, see where they lead. Your lucky book this month is thematically appropriate to the struggle you’re working through, as it follows the waterways that branch off from the Colorado River, an essential source for a large part of the United States. A fascinating tale of the many issues affecting our watery ecosystem and how crucial a functional system is for our futures, this book can be a meaningful reminder of what is lost when we fail to acknowledge the many through-lines of our choices and habits. After all, they all have to lead somewhere.
 LUCKY BOOK: Where the Water Goes by David Owen
 SAGITTARIUS
 Happy April, Sag! The sun is shining (...sort of), flowers are just beginning to bloom, and you’re in the mood to make moves. Money moves, to be specific. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with that! It makes the world go ‘round, after all, and financial freedom is a blessing. All of that said, chasing meaningless money is the quickest way to end up miserable. Rather, put your talents and interests to work. What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? If you can imagine it, there is probably a way for you to monetize it. We live in a sharing economy, after all, and it’s easier than ever to market and brand yourself for broad audiences. Of course, balance is key. Too much ambition and you may end up corrupting a once-loved hobby by only taking pleasure in it if brings in some quick cash. Too little and you’re trapped in an endless cycle of procrastination and feeling like a failure. Remember that the only person you should be aiming to impress is YOU, not the other sculptors, essayists, knitters, or dog walkers you follow on social media. Keep your sets sight on the goals you aim to achieve, the milestones you take pleasure in working toward. It will keep your creativity flowing and your momentum steady. Your lucky book this month is about a young woman who grows up watching two groups of fishermen caught up in a generational feud over fishing rights for the water between their islands, off the coast of Maine. When she returns home after college, determined to make a name for herself among this group of headstrong, gruff men, she must reckon with her place in this new society and what she alone can bring to the table.
 LUCKY BOOK: Stern Men by Elizabeth Gilbert
 CAPRICORN
 Happy April, Cap! The seasons are slowly changing and the emerging sun and warmth are having incredible effects on your productivity and presence. Simply put, you’re in your element this month, a bit heady with power, in whatever arena feels most applicable: in the board room, in your relationship, with your friend group, or some combination of all those and more. People are sitting up and paying attention when you speak, deferring to your ideas, coming to you for guidance and encouragement. If you feel proud, you should: you’ve worked hard to get to where you are, and you deserve that recognition. But as you settle into your new status as a leader, don’t forget yourself or where you came from. That is, tread lightly. Don’t allow your influence to get to your head, and undo all of the work you’ve done to make it this far. It’s cliche because it’s true: power can easily corrupt, so be intentional about the decisions you’re making, how you treat the people around you, and how you conduct yourself. You could be riding this high for a long time, Cap, if you play your right cards right. For inspiration, turn to your lucky book: a sweeping, satisfying tale of a young business tycoon who builds an empire on water, an increasingly scarce ingredient, and recruits other young people from all over “rising Asia” to join him in his quest. But more than untold riches and power, the young businessman hopes to win the affections of a beautiful woman whose career is similarly bound for greatness. In the midst of a rapidly changing world, these two young people are forced to come to terms with what power and riches truly mean, and how much is worth sacrificing to attain them.
 LUCKY BOOK: How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia by Mohsin Hamid
 AQUARIUS
 Is this all a dream, Aquarius? Or is what you’re experiencing real? April is here, and it’s got you feeling decidedly...trippy. Rather like an extended episode of deja vu, or just like you haven’t gotten enough sleep for past two weeks (which may very well be true; smart phones in bed are a habit you should try to break sooner rather than later!), you’re having more trouble than usual making sense of what’s happening around you. You’ve had a few encounters lately that left you feeling distinctly off-kilter, like there was some giant hint you weren’t picking up on, or social cue you’d utterly missed. Or maybe it’s the inverse of that issue, and you’re blurting things out that you’d normally filter, causing your friends and family to give you that look more often that usual. Yeah, you know the one. Don’t panic, you’re fine. You’re probably just in sore need of a break. March was a trying month and your brain needs a break! Take a few steps away from the hustle of your every day and escape to somewhere quiet for a few days, where you won’t be expected to make sparkling conversation to struggle to remember the names of the five strangers you just met at a stuffy work event. Bust out your old journal and write what you’re thinking, feeling, wishing for. Unload some of the stress that’s carried over from last month and what you’re hoping to accomplish in April. And then, for goodness’ sake, take a few naps! In between these essential moments of R&R, though, get your blood pumping and brain engaged with a riveting tale: a legal conspiracy steeped in racism that shocked the nation in 1957. There is nothing like the satisfaction of witnessing a truly gifted journalist at work, slowly peeling back the layers of subterfuge and lies to get to the long-concealed truth. You’ll relish this one, and by the end, you’ll be raring to jump back into the fray of human society, if for anything, to tell someone else about this book.
 LUCKY BOOK: Beneath a Ruthless Sun by Gilbert King
 PISCES
 What’s good, Pisces? April’s barely arrived and your social calendar is half full already! Understandable -- the glimpses of warmer weather have probably awakened a desire for outdoor brunches and long walks through the park that were in hibernation during the long, cold months of winter. So socialize away! But as you’re putting yourself out there for one-on-one time or group hang time, be mindful of who you’re penciling into your life. You tend to pride yourself on knowing when to cut toxic people out, but those individuals have a way of creeping back in when your defenses are low. It’s a new month, it’s a new day, and you’ve come too far to backslide now. Maintain a squad of true friends who have proven that they’re looking out for your best interests, just as they know you’d do for them. If a family member becomes too demanding and controlling, don’t be afraid to make your discomfort known. Closed mouths don’t get fed, after all, and keeping consistently healthy relationships means that sometimes, you need to have uncomfortable conversations that tell the truth. If you open yourself up to people, then you have to accept that not every interaction will be 100% pleasant, and be prepared to respond accordingly. Luckily, your selection for the month is engrossing and thrilling enough to offer you the distraction you’ll most likely need from various pockets of fiction. A short story that examines the ties that bind us to each other through gripping narration and sprinkles of magical realism and myth, this is one that you’ll tear through and walk away from forever slightly changed.
 LUCKY BOOK: What It Means When a Man Falls From the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah
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READER HOROSCOPE FOR FEBRUARY 2018
Fight the power: February’s revolutionary reads
AQUARIUS
Welcome to February, Aquarius! After the endless slog that was January (no offense, but it was the month that felt like one thousand years), you are happy to welcome a brand new month. And thank goodness, because it’s coming in HOT. You’ve received more invitations in the past week than you did in all of January, and your calendar for the rest of the month already makes you want to take a nap. Don’t! Exciting things are afoot, dear Aquarian, and if you resume the same fetal position in the couch that you took comfort in these past few weeks, there’s no telling what will pass you by. This is not the time to be a recluse; on the contrary, getting up and out will have a wonderful effect on what you consider the normalcy of everyday life. It’s always a wonderful surprise when the universe throws situations and new people in your path that force you to question beliefs you’ve always held, from the most mundane to downright fantastical. This month, those surprises abound, but, of course, it starts with you. Practice opening your mind to new possibilities, rather than sticking to the status quo. This can look like accepting a wild job offer, taking on an ambitious fitness challenge, or simply taking the scenic route home. It may also be time to step outside of your comfort zone in a much deeper way: attend a spiritual ceremony, political rally, or volunteer in a shelter. What you put into the universe, you’ll return a hundredfold: give yourself the time and freedom to be wowed by the world around you. Your lucky book this month is a fascinating, eye-opening short story collection that delves into the complexities that lie at the heart of several seemingly run-of-the-mill relationships. A short read, but worth a second or even third look--another instance in which you’ll benefit greatly from setting aside your first assumptions.
LUCKY BOOK: You Are Free by Danzy Senna
PISCES
Lovely Pisces, this month we salute your generous soul. Maybe it’s the proximity to Valentine’s day, or maybe you’re just experiencing a surplus of affection--either way, you can’t get enough of your loved ones: friends, family, pets, whoever is important to you. Not only do you care about their happiness and well-being, but you believe in them, too! You’re thrilled for the opportunities you see them going after and often feel compelled to help them achieve their dreams. While this is an admirable trait (friends like you are truly diamonds in the rough!), a word of caution: know when to remove your rose-colored glasses. Your loved ones are still human, and humans make mistakes. Placing people on a pedestal very rarely ends well, for you or for them: you need to preserve some of your emotional real estate for YOU, and they need to know that your happiness isn’t totally reliant on their success or happiness. Know how to draw those boundaries, and even cut ties, if it ever comes to that point. Don’t override your intuition, ever--your gut is usually much more attuned to the reality of difficult of situations than your heart is. Your lucky book this month is a deeply visceral portrait of what happens when a close relationship is severed, and the lasting effect that divisions across identity lines can have. There is much more to this story than meets the eye--there’s a reason why this book was a runaway bestseller at publication! Read closely, and then maybe call someone just to tell them that you love them.
LUCKY BOOK: Caucasia by Danzy Senna
ARIES
Slow down, Aries! After the January slog, you’re chomping at the bit to get all the things done this month. Understandable--it’s frustrating to feel like you’re so far behind, like you’re miles away from inbox zero. But let’s get real: too much stress and too little rest is a perfect recipe for getting sick. You can scoff, but no one ever plans to get sick, do they? If you feel like you’re constantly pushing yourself, that’s because you are: take a hint from your body’s exhaustion and relax. Question your motivations: are you desperate to take action because you actually care, or out of a misplaced sense of obligation? Guilt? A favor you owe to someone else? If it’s not coming from a genuine place, the results of your labor most likely won’t be to your standards, and it’ll feel like a waste of time and resources. Let February be your strategy month: what is it that you want to accomplish in the next few months? What are your mid-year goals? What can you believe putting into place? Once you’ve figured that out, then you can narrow down steps that you can take now, from the comfort of your home or office, that don’t require a large amount of legwork. Think of it as playing the long game: not every successful day has to leave you running on E. Work smarter, not harder. By the time March rolls around, you can hit the ground running. To quell some of that anxious energy, though, your lucky book this month has you covered: an unputdownable thriller set in Jamaica, surrounding the events of Bob Marley’s assassination. This hefty novel has it all: drugs, sex, reggae, and some truly unforgettable storytelling. Enough action to keep your need for adventure satiated! Now go take some Vitamin C, and don’t say we never did anything nice for you.
LUCKY BOOK: A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
TAURUS
My staunch and sturdy Taurus, brace yourself: February is going to be an exercise in an activity that isn’t exactly your favorite. There are some exciting new developments on the horizon for you, but as always, the universe rarely gives free gifts. You pride yourself on your take-charge attitude; you’ve been complimented more than once on your ability to bring order to chaotic situations, to think ahead and it seems everyone else’s head is in the clouds. In life, there must always be balance, and this month, it’s your turn to be just a tiny bit airheaded yourself! You’ll need to let go of some of your more rigid beliefs and behaviors in order to tap into the opportunities headed your way--they could be in the realm of your relationships, your job, or your side hustle, but either way, it’s uncharted territory. Try to figure out a way to relinquish a bit of control without feeling like you’re betraying your truest self, difficult as that may be. Change is a part of life, and positive change can only come with growth. If you’re struggling to adjust, keep yourself grounded by checking in with your family and closest friends; shifting your focus will help you maintain perspective on what’s important, at the same time that it reminds your loved ones that you care. After all, when things get rocky, their presence will make all the difference: it’s infinitely harder to get through brand new challenges all alone. In your lucky book this month, one family is put to the ultimate test when their entire home is taken from them--by the shifting powers of colonialism, and then by shipwreck. Three siblings have only each other to rely on as they navigate a brand new world together. Take courage in the face of what they struggled through and overcame, and believe you can handle whatever comes your way. We certainly do.
LUCKY BOOK: Land of Love and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique
GEMINI
Do me a favor, Gem. Open your planner, bullet journal, schedule app, or wherever it is you keep track of your appointments. Notice how your rate heart has picked up? Yeah. You’re doing A LOT this month. This compulsion to reconnect with old friends and break bread with new ones is a part of what makes you you, after--one is silver and the other gold, right? Not to mention your many professional and extracurricular commitments. Movies you need to see, museums you need to visit. Just keep that appointment book handy from this point forward; you’re quickly approaching the point of saturation. You may find that some quick thinking is required towards the middle of the month, if you want to avoid disappointing friends or making terrible first impressions. While you are completely aware that a few of these awkward situations could easily have been avoided if you practiced saying “no” more, take this as a chance to stretch those muscles of ingenuity and outside-the-box thinking. Stay open to the unexpected and when appropriate, let yourself go with the flow. Luckily for you, these are traits you already possess--just be sure to keep everyone on the up and up. Sometimes your machinations can lead to people wondering what’s happening, and people don’t tend to appreciate being left in the dark. Be forthcoming about what’s going on, in the general sense, but also within your particular spheres of influence. Honesty is key this month, in a big way: a few simple white lies you told in the past may very well come back to bite you very soon. Be humble and clear the air: small lies can become big ones, very quickly. This month, your lucky book is a short story collection that lies at the intersection of identity and choice. How does your perception of yourself affect that way you navigate the world? How does systemic inequality play into that? In the midst of your buzzing social life, take some time to wrestle with how your persona and beliefs affect your community in small and large scale ways.
LUCKY BOOK: Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self by Danielle Evans
CANCER
Hey Cancer, February is coming in hot. You may feel like life is holding you back, forever keeping your dreams on the back burner, but take a step back and reflect. Better yet, look around. Sometimes we receive our lessons as a result of mistakes made, but you have the advantage this month of your vantage point. What do you notice in the people around you? Coworkers, professional contacts, friends, acquaintances? Can you identify areas of growth and weakness, missteps and triumphs? Use their journeys as cautionary tales or inspiration as appropriate, and rest assured that things happen in due time. This is not to say you should try to be like everyone else, but rather, use their examples, both negative and positive, to craft a way forward for yourself. There’s a reason the universe keeps pumping the brakes on your own forward motion, and that may be because you’re attempting things you’re simply not ready for. In your lucky book this month, you’ll encounter a young woman who made a very difficult decision because of a responsibility she wasn’t ready for, and the ways her life changed as a result of that choice. While the ultimately figures out her own path, she only reaches that point after much introspection, as well as reflecting on the choices that the people around her made. Like her, you don’t exist in a vacuum, shut away in your own world. All of our actions affect each other, so be open to the lessons that others can teach you--we’re all in this together.
LUCKY BOOK: The Mothers by Brit Bennett
LEO
Just a little bit further now, Leo! While others were slacking off and bemoaning the dreariness of January, you were on your grind, and you’re about to see the results of your labor in a major way. Congratulations! From a job promotion to exclusive invitation to recognition from a long-time role model, be ready to accept the accolades and praise coming your way this month. Be sure to avoid the burnout that tends to set in the final stages, though; you’re almost there, keep going! One of the best ways to find your second wind is to find someone you really trust you help you bring it on home--who can that be for you? If the very thought makes you bristle because you’re unwilling to share the spotlight, that’s a red flag. It may be time to reflect on why you began this project or endeavor in the first place. Was it to solely to be praised? To make money? To prove someone else wrong? It’s not too late to redirect your energy if you started this off from a place of negativity or spite. But just be aware that you may not find the results you seek if you continue in the same ungracious vein. If you’re truly committed to seeing this through and giving it your all, this is probably the best time to bring someone else in, if you haven’t already. What are your blind spots? What could use a bit more feedback? Someone you trust to tell you the truth and treat your creation with care and dignity is someone you should absolutely have on your team. No man is an island, Leo, so disabuse yourself of that notion before you unwittingly sabotage yourself! Turn to your lucky book if you need some more reminders of the wily unpredictability of the world--and how sometimes, the only way to make sense of it is with someone who can offer a slightly different perspective.
LUCKY BOOK: Five-Carat Soul by James McBride
VIRGO
You know that feeling you get when you properly clean your glasses for the first time in a few days, and put them back on only to be astonished at how clear the world actually is? Virgo, that’s pretty much what this month is going to feel like. For the first time in a long time, you’re seeing things much more clearly: relationship dynamics that previously stymied you have laid themselves bare, workplace grievances or petty disagreements have fully come to light, previously held beliefs borne of ignorance are being turned on their heads. There may be many factors as to why these truths are revealing themselves, but regardless, enjoy this moment of understanding. Revisit some of the questions you puzzled over in past months when your head felt more cloudy: what do you feel confident in attempting now? What habits do you feel the need to put back into practice? Most importantly, is there anyone you owe apologies to? Despite your newfound lucidity, personal relationships may continue to be the one area that confounds you. People don’t act according to specific rules, and that may be more frustrating this month than it usually is. Intuition will come into play this month in a major way: listen to it, use it, trust it. Your gut is rarely wrong. Your lucky book this month is a deeply engaging and enchanting tale that draws on childhood myth but reflects with unerring clarity some of the more disturbing truths about our world. How much power does our outer image truly hold? And how we begin to reckon with the complexity that lies beneath? Keep this book in mind as you do some deep thinking with your newfound enlightenment this month, Virgo--there’s plenty more to this Snow White redux than meets the eye.
LUCKY BOOK: Boy Snow Bird by Helen Oyeyemi
LIBRA
Libra, Libra, Libra. February is a month when card and chocolate companies compel us to think about the people we love and how we express that love, and this month, the universe will be asking the same questions of you. Regardless of how you feel about the holiday of pink and red, you’ll need to reckon with where some of your closest relationships are going, how they’re changing, and who you should finally say goodbye to. Think about those you want to keep close--are you making time for them? Showing them that you care? You may think that is the case, but when is the last time you simply...asked? Intent is one thing, follow-through is quite another; if the other person isn’t picking up on your attention and affection, it may be time to amend your methods. As for you single Libras, this may the month that begins to change. Keep an open mind, but temper your expectations: a few dates does not a healthy relationship make. As you examine your existing connections and begin to think about establishing new ones, remember that people are human and prone to mistakes. Don’t allow yourself to be so swept away that you open yourself up for heartbreak too soon. It takes a careful eye and a good dose of intuition to identify an emotional vampire--practicing openness and caution at the same time is a difficult but necessary endeavor for you this month. Your lucky book is by one of the modern masters of intrigue and fantastical storytelling, and her novel will feel particularly relevant to you right now: a thrilling tale of what happens when a sentient house that holds a bed & breakfast unleashes its rage at the constant stream of unknown visitors. A classic English horror story told in a strikingly original voice, you’ll begin to appreciate the security that comes with only letting those with the purest of intentions get close to you.
LUCKY BOOK: White is For Witching by Helen Oyeyemi
SCORPIO
New month, new you! Sure, it’s the new year catchphrase, but feel free to apply it as liberally as you want. In February, the universe is nudging you abandon some of your old ways of operation and being open to new ideas. Particularly in your relationships with other people. Your usual ways of communicating may not be the best ways, particularly if you’ve found yourself reverting to subtlety and subtweets rather than direct and honest communication. At the end of the day, no one can read your mind except for you, and expecting people to pick up what you’re putting down is simply unfair. The time has come to be direct, take the time to figure out what exactly you mean to say, and say it. Your friends, family, and even coworkers will be much more receptive when your message is clear! That said, making the transition from subtle to direct can be emotionally exhausting, which translates very quickly to physical. If you find your energy levels flagging mid-month, pay attention to them and give yourself some time to recoup. (Ignoring your body’s signs is sure-fire way to get sick, just saying.) Take a bit of time to reconnect with yourself and figure out if there’s anything else you need to get off your chest. What’s the status of your intimate relationships? Are there tensions still swimming beneath the surface? How are you communicating in the workplace? With your creative team? Give yourself the time and space to square these away in your head, and feel confident about moving forward with more energy in a few weeks. Your life will be waiting for your once you’ve had a bit of a break. In the meantime, of course, get into your lucky book of the month, a fiction collection containing fresh insight and wide-ranging storytelling that will assist you in this month’s hard reset. As you aspire to clear and honest communication, Drinking Coffee Elsewhere is a perfect companion to have along the way.
LUCKY BOOK: Drinking Coffee Elsewhere by ZZ Packer
SAGITTARIUS
Bust out the paper and pen and let the genius flow, Sagittarius! February is a month of exhilarating creativity, and you have everything you need to unlock it. That’s not to say that you can expect to sit in a quiet room and have inspiration simply come to you, of course. You need to go to it! Leave the apartment and walk streets you’ve never explored before, take a flight to that city you’ve always wanted to visit and stay for a weekend. Take a class, fly a kite, paint a portrait--ease yourself outside of your typically prescribed behaviors and discover how firing up these new parts of your brain lend themselves to new ideas. The key to this is allowing yourself the freedom to accept what the universe is giving you, even if you don’t fully understand it now. You’ll only stifle yourself if you attempt to prune and edit as you go, so as much as you can, stifle the urge to rationalize every idea that enters your head. Record it, in whichever way feels most natural for you, and then come back to it later to see what you can glean from it. Bringing ideas to fruition takes time, this is just the beginning stages. This is thrilling time for you, and one that you absolutely cannot take for granted. Your lucky book this month is a charming accompaniment to this time of creative wonder--a collection that offers new delicious morsels each time you pick it up. Blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy, this is playful and loosely connected meditation on the function of the key: is it a gate, a gift, or an invitation? There are no easy answers here, and you’ll be all the more enriched for it.
LUCKY BOOK: What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi
CAPRICORN
Timing is everything, Cap! This month will be a bit of a holding pattern for you: there’s something brewing, either professionally or personally, and there isn’t much to do right now but hang back and see where things go. This shouldn’t be a major struggle for your typically patient Capricorn spirit, but when you combine your strong ambition with your very real and human need to see things through, this could wind up being a struggle. So here’s what I’ll say to you: trust in the process. Accept your emotions as they come--confusion, frustration, worry--and then do your best to let them go. If you try to seize control and make things move faster than they should, you’ll end up with a total mess on your hands, and way more stress than you’re experiencing right now. How do you distract yourself? Figure out a good way to spend your time, and do that. Take a mini road trip, lose yourself in a good Netflix binge, take that pile of clothes you’ve had bagged for months to the thrift store. Ultimately, Cap, you won’t regret making the time necessary for whatever is happening in your life to fully germinate. Change is inevitable: sometimes it happens fast, but more often, it happens slowly. Growth is what comes from allowing these processes to happen at the speed that they should. While you get to where you’re eventually going (because believe me, you WILL make it!), dive into some lessons hard-won by one of the most influential artists in the music world: The RZA. From a rough upbringing in the projects of Staten Island to international superstardom as founder of the Wu-Tang Clan, RZA’s spiritual memoir has been called “a nonfiction Siddhartha for the hip-hop generation.” We all have our journey-- don’t try to rush yours.
LUCKY BOOK: The Tao of Wu by The RZA
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Hey, YOU, Pisces! We know you have a birthday coming up. Have you checked out your reader horoscope for 2018? January isn’t over yet, and this month, we’ve outlined what your whole year will look like, along with some tailor-made lucky reads. Let us know what you think! (That goes for all you other signs, too.) 
Check out your 2018 Reader Horoscope here. 
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READER HOROSCOPES FOR OCTOBER 2017 HAVE A GREAT BOOK: CELESTIAL WISDOM FOR FALL
LIBRA
I hope you’ve dusted off your dancing shoes, Libra! This is your month to fete yourself, and the celebration can (and should!) be nothing less than spectacular. As you enter this new season of your life, take a chance on yourself and do something you’ve never done! Give yourself permission to step outside of the responsibilities and boundaries you’ve adhered to for so long (adulthood, am I right? UGH.) and regain your sense of magic and wonder, if only for one night! You may find yourself craving some respite from spontaneity and adventure soon, so take advantage of your moment of abandon while you can, and then allow yourself to slip back into your quieter state. But if you find that a part of you still yearns for the kind of life-changing mystery and adventure that your day-to-day experiences simply can’t deliver, you should know exactly where to turn: books! Your lucky selection for this month follows three generations of a family in the Virgin Islands, right after being transferred from Danish to American rule. Two sisters and their half brother, orphaned by a shipwreck, each possess a particular magic that will either sink or save them. Allow yourself to be swept away by this gorgeous, vibrant tale that will remind you of the unlimited promise of a new beginning...and the beautiful chaos of a life richly lived.
LUCKY BOOK: Land of Love and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique
SCORPIO
Welcome to fall, Scorpio! The seasons are changing, pumpkins are emerging, and as usual, this time of change and transition is making you antsy. You need a goal, a plan, something to aspire to, and right now, you’re undergoing a massive shift in thinking that typically precedes a bold move. So what will it be, Scorpio? With your birthday just around the corner, and a brand year hot on its heels, you’re in prime position to make a definitive move. A word of caution (and encouragement): you are, at this very moment, laying the groundwork for the change you want to see occur in your life. Whether it be a relationship beginning or ending, a new business opportunity or a farewell to your current career, you’re doing the work necessary to get yourself to the next place you’re itching to be. Don’t underestimate your ambition: these changes may be happening faster than you thought possible or necessary. But you know what? This is when you celebrate, not panic. You’re totally capable of this! Don’t believe me? Take a look at your desk, at the state of your bedroom. If you’re cringing at the mess, you shouldn’t. Your lucky book this month will show you why your more free-spirited, devil-may-care approach to life (and unfolded laundry) may contribute to your creativity and wellspring of ideas. Trust yourself, Scorpio, and take the leap. You’re ready!
LUCKY BOOK: Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives by Tim Harford
SAGITTARIUS
Squad up, Sagittarius! This month is all about the power of the collective - we all know what one is the loneliest number, and while that may be preferable from time to time, it’s important to maintain those socializing and collaboration skills when more manpower is required. Are you in the throes of planning a massive Halloween bash? Don’t run yourself into the ground; delegate tasks and continue getting sleep at night! Trying to negotiate a thorny work situation? Call an emergency friend meeting and spill the beans: sometimes it takes multiple points of entry on a problem before you can gain any clarity. Keep in mind, however, that at all times, you are the master of your fate. Working with other people doesn’t mean letting them walk all over you! Figure out exactly what it is that you want, and allow the people who love and care for you to be there in your time of need. Teamwork makes the dream work, after all. For some of the most epic and mind-bendingly unforgettable scenes that showcase the importance of community and self-sufficiency, be sure to pick up a copy of your lucky book for this month. It’s a harrowing, gorgeous story of survival in the face of overwhelming odds, and the power of just a few impactful relationships in completely transforming someone’s life -- for good.
LUCKY BOOK: My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent
CAPRICORN
Capricorn, I hope you’re feeling ready to receive some blessings this month. Success is looming, and it’d be a shame if you missed the opportunities coming your way! Imposter syndrome, stage fright, survivor’s remorse -- whatever you’d like to call it, it has no place in your life right now, do you hear me? This is the month where you bet on yourself: take some wild chances and make sure you’re rubbing elbows with the right people. At the end of the day, it’s rarely only luck or only connections that get you where you need to go; it’s both. And talking yourself out of attending that party, answering that phone call, or writing that letter will only hurt yourself in the long run. Yes, putting yourself out there is frightening, no one is denying that. But how will you ever know what you’re capable of if you don’t make an attempt? Do yourself a favor: live. Take risks. Show up. Make mistakes, and keep trying. If I can’t convince you, then maybe your lucky book this month will: a succinct and inspiring memoir of a hospice chaplain’s experiences with people at the very end of their lives. Sometimes the best way to ensure we make the most out of today is remembering that we never know when there will be no more tomorrow -- a chilling thought, but also, a motivating one! Until we unlock the secret to immortality, taking control of now is the best chance we have to live a life we can be proud of -- so seriously, Cap, what exactly are you waiting for?
LUCKY BOOK: On Living by Kerry Egan
AQUARIUS
Work hard, play hard, Aquarius! I want you to think of this month as the reward for all of the labor you’ve been putting in -- at work, at home, in a certain relationship, or even on yourself. There’s an area of your life that you’ve been laser focused on improving or becoming more knowledgeable in, and the hours you’ve put in may have felt overlooked. That is not so! You’re growing, Aquarius, and with growth comes rewards. Not everyone can apply such brainpower to such a specific issue for such a long period of time (seriously!) and you should absolutely give yourself a pat on the back. You may not be aware of this, but people are watching, and they’re taking note of how self-motivated and accomplished you are (or will be!). Use that reputation you’re building for good, and continue to build. For inspiration, the author of this month’s lucky book is about as #goals as you can get. A journalist who fled her own country because of political persecution, she has devoted her life to exposing and telling the hard truths about figures in power who have built their empires on the backs of the oppressed. After years of both study and hard reporting, she has created a reputation and career that cannot be diminished. This month, learn from one of the best to ever do it, Aquarius, and then keep reminding yourself that if you keep putting in the work, the world will be within your grasp. Take it.
LUCKY BOOK: The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia by Masha Gessen
PISCES
Hey, Pisces. This month got off to a rather dramatic start, didn’t it? Everything feels a bit frenetic and electric right now, a bit like you’ve slammed an open palm on a live wire. This is a blessing and a curse, no doubt about it. The powers of attraction are at their peak right now, so don’t be surprised at the heads turning your way as you walk down the street, or the rather impassioned messages that begin rolling into your Tinder inbox. Committed Pisces, this may be the month you find yourself having the difficult conversations you’ve both been avoiding -- for better or for worse (words chosen carefully). You’re realizing who your true friends are and who you can more accurately think of as an acquaintance -- realizations that may be painful in the moment, but ultimately vital to know in the long run. Work catastrophes reveal important things about how you and your colleagues respond under pressure. If the universe’s grand gestures begin to feel too overwhelming to deal with, turn to your lucky book this month -- a sharp, concise novel about what happens when your public and private lives intersect in ways that quickly morph from exciting to dangerous. In those moments, it becomes imperative to see past your immediate emotional reaction, and be able to make decisions under immense pressure. This time will pass, Pisces, and you’ll be able to relax. Until then, keep your eyes open, and focus on those deep breaths. You’ll make it through this month, step by careful step.
LUCKY BOOK: Reputations by Juan Gabriel Vásquez
ARIES
Happy autumn, Aries! Maybe it’s all the pumpkin spice wafting through the air, or maybe it’s your eternal hatred for all things pumpkin spice -- either way, October has you feeling fired up and full of energy. There is so much to do, so many people to see and places to go, and at the rate you’re going, you just may be able to squeeze them all in! Embrace the high you’re feeling, and ride it for as long as you can. People naturally want to be in your orbit right now; you’re exuding positive vibes and it can only open more doors for you. But if you put yourself out there, you have to be ready for whatever comes, even opportunities you weren’t necessarily expecting. Be honest about where you want to go, and if you happen to bite off more than you can chew, own it. Don’t set yourself up for future failure because you’re enjoying the attention now! Have integrity and value other people’s time and energy as much as they value yours. Your lucky book this month is full of stories that get right to the heart of some of the most beautiful and admirable shades of humanity: compassion, hard work, friendship, loyalty. It’s the perfect reminder to keep you grounded and humble this month, even as your social status (and Instagram follower count) rises.
LUCKY BOOK: Five-Carat Soul by James McBride
TAURUS
Up and at ‘em, Taurus! The slightly cooler fall temperatures have encouraged you to lace up your jogging shoes, because who wants to go for a run in the thick of August, dripping with sweat? Not you, and I don’t blame you. So this month, you’re leaning into your fitness dreams and getting yourself back on track. While you’re in the gym, on the trail, or posing like a tree, try to apply a similar level of focus to your internal exercises as well. What have you allowed to accumulate these past few months that you would do well to shed now? What are you holding onto that weighs you down, making it increasingly difficult to get out of bed? It may take some meditation, a clarifying talk with your therapist, or simply some downtime, away from the constant blue glow of your smartphone. But most of all, what it will take is time. This month, you’ll find both validation and wisdom in your lucky book -- very important companions on a journey like the one you’re embarking upon. In today’s fast-paced, efficiency-obsessed world, the standards for compassionate human care have declined, and so has our approach to health. You’ll learn why a return to a slower method of care is vital, and see why applying the same principles of kindness and patience to your own emotional fitness plan will ensure long-lasting results.
LUCKY BOOK: Slow Medicine: The Way to Healing by Victoria Sweet
GEMINI
Strike a pose, gem! You’re feeling like a million bucks (and looking like it, too)! Allow yourself to indulge in some vanity this month and treat every street you walk down like your personal catwalk. Smize, work it, stunt, repeat. You’ve been logging some hard hours lately, putting in the effort to make your mark on the world. Well, the world won’t know about it unless you promote! Use this surge of confidence to put yourself out there, unapologetically: send those scary pitch emails, network with people you idolize, find ways to brag about your work. Suffering from impostor syndrome? That’s normal, and it’s okay. It’s nearly impossible to get to the next level in your career or side-hustle without feeling a bit of natural fear and “what am I doing here?” But the trick is to keep pushing anyway. Recognize when you start to pull back and retreat into a safe shell, and remind yourself that this means this thing you’re attempting to do, this next level you’re aspiring to reach, is a bit scary and therefore most likely worth the fear! For some extra inspiration (and a little bit of hand-holding; don’t pretend you’re above it!), turn to your lucky book this month: a sizzling collection of short stories from one of the masters of the genre! Each story features characters that undergo difficult, sometimes seemingly impossible circumstances, with only their wits to rely on - with varying levels of success. Life may be a crapshoot, Gem, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. You’ve got the juice, now go act like it!
LUCKY BOOK: The King is Always Above the People by Daniel Alarcón
CANCER
Click those heels three times, Cancer, you know you want to. Right now, staying in and getting re-acquainted with your couch and streaming device probably sound like paradise -- parades and raucous nights out be damned. Or perhaps you’re feeling particularly nostalgic and yearning to reconnect with people from your past, the people who immediately come to mind when you think of ‘home.’ Follow these instincts; there’s a reason you’re feeling this way! Whether that means giving yourself some time away from the fall hustle and bustle to have a few quiet nights in, or make a point to call your grandparents and ask how they’re doing, reconnecting with your roots is a perfect way to begin a brand new season. Just don’t let your need for quiet and reflection lead you to isolate yourself, because that isn’t healthy either. Your lucky book this month a beautifully stirring portrait of several generations of women, and how the stories that once started out as fact become contorted, stretched, and glossed over with the passage of time. It’s a celebration of family, albeit not a completely pleasant one (realistic), and the perfect companion on a chilly autumn night.
LUCKY BOOK: I’m Supposed to Protect You From All This by Nadja Spiegelman
LEO
Hello, Leo? You there? You’re giving Waldo and Carmen a run for their money this month with your aura of mystery. But sometimes you just need to shake things up, right? Life’s way too short to be boring! Walk a different path, go to a concert for an artist you’ve never heard of, finally wear that outfit you’ve kept in the back of your closet for months! Your teenage years and early twenties are not the only time you can claim self-discovery: it’s constant, this kind of growth, and you’ll never stop learning who you are, because you’re changing all the time. And if this makes you a little difficult to pin down sometimes, well, so be it. (But please - return your mother’s phone calls.) As you venture into the unknown, making new friends and setting down new roots, remember that at some point, your past will catch up. And if that reminder gives you pause...do your future self a favor and reevaluate some of your decisions. The main character of your lucky book probably should have taken that advice, but her journey is so riveting, you definitely won’t mind. Sometimes the road to self-discovery includes a few broken hearts -- and when they revolve around someone whose whereabouts and actions are hard to keep track of (ahem), rumors start to fly. Between your thrilling excursions this month, be sure to get into your lucky book. You’ll be very, very glad you did.
LUCKY BOOK: The Mothers by Brit Bennett
VIRGO
Hey, Virgo! Got plans to slow down anytime soon? Your creative well is positively overflowing and pumping the breaks can feel a bit like self-sabotage. NOT. You aren’t a machine, and you need to rest to keep that energy going. Be kind to yourself and watch your productivity flourish. That said, beware the admirers who come around with empty hands outstretched: in a dog-eat-dog world, sometimes you need to override your naturally nurturing and coaching tendencies to recognize when people want to profit off your creativity for free. Be kind, but but be firm: you’ve worked too hard to get the point you’re at in order for someone else to swoop in and claim credit for what you’ve built. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with protecting what’s yours -- and perhaps, if you’re feeling generous, helping others discover and fine-tune their own ideas. We know you’re on the go this month, so your lucky book is not quite as text-heavy, but not short on the inspiration: a collection of gorgeous original artwork and accompanying annotations from one of the most prolific political cartoonists of our times. When you’re in the thick of your own artistic process, learning how others approach and execute their work can be an immeasurable gift. Onward, Virgo, but consider scheduling a nap?
LUCKY BOOK: Blitt by Barry Blitt
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Much of what is in store for you this year will involve embarking upon new adventures, engaging with the unknown. And the people who encourage and accompany you will be absolute invaluable. Who do you see doing life with you, platonically or romantically, for the foreseeable future? What are the qualities you cherish in a close friend, and what do you have to offer? The connections you make this year will be some of the most transformative and lasting of your life, so keep your eyes open...
2018 Reader Horoscope for PISCES. Look for your sign’s yearly readerscope here!
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READER HOROSCOPES FOR AUGUST 2017
Placing bookmarks within the pages of destiny
LEO
Give us a birthday roar, Leo! Don’t be afraid of attracting a little attention -- this is YOUR month, and you’re already turning heads! Your vibe, aura, energy, whatever you want to call it -- it’s off the charts and you’re finding that people are increasingly attracted to your outgoing, vibrant spirit. Put that energy to good use to dive headfirst into those passion projects you’ve been toying with for the past few months! If birthdays are good for anything, they’re for reminding us of how far we’ve come, and how far we have yet to go. Reflect on what you’ve accomplished, and celebrate it! But don’t stop there. You’ve been granted another year, so isn’t it time to make the most of it? That said, the time has come to give yourself a little bit more care and attention. I know this doesn’t come easily to you; you tend to prefer to give rather than take, and feel more comfortable putting others before yourself. Admirable, to be sure, but there are times you need to listen to your intuition, make yourself a priority. You may find yourself in situations where a choice must be made: your happiness, or someone else’s? Draw your inspiration from your lucky book this month, an incredible tale of family ties, and the complications that arise when love is pitted against loyalty. When are our sacrifices worth it? Are some things more important than family, than love? When your allegiances are tested, what holds true? Ultimately, Leo, the choice is always up to you -- and you have another year of wisdom and experience under your belt. Draw from that, and then do your best not to look back.
LUCKY BOOK: Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
VIRGO
It’s August, Virgo! Your birthday looms ever closer in the horizon, and you know what that means: time for some deep cleaning. What have you attracted in the past year that you know (perhaps only very deep down) it’s time to let go of? What has been dragging you down and stopping you from living your best life? Whatever those things are, this is your time to attack them with a bottle of your most high-powered cleaning spray and the coarsest washrag you own. You know better than anyone, Virgo, the freedom and joy in scrubbing at some hard-packed grit, and clearing it away to reveal the gleaming surface underneath. Half-hearted commitments, projects that have long soured, fake friendships -- these are all areas you can tackle! It can be very difficult, sometimes almost unbearably so, to let go of the old way of seeing or doing things, especially if you’ve become accustomed to certain negative ideas or people to the point that they feel like home, like normal. But that’s no reason to continue clinging to them once you’ve seen the light. The 14-year-old heroine of your lucky book this month learns this lesson in some of most harrowing ways, but her journey to freedom is one you won’t soon forget. Take heart, Virgo, and remember that you are ultimately the master of your own fate. You hold the power -- and the Windex!
LUCKY BOOK: My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent
LIBRA
It’s August, Libra, and rather than succumb to the Sunday blues (it is the Sunday of the calendar year, after all), you’re continuing the summer fun at full throttle. Your current happy place is within a large crowd lately, and lucky for you, we’re still in the heart of music festival season. But there may be more to it than just posing for the street fashion photographers at Lollapalooza and AfroPunk: you genuinely enjoy the sheer excitement and co-mingling of ideas that bubbles from being among a group of creative individuals. Not only are your friends your lifeline this month, offering you constant emotional support and accompanying you on hilarious adventures you can only share on your private blog, but even the strangers you meet may spark some new avenues of creativity you’ve never explored. Follow this impulse to profit from the collective; keep seeking new activities and areas where you can expand. You’re drawing from the most ancient instinct of living things: the compulsion to not only grow, but to change. Each new experience and memory is helping you develop into the person you’re supposed to become, a person markedly different from who you were ten years ago, twenty minutes ago, six months ago. So is it any wonder that your lucky book this month is a fascinating study of the way we think about evolutionary biology? The most minute quirks of DNA mutation can influence an entire species for generations -- pathways that emerge from seemingly nowhere that take life to the completely unexpected places. Every action, every decision you make has an undeniable reverb effect that you may or may not ever discover, so come on, Libra. Let’s see what you’ve got up your sleeve next -- and don’t skimp on the silly group photos, either.
LUCKY BOOK: Improbable Destinies by Jonathan B. Losos
SCORPIO
“I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind.” Wise words from the late great Notorious B.I.G., and your mantra for this month, Scorpio! You’re all about that paper in August: you’ve been working hard, building your network, taking professional risks, and now, getting ready to reap the rewards. What form it will take remains to be seen, so don’t count any unhatched chickens. But one thing is clear: your ambition is going to take you far. Perhaps even history books far. Who knows? But while your career continues to soar to meteoric heights, don’t forget about the people who helped you get there: your friends. Female friendships in particular are going to be crucial this month. After all, you can only work but so much, and an unfortunate side effect of putting in major hours at the office is missing out on some quality time with your chosen family. So whenever you can, be sure to make time for some much-needed gossip fests or movie marathons. You need a counterbalance to the stress of the job, and reveling in the love and appreciation of your besties is a surefire way to not lose your mind during this exciting, but admittedly draining time. And who better to draw comfort from, than your fiercest supporters? Of course, if you’re looking for another source of encouragement, maybe the more literary kind, your lucky book this month is a testament to what the human mind can achieve. Not only that, but the myriad effects that innovation that have on society as a whole. From artificial intelligence, to the barcode, to IKEA’s Billy bookcase, there is a backstory to every object you take for granted, and many of them will surprise you. So, Scorpio, now we have to know...what will your backstory be? How will you make your mark on history?
LUCKY BOOK: Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy by Tim Harford
SAGITTARIUS
The road goes ever on and on, Sagittarius, and this is your month to experience it firsthand! That stirring you’ve been feeling to get out and explore? Now is when you give in. And let’s be clear: this doesn’t mean you should max out your credit card and fly to the opposite end of the globe, swathing yourself in scratchy fabrics and embarking on a life-threatening quest. It is completely up to you (and your budget) where to go, how to get there, what do to there, and how long to stay. Want to spend a weekend in Nantucket? Wonderful! Want to spend a month in your childhood home? Fantastic! Wherever you go, there you are, so use this time of separation from your usual to become even more in tune with yourself and any spiritual, mental, psychological scores you need to settle. Don’t underestimate the benefits of retreating from the typical trappings of your usual life; even if you don’t venture as far as you’d like to this time, take the time to sit still. Look around. Breathe. Say hello to a stranger. If your journey has taken you abroad, try to learn a few sentences in the local language. And most importantly, find a quiet place and comfy chair to disappear into your lucky book this month: the story of a young boy who has also left his home, but (hopefully) for very different reasons. Chased by dark forces, he is forced to travel across a hot, empty desert plain -- completely alone, until he encounters an old goatherd. Their paths thus intertwined, they must learn the rules of this harsh new country together. A thrilling vacation read, cautionary tale, humbling parable -- let this searing story be whatever you need it to be, while you bask in the unknown of your own brand new corner of the world.
LUCKY BOOK: Out in the Open by Jesús Carrasco
CAPRICORN
Is it warm in here, or is it just me? Oh, wait -- no, it’s just YOU. Cap, there’s really no other way to put it: you’re hot this month, and if no one has begun shooting you some furtive glances, they’re coming. This is your month for smooth seduction, and there’s absolutely no shame in that! Whether it’s an old flame or a new spark, the romantic interludes will be robust and who knows, may lead to something more. Keep your options open, and do yourself a favor? Save the spicy details for your journal. Active as your group text might be, you don’t need to share every encounter with four of your closest friends, not unless you enjoy the nonstop interrogation that is sure to follow! Sometimes keeping some secrets to yourself can make the most benign affair even more exciting, and after all, don’t you deserve some excitement? That said, Cap, don’t completely lose your head in the whirlwind of these new flings -- keep one eye on your finances, too! Finding a much lower bank balance than expected is a surefire way to bring an ecstatic high to a crashing low, so be proactive and maybe decline some of the more extravagant date invitations...unless the other party is treating, of course! Your lucky book this month is a mesmerizing account of a young girl’s mission to learn her mother and grandmother’s history -- a winding journey through truths and half-truths, memories of love, abandonment, betrayal, and new beginnings -- to, in turn, better understand herself. It’s a beautiful, moving testament to the fleeting nature of life, and the lessons we learn in youth that become invaluable to the generations to come. So go ahead, have some fun this month. Hit it while it’s hot.
LUCKY BOOK: I’m Supposed to Protect You from All This by Nadja Spiegelman
AQUARIUS
Aquarius, Aquarius, Aquarius. You’ve been living large and in charge all summer, and it looks incredibly good on you. It seems like you’ve got it all figured out: job, home, friendships, fitness -- you name it, you’ve conquered it. Well, okay, there’s one area that can use some development. You’ve been so focused on getting yourself in order over the past few weeks (or perhaps months!) that you’ve allowed your independence to push away a potential special someone. Maybe someone came to mind just now, maybe not. But this is the month to open up that part of your heart once more: even if you don’t feel ready to enter into anything serious, consider putting some time and effort towards building or re-building something a person who gets you. Sometimes you just need a person to keep you in check, to support your more wacky ideas, to hold your hands before you take major risk. Knowing that someone you care about always has your back can be incredibly freeing -- not necessarily limiting or confining, as you may have been led to believe. As long as the lines of communication are open, the cards are on the table, and you’re both open to each others’ needs, there is no reason that a healthy, successful life cannot include someone you can call a partner -- with as many or as few stipulations or boundaries as you both desire. Your lucky book this month is a spellbinding and unforgettable collection of short stories that will shed a brand new and sometimes discomfiting light on the nature of our relationships, whether romantic, familial, or otherwise. Sometimes entering a world gone slightly topsy-turvy can help us better appreciate our own -- and avoid the mistakes of the characters we come to know and love, even in the space of a few pages.
LUCKY BOOK: What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah
PISCES
Rise and shine, Pisces! This month, you’re feeling and looking fantastic -- muscles tightening, blood flowing, skin glowing! No more late nights squinting at your phone; you’re tucking in early to avoid being sluggish the next morning. Midday bag of chips? Not for you -- a brisk walk to get a fresh smoothie has become your new habit. Between your improved diet and consistent gym attendance, you’re right on track to achieve the sort of health goals you once found nearly impossible. And it’s a good thing too, considering how things have picked up at work! You need all your wits about you as you go through these hectic days and late nights, so keep up the good work. We do only get one body, after all, and it’s always in your best interests to keep it healthy and happy. And while we know work is pretty intense right now, you know what they saw about all work and no play, right? Even though it may seem wrong to inject some fun into such a go-go-go month, you need to let your hair down once in awhile and give yourself some time to relax and let loose. So that date you’ve been putting off? Just say yes! Enjoy the attention, show off all that exercise you’ve been doing! If you’re looking for some romantic ideas, might we suggest a homemade dinner date for two? You may be committed to new fit lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean all of your meals should be bland and oat-filled all the time. Your lucky book this month is sure to give you some delicious inspiration for some flavorful meals, as well as general tips and tricks for adding a special touch to your cooking, whether the recipe comes out of a book or not. Bon appetit!
LUCKY BOOK: The Art of Flavor by Daniel Patterson and Mandy Aftel
ARIES
Beautiful Aries! This month is YOUR TIME. Your confidence is through the roof right now -- or if it isn’t it should be! You’re turning heads left and right, friends and acquaintances alike are clamoring for your attention, and the dating prospects aren’t looking too shabby either! Basically, you’re totally owning it this month, and we couldn’t be more happy for you. As summer winds to a close, take full advantage of these final few weeks: enjoy a vacation day or two, bask in the sunshine, sip some frozé with a group of friends at noon. In other words, live!!! Enjoy it; life is fleeting anyway! Of course, a word of caution: no matter how amazing you look and feel, using the world as your red carpet can have its drawbacks. Keep a tight grip on your wallet, and be careful of what you post on social media. Money is not everlasting, but that regrettable photo from 4 AM absolutely is! Leave the tabloid-worthy blunders to the celebrities, and recognize when it’s time to leave the party. Speaking of, your lucky book this month will be right up your alley: a whip-smart, hilarious deep dive into the world of celebrity culture, what feeds our obsession, and what effect internet fame has on our culture at large. Walk like the street is your red carpet -- and then enjoy cozying up in bed with this book, comforted by the fact that there isn’t paparazzi just outside your door.
LUCKY BOOK: The Stars in Our Eyes by Julie Klam
TAURUS
Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for being a homebody, Taurus. This month, you’re really into the warmth and comfort (or should we say air conditioning and comfort?) that comes from being safely ensconced at home, surrounded by your books, blankets, and favorite snacks. Maybe you’re finally get around to that deep cleaning you’ve been saying you’d undertake since the beginning of May, or there’s a room that’s just dying for a fresh coat of bright new paint. Or maybe the time has come to say farewell to your current place entirely, and try to find some digs. However you slice it, your priority this month is taking care of your sacred space, and reevaluating what the significance of that space means for you. It is a place of solitude and meditation, where you can escape the endless grind of the outside world? Is it a fortress for you and your closest loved one, where you can all be your unapologetic selves? Is it simply a place of refuge, where you can rest assured that in this tiny corner of the universe, you are safe, independent, and in control? You may find that you have much in common with the protagonist of your lucky book this month, a fiercely opinionated young woman who is on a quest to find a place she can rely on as home. Trapped in that infuriating liminal space between cultures, between countries, and does her best to carve for herself, everywhere she goes, a place that rests entirely under her control, a place where she can feel, even in miniature, that she is in a safe, familiar place. It’s a stunning tale that will put into sharp perspective one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time -- pick it up whenever you feel yourself getting a little bit too serious about paint swatches.
LUCKY BOOK: Refuge by Dina Nayeri
GEMINI
Gemini, what’s good? You haven’t had the best few weeks, but it’s a month, a new day, and life is going to have to come a little harder than that to keep you down. Luckily, this month you’re all about that extra support: partnerships and close friendships are where you’ll thrive, and it won’t feel too crowded, or like a betrayal of your own independence -- we promise. The key is to make sure the people you choose to surround yourself with add a special something that you wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere. Who makes you feel like your best self? Your most capable self? Your most ambitious self? Who lights that creative fire? Understand that while self-sufficiency is important, and your reliance on your own wisdom and wits is one of your best attributes, it can never hurt to solicit input and guidance from someone who can push you to aim even higher, and vice versa! So put yourself out there, be proactive. You can’t expect everything to come to you. Your lucky book this month is a short, trippy examination of race and class that follows a most unusual character in her quest for authenticity. Like you, she wonders who she really is, who she wants to be, and how -- or who -- can help her become that person? While you will undoubtedly avoid some of the more absurd situation she finds herself in, there is much to learn from her internal dialogue as she fumbles for ‘realness.’ Find your person (or people!), Gemini, but don’t lose sight of yourself in the process. You’re smarter and more resourceful than you know. Remember that!
LUCKY BOOK: New People by Danzy Senna
CANCER
Up and at'em, Cancer! You’ve had a leisurely summer, laying back and enjoying the ocean breeze, marathoning your summer shows and sampling mimosas at every brunch spot in town. We don’t begrudge you living the unbothered life to the fullest, but alas, it truly isn’t a party if it happens every night. And unfortunately, it’s time for the party to end -- for the time being. But you were sort of ready to kick it back into high gear anyway, weren’t you? You have a bit too much active energy to spend the rest of the summer whiling away the hours fruitlessly. This doesn’t mean you should throw all of your effort into the first opportunity that presents itself: be forward-thinking, but strategic. Know what you want, and then go after it. Get your feet wet at a few mixers and networking events so you can get some inside scoop on what’s for grabs, who to know, where to show up and show out. So go on, have at it! Dust off that resume, iron that button down. It’s time to start getting yourself back into the game. We understand that the transition back to the real world may be jarring, but you’re not a delicate flower; you can take a bit of unease and horror in your downtime literature. Your lucky book this month is a haunting short story collection that will raise the hair on your arms in the very best way. Both love story and cautionary way, it’s the absolute best selection for this month, when you need to be kept on your toes -- although we highly recommend not saving this one to read right before bed.
LUCKY BOOK: Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin
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READER HOROSCOPES FOR JUNE 2017
Flipping the pages of your celestial fortune
 GEMINI
 Gemini season is upon us!!! Birthday behavior will be in full effect, so enjoy this month and all it has to offer. How do you see yourself developing in the next month, year, or five years? What do you want to achieve, and how can you make that happen? Use this burst of positive energy to fuel your ambitions because honey, the sky's the limit! In between all of the birthday partying you plan to do (you know you tend to need twice the celebrations - get it?), take some time to peel yourself away from the crowd and reflect on what this past year has brought. There have been many ups, most likely a few downs as well. But you’ve made it this far, and there’s no slowing you down now. Be bold, be serious about your dreams, and start taking concrete steps to reaching them! That means investing in yourself - whether it’s a side project that needs more time, a long-term endeavor that you’ve abandoned lately, or a relationship that you want to improve. The onus is on you to take control - it’s your life, after all! The characters in your lucky book this month may not always get along, but they are driven by their passions, and act accordingly. Wires may get crossed, accidents can happen, or the side project you invested time and money in may reveal itself to be smoke and mirrors - these are some unfortunate side effects of taking risks. But guess what? You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. And, in the end, even if it all goes up in smoke, you become stronger by learning how to rebuild. This is your time, Gemini, so go after what you want, and be unapologetic about it. You’ve got a pretty big crowd cheering you on, every step of the way.
 LUCKY BOOK: Modern Lovers by Emma Straub
 CANCER
 Namaste, Cancer. Summer is nearly upon us, and you’re feeling extra motivated to get yourself in shape. Whether it’s inspired by the ‘beach body’ craze (any body at the beach is a beach body, FYI!) or you’ve just got some spare energy to burn, lean into that impulse and follow where it takes you! Putting in those hours of physical exertion - whether it’s on a yoga mat, treadmill, or the winding paths of your local park - will only make you feel stronger, healthier, and happier...and probably pretty sore, too. But good for you! This commitment to bettering your physical self will do wonders for helping you manage your emotional self, as well. While you have the time to let your mind wander while you work out, allow it to drift to your personal goals - and I’m not talking about how many pounds you want to lift. Where are you headed, and what’s driving you there? When is the last time you reevaluated what you really want? It’s crucial that you stop and reflect from time to time, keeping in mind that desires change, and that’s normal. If you’ve been pushing yourself lately, think about why that is. Are you keeping yourself busy to avoid thinking? Why? Use this month of recalibration as a reset - absent yourself from the whirlwind of rooftop parties and bar hops for a bit, and just let yourself rest. When is the last time you took an honest to God NAP? Yeah, thought so. Your lucky book this month follows a young man who, similar to yourself, is on a quest for knowledge - how does one achieve transcendence? Nirvana? The only way to find out is to seek it out - a journey that tests his physical abilities, but his emotional and spiritual grit as well. Take the time, put in the work, and then wait - with time, your answers (and rewards!) will come..
 LUCKY BOOK: The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj
 LEO
 Thank you for being frieeeend, Leo! This month your social butterfly-ing is off the charts - everyone wants a piece of you, which is exactly how you like it! The summer season and hours-long group hangouts are exactly what the doctor ordered, so you’re in a good place. Listen to that feeling in your gut that tells you are exactly where you need to be - June very well may be the month of beneficial collaborations! Keep your eyes and ears open during your group conversations - you never know who may wind up being a fantastic potential partner for a joint venture. That said, you may prefer not to think about any joint venturing right now, due to a stalled project that’s been getting you down. A short story you can’t find an ending for, a relationship that refuses to be rehabilitated, a jewelry business that you are having trouble getting off the ground - whatever it is, it can be incredibly frustrating to devote time and energy to a project, just to have it stutter and stop before it even starts. Don’t avoid the issue, but don’t keep trying the same methods over and over again either. It may be time to seek out some help - might it be an emotional block? Is it time to seek out your old therapist, or maybe an acupuncturist? The point is, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you find yourself needing a fun distraction between therapy sessions, your lucky book this month is about a pair of friends whose relationship takes a sharp turn one fateful summer. Young rich women in 1950s Houston, Texas, one of them gone off the rails and the other her self-appointed chaperone: what follows is a story that is sure to lend some perspective to the issues you’re facing. Sometimes, you really do get by with a little help from a friend.
 LUCKY BOOK: The After Party by Anton DiSclafani
 VIRGO
 Summer is rapidly approaching - for most people, a time when responsibilities are slackened, the meetings end earlier, and the long, sunny days make for less work, much more play. But you aren't most people, are you, Virgo? This month, you're determined to make good use of your time and energy rather than while it away on the boardwalk or rooftop bar. The good news is, you'll start to see the returns from this burst of extra effort pretty quickly: if you haven't already, you'll start getting noticed by some important higher-ups, community influencers, maybe even a potential business partner or two. Your career is going places, so take advantage of that momentum! This means thinking more broadly about how you’re utilizing your position and whatever power you wield to make the world a better place. How can you contribute to the causes that are meaningful to you? Can you sacrifice your time? Resources? Money? The more successful you become, the easier it can be to hoard the wealth you accrue, but be warned: money is fickle, and has ways of making itself scarce - sometimes at the most inconvenient or unexpected times. The family in your lucky book know that well, having lost their riches in one fell swoop on a fateful summer’s day on Martha’s Vineyard. Shaken, bewildered, and grasping for steady footing, they undergo very separate journeys - the childrens’ distinct from the parents’ in order to make sense of their strange new world, and figure out their place in it. So keep making the boss moves you’ve perfected into an art, but stay ready at all times for the other shoe to drop.
 LUCKY BOOK: Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty by Ramona Ausubel
 LIBRA
 Oh, lovely Libra, where will your spirit move you this month? The summer breeze has you feeling particularly fine, and that’s nothing to sneeze at. Feeling antsy and in need of a change of pace? Join a Capoeira class! Do you miss scintillating classroom discussions and writing important papers? Sign up for the community college class you’ve been eyeing for weeks now! Don’t let your nomadic spirit spiral into aimlessness - your open-mindedness is a gift; take advantage of it! Don’t settle until you feel, internally, that you’re in the place you want to be. What form that place will take, only your future self knows, but one thing is clear: you’re hungry for knowledge. You want to know more - about computer science, about birding, about the coasts of Santorini - it doesn’t matter what the topic (or the hemisphere), just that you find your passion and let it consume you. Throwing yourself into a brand new pursuit is one of the most sustaining and reliable pleasures of life; it can remind us of the wild curiosity we experienced for the first time as children, and it can teach us discipline and patience. But most of all, it will scratch the itch that’s been nagging you: the itch to simply know more. The authors of your lucky book know exactly how you feel - they wrote and illustrated an entire book that explores everything we don’t know about the universe. Quarks and neutrinos, black holes and Dark Matter: words we hear in physics class that vaguely ring a bell, but easily evade human understanding. This is the perfect downtime book for you this month as you embark on a quest of personal fulfillment via life’s classroom - but the best part is, there’s no test at the end.
 LUCKY BOOK: We Have No Idea: A Guide to the Unknown Universe by Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson
  SCORPIO
 Scorpio, you siren, you. Do you ever tire of leaving broken hearts in your wake? Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but the truth is, you’re quite the hot commodity this month, but something tells us you don’t exactly mind! Call it hormones, pheromones, or what have you, but the seductive vibes you’re giving off are driving your admirers wild - some you’re probably already aware of, some you may not be! You officially hold the crown in the kingdom of “leave ‘em wanting more,” but a little mystery never hurt anybody, now did it? On the contrary: this surge of power has awakened your artistic sensibilities, and your creativity is off the charts. NO matter your given field - photography, singing, comedy, acting - you’ve tapped into that elusive space where the magic is flowing and you’re on a high that feels as if it won’t end. Allow yourself to be fully submerged into that place of artistic nirvana while you can - because, as you know well, the muse will float away and the output won’t feel as effortless. And speaking of being submerged...your lucky book this month is a perfectly creepy read to keep you engaged, awake, and on your toes. The queen of intrigue is back with a thriller that follows the story of a small town grappling with two grisly murders that occur within weeks. Don’t stay up late reading this one - or do, if you’re the type to derive inspiration from unsettling dreams...and the satisfaction that comes from hoarding all of those unanswered texts...
 LUCKY BOOK: Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
 SAGITTARIUS
 Happy June, Sagittarius! These longer summer days and balmy nights are incredibly restorative, after a rather stressful past few weeks. Now that some of the furor has died down, you have the mental real estate to take stock. Your relationships have been heavy on your mind lately - be they romantic, familial, platonic, or professional, it's important to recognize when your gut is telling you to pay attention. Trust your instincts. This month, you should have little trouble recognizing who is worth your time and who is a drain on your energy, and acting accordingly. Life is too short to spend it catering to people you know aren't good for you, whether out of respect to a bond formed in childhood, a friend in common, or simply an unhealthy infatuation. Make the conscious decision to choose quality over quantity - you may be surprised at how much easier it becomes to recognize your genuine attraction to the right people, and repulsion by the wrong ones. And if you're having trouble finding the motivation to sit with yourself and do this necessary emotional work, let your lucky book guide you. A hilarious and poignant memoir that explores the strange inner workings of a strict Catholic childhood, Priestdaddy is a great reminder of the necessity of intense self-reflection. Taking a step back to take stock of your history, your interactions with the people in your life, and most importantly, how you feel about how far you’ve come - it makes an enormous difference. Better yet, it can help you identify patterns you may have unwittingly established, and the best way to move forward.
 LUCKY BOOK: Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood
 CAPRICORN
 Watch out, Cap! June is coming at you fast, and there’s no time to waste: only strategic thinking and maximum efficiency will get you through this month unscathed. Luckily, you’re already a practical thinker by nature, with a healthy amount of determination and ambition. These traits will come in handy when your responsibilities start to ramp up, and opportunities begin flying at you from all directions. It’s exciting to find yourself in such high demand, but this is when it’s most essential to keep a level head and practice the art of the “no.” Always, Cap, aim to work smarter, not harder. Utilize life hacks to maximize your time and energy, rather than spreading yourself thin in an attempt to be everything for everybody. Make a list of your priorities and passions, and don’t apologize for making those your focus this month. Some things will necessarily fall by the wayside, and that’s okay. Self-sustainability is the name of the game, so don’t feel guilty for looking out for #1. This goes beyond your work life, though: you should be taking precautions to keep yourself safe, in general! Your lucky book this month is an excellent guide to all of the strange quirks of human nature when it comes to keeping ourselves alive from day to day, like insisting on fat-free salad dressing but text while behind the wheel. Filled with eye-opening statistics and anecdotes that paint a striking picture of the need for more careful living, this is an excellent downtime read that will satisfy your need for concrete steps to leading a more responsible and efficient life.
 LUCKY BOOK: Careful: A User’s Guide to Our Injury-Prone Minds by Steve Casner
 AQUARIUS
 Aquarius, where’s the party?! June is here and you’re ready to celebrate - good for you! Your festive spirit is incredibly contagious, which is probably why you’re finding that many old friends are popping out of the woodwork to extend invitations to hang out. People love to be around a welcoming and effusive spirit like yours, so revel in it! Make the very most of those day parties and parades, don’t be afraid to get a little loud and flamboyant! There’s a time for being a little over the top, Aquarius, and this is yours. If you find yourself drawn to experiences simply for the amazing story they’ll make in the aftermath, follow that impulse! You’re known for spinning some incredible yarns, but the stories that keep your friends and family the most rapt are definitely the ones that are based on 100% true events. And with the high you’re currently riding, who knows what adventures you’re liable to get into? Your lucky book this month is by an author who consistently tells riveting, eye-opening stories - a trait you both share! A deeply affecting story of a young couple in 1930s Austria desperate to be together in the midst of war, this novel will provide some much-needed balance to the endorphin-addled rollercoaster you’re on this month - while still keeping you on the edge of your seat.
 LUCKY BOOK: The Lost Letter by Jillian Cantor
 PISCES
 Home is where the heart is, isn’t that right, Pisces? This month, you’re feeling every bit the domestic goddess: your plants are thriving, wardrobe cleaned out, bathroom sink sparkling. Or maybe none of those tasks are completed yet, but you’re counting down the minutes until you can cross them off your to-do list. Embrace the urge to beautify your space - you have to live there, after all! It’s absolutely in your best interest to take the time to make it look and feel the way you love; being in a space you don’t enjoy can negative effects on your mood and productivity, which makes total sense: if the first thing you see in the morning and last thing you see at night both make you say “Ugh,” how can you expect to feel anything but? But surrounding yourself with beauty and cleanliness (or otherwise, whatever you’re into!) shouldn’t only be for your home - this month, finding yourself in the company of powerful women you admire will be key. They say you are the average of the people you spend the most time with, so think carefully about who you are allowing to influence you every day. The company you keep - just like the furniture or framed art you choose - can make all the difference. Your lucky book this month is another kind of domestic tale - a hilarious, heartwarming story of a newly combined family trying to adjust to their new roles. A testament to the ongoing awkwardness of life, no matter what age you are, this novel is a great reward for finally building that Hemnes dresser - or an even better distraction from starting (don’t worry, we won’t tell).
 LUCKY BOOK: The Awkward Age by Francesca Segal
 ARIES
 What a time to be alive, huh, Aries? The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the Instagram stories are flowing! After the seemingly endless month of May, June is finally here in all of its glory, and you are ready to take full advantage. Get your calendar ready - you’re stepping back into your social butterfly shoes (or should it be wings?) and it is wonderful! Friends and family love to see you in your element, so don’t be surprised by all of the invites fluttering your way. But if your heart is telling you to hit the road, it may be best to put some of those brunch dates on hold - getting onto a bus, train, or place and exploring a brand new place may be exactly what the doctor ordered. Don’t be afraid to follow your heart - especially if it leads you to something you’ve never tried! Your lucky book this month may give you some inspiration, particularly if you’re the athletic type. You may have heard of ultimate frisbee before, but never like this. Told from the point of view of “one of the greatest athletes no one has ever heard of,” Ultimate Glory follows the journey of a young man who devoted his life to those moments when he is able to lose himself completely in the game. And although he went on to hang up his frisbee and pick up a pen, his sheer adoration for the sport, and his passion for making his dreams come true, are all the motivational fodder you need to get up and get going. Go on and seize the day, Aries - and maybe give seizing a frisbee a shot too! You never know!
 LUCKY BOOK: Ultimate Glory by David Gessen
 TAURUS
 Well, Taurus, another birthday season has passed, and you’re another year older and wiser! The best part of aging: becoming more accepting of your personality quirks and eccentricities. Constantly trying to alter who you are is not only fruitless, it’s psychologically draining! That said, as summer plans begin to heat up and your various friend groups make half-baked travel plans you know will require some forethought, don’t ignore your desire to step in and make sure the itineraries are up to snuff. You get a lot of grief for being the self-appointed parent from time to time, but guess what? Someone has to do it! And if it’s you, so be it. Needing stability doesn’t make you boring; it makes you indispensable, and it also keeps you sane. Not to mention, it truly does help people have more fun. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that the best laid plans have their way of going awry. No one knows this better than the poor families of your lucky book this month, who embark on what begins as a lovely cruise, only to devolve into the most harrowing vacation experience of their lives. It’s a heart-stopping, engrossing reminder of the inherent unknowability of life, despite our Plans B, C, D, and so on - but moreso, a reminder to treasure your loved ones every day, as life is completely unpredictable. Be sure to smuggle this one with you wherever you go, because trust me - once you start, it’s nearly impossible to put down.
 LUCKY BOOK: Do Not Become Alarmed by Maile Meloy
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Have you consulted with our resident literary astrologer about your fate this month? It’s not too late! Check out our June Reader Horoscope here -- and be sure to let us know how you enjoyed your lucky book!
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READER HOROSCOPES FOR APRIL 2017
Your monthly constellation of literary consultation
  ARIES
 Get those bottles popping and candles lit - it’s your birthday and the whole world needs to know! Aries season, your season, is upon, and heavens help whoever isn’t ready. That’s no joke - there are five retrogrades in store this month, so proceed with caution. Turning a year older and wiser is having an incredible effect on your ambition - your focus has narrowed down to number one! You have goals to pursue, opportunities to grab, and you simply don’t have the time to be anything but 100% committed to making those dreams happen. We won’t discourage you, but be aware of naysayers who may pop up trying to cramp your style. There will always be people who take personal offense to your capacity to shine, and regardless of their reasons, it’s in your best interest to do all you can to separate yourself from that negativity. That’s right - separate. There is a time to try to talk through someone’s issues with you, slow down your progress, and work through the reasons behind someone’s ire - a retrograde is not that time! Breathe deeply - inhale peace, exhale stress - and focus on how you can channel the wisdom you’ve accrued in all the years you’ve lived to help you make your mark on the world. And while you’re taking all of these deep, fortifying breaths, why not take in some amazing scents? Your lucky book this month is probably unlike anything you’ve read recently, or maybe ever - all the more reason to dive in! Let Mandy Aftel, master perfumologist, walk you through the history and philosophy behind the scents we love and love to hate, the scents that stir up emotions we weren’t even totally aware of. Best of all, she’ll equip you with the knowledge to create some delicious perfumes of your own - how’s that for some birthday self-love?
 LUCKY BOOK: Fragrant by Mandy Aftel
  TAURUS
 Go on, take a load off, Taurus. You’re feeling particularly zapped of energy this month, but don’t worry, it will pass - eventually. This month’s retrogrades are about to do a number on you, so be prepared! Retrogrades tend to force us to reflect on the past: what went wrong and how to set things in place in order to move forward smoothly. Where have you been avoiding closure? What divergent areas of your life could use better transitions? Take advantage of your need to slow your pace a bit this month by thinking about how to retrace your steps to clear your head and clear the air as your birthday rapidly approaches. You don’t want is to be caught in the same situations you know you should have outgrown a long time ago. Visualize your areas of growth like a long, winding body of water - where are the blockages? What do you need to filter out and clear away? No more cutting corners - if one area is clogged with toxicity, it will likewise ruin the entire stream. While you take the time to think about how best to tackle the lurking issues in your past, take some inspiration and knowledge from your lucky book this month, an eye-opening examination of the source of all life: water. Where does it come from, where is it going, and what happens when it’s threatened? You’ll enter your birthday season feeling infinitely more prepared for whatever is ahead - and with an even greater appreciation for .
 LUCKY BOOK: Where the Water Goes by David Owen
  GEMINI
 Well helloooo, hotshot! You’re in high demand these days, aren’t you? Your popularity is off the charts this month, Gem, so enjoy this time in spotlight. It seems that no one can get enough of you, and keeping up with your own dance card is quickly becoming another full-time job. Good for you: you’ve been working hard to improve your public profile and networking skills, so it’s great to see them paying off! Beware the retrogrades on the horizon, however. The temptation is strong to make new friends and ditch the old, but you know the old song: one is silver, the other gold - both precious. Keep your foundation steady and strong before you attempt to stack more on top. If there’s a friendship in your life that you’ve been ignoring in favor of your new acquaintances, it may be time to reevaluate your priorities and make sure your original friendships are on solid ground. This is a bad time for drama - not only are you more in the public eye than you’ve ever been, but you’re a Gemini: you know how quickly circumstances can flip and up can suddenly become down. Hold on to the people in your life who have been there from the beginning - if things go awry, they are the people you can count on. And if you find yourself craving some drama, your lucky book has your back. Badass female assassins, superhuman abilities, hilarious workplace shenanigans, all with a Buffy-esque flair - you’re in for a literary treat this month. Dive in!
 LUCKY BOOK: The Regional Office is Under Attack! by Manuel Gonzales
  CANCER
 All systems go, Cancer! You’re a busy bee this month, flitting from this activity to that with barely enough time to take a breath in between. There are places you want to go, new heights you want to reach, and the only way to get there is to work, seemingly non-stop. Your drive is admirable, Cancer, truly. But I must warn you, the retrogrades in store for this month will absolutely throw a wrench in your plans - but by being prepared, you can possibly mitigate their effects by knowing what to expect from yourself. Thus far, you’ve felt totally in control, on top of your game, and honestly, pretty fantastic. Making moves suits you, and you know it does, so you’ve got some swagger in your step. Great for your self-esteem, but it may bite you in the behind when the planets’ movements start to send your emotions haywire. You’re going to start noticing the flaws in your family and friends that you feel need fixing. It’s a lovely impulse, if a bit insulting; no one likes to be berated or make to feel inadequate for simply being human. You’re not Iyanla, they don’t need you to fix their life. Rather, avoid some unnecessary friction with the people you love most and suffer your opinions in silence. This is not the time to try to bring other people’s mistakes or shortcomings to light, no matter how fantastic you’re feeling in comparison - there is usually a log in your eye to deal with before you attempt to point out the speck in someone else’s. Instead, keep pursuing the things that are meaningful to you. Work hard to become a better you. But keep your eyes open for areas of potential growth. Your lucky book this month is a gentle, illuminating story of a woman who found love and new convictions in an unlikely place - let this be your respite from the frenetic pace of your day-to-day. You may discover something you didn’t know you were missing.
 LUCKY BOOK: The Movement of Stars by Amy Brill
  LEO
 Adventure beckons, Leo! Springtime tends to bring with it a quickening, the feeling of restlessness and impatience, and all you want to do right now is set off on a brand new path towards the unknown. Can’t say we blame you! However, if you’re currently find yourself lacking the means to jet off and escape your usual orbit at the moment, there’s nothing wrong with venturing out within your neighborhood, or maybe a town or two over, and exploring places you’ve never visited. There is always something new to discover, new people to meet, new experiences make memories of - so don’t feel beholden to taking trips you simply cannot afford in the name of wanderlust. Either way, whether you’re still home or abroad, you can’t escape the retrogrades on the horizon. One of your main concerns, Leo, is your desire to partner with other people for either personal or professional reasons. A wonderful thing, to be sure, but  your judgment may be just a bit skewed this month - hey, don’t shoot the messenger, blame the planets. Be careful before entering into any binding agreements this month - examine your relationships and the terms of your contract deeply to be sure that they aren’t taking advantage of you, or potentially putting you in a situation you don’t need to be in. Trust is a precious thing - treat it that way. The characters in your lucky book learn this lesson well: chock-full of scandal and gossip in a 16th century French royal court, this is the perfect primer on guarding your secrets until you can be sure of who to entrust them with - you never know who may not have your best interests at heart.
 LUCKY BOOK: The Devils of Cardona by Matthew Carr
  VIRGO
 This is a month of intense focus for you, Virgo, and considering your usual proclivities, that’s saying something! Maybe it’s a subconscious pre-empting of the chaos that accompanies a retrograde - much less five - but this month, you know exactly what you want, how you want to get it, and what the reward may be. At this point, there is precious little that can slow you down. You may not want to hear this, but this could be the perfect time for you to find that kindred spirit to partner with on this project. Two heads can truly be better than one, provided you choose your co-collaborator wisely. One word of caution - you’re placing so much stock into this passion project, so much time and energy, that it can become difficult to extricate yourself from your work. Try to be aware of when this is happening, because the inevitable setbacks and misunderstandings then have the potential to grow into major, insurmountable issues. Beware how quickly you can bypass ‘annoyed’ or ‘frustrated’ and dive straight into anger, despite your best intentions. Focus on summoning compassion - it’s free, it feels better in the long run, and it causes less wrinkles (seriously!). You’re in very capable hands with your lucky book this month - written by none other than the master of the arts of compassion and mercy, Anne Lamott. Retreat into a chapter or two whenever you begin to feel yourself spiral, and remember to take a few breaths. You’re going to get where you want to go, Virgo, one way or another. Believe that.
 LUCKY BOOK: Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott
  LIBRA
 Hey there, lovely Libra. This month is all about relationships for you, and how to deepen your bond with your chosen #1 - whether that’s your partner, your BFF, or your sibling. With all of the retrogrades that are on their way, you may begin to feel a significant need to take a load off. Lean into this impulse; the planets have their ways of urging us to reset when there is unfinished business in our lives. What have you been holding in lately? What have you been trying to gather the courage to say, and what is keeping your mouth closed? You can only go so long feeling happy and fulfilled in a relationship that has become shrouded by lies of omission, no matter how you may try to convince yourself otherwise. Two is the most important number for you this month, so do yourself a favor and put some serious thought into how to unburden yourself - you may be surprised with their reaction! Your lucky book this month is the perfect accompaniment to your current struggle - it focuses on two young women in 1950s Houston, Texas - one of them the quintessential “it” girl who everyone either wants to date or wants to emulate; the other, her best friend, somewhere between babysitter and co-conspirator. When the it girl goes off the rails, it’s her best friend’s job to pluck up the courage to bring her back to her senses - and accept the attendant consequences. See what happens when a friend is confronted with a tough decision - and acts. Your time for inaction has passed, but that’s not necessarily reason to fear - you may find that saying what you’re really thinking is the best decision you ever made.
 LUCKY BOOK: The After Party by Anton DiSclafani
  SCORPIO
 Hello, spring, and hello, Scorpio! No matter where you live, the arrival of the spring months can have a serious rejuvenating effect on your psyche. It's a time for new beginnings, fresh outlooks, and clean slates. Clean, indeed - another impulse of spring is the tidying one, and it's hitting you hard this month. Excellent! Whether it be your home, your body, your mind, or all three (seriously, bravo), your number one focus this month is getting into shape, clearing away old clutter, and using the arrival of a new season as a reset button. Be aware: there are several retrogrades this month; be on the alert for their influence over your emotions. In the midst of the thorough emotional scrubbing you're doing, don't be surprised if you receive a surprise DM or late-night text from a certain someone you'd sworn off long ago. The funny thing about retrogrades is right in the name - things from our past tend to pop up and test our commitment to the here and now. Feel whatever emotion that naturally arises - there is precious little you can do about that - but then, move right past it. You don't owe anybody your time or energy, especially if you've already made the decision to stop giving it to them. Resist the urge to rehash old wrongdoings, put down your phone, and pick up your lucky book: a heartfelt and hilarious collection of short stories by a woman who has attended one too many weddings. Every union is a new beginning of sorts, and despite the flak perpetual wedding guests sometimes receive, witnessing the foundational moments of someone else’s love can be surprisingly instructive. If you need to scribble some notes in the margins, we won't tell.
 LUCKY BOOK: Save the Date by Jen Doll
  SAGITTARIUS
 Joy to the world, April has come! Okay, wrong season, same sentiment. You are one happy Sag this month - people have been noticing your glowing skin, sparkling eyes, and infectious laugh. Where did this energy come from? Who knows? (Who cares?) After being a hermit for the past few weeks, maybe it's simply the restorative power of being back outside and interacting with more people. Either way, take advantage of this positive energy and make the most of it - pursue that opportunity you've been watching and waiting to act on, make that scary phone call to the person who's been expecting to hear from you. But keep in mind that there are a fair few retrogrades in store for this month, which can throw your priorities for a loop. It can be easy to allow yourself to get carried away with this new abundance of energy; try to be mindful of this! Despite what you're feeling, you actually can't do it all, neither should you aspire to. What are the projects that have been sitting on the back burner? The ideas you've already devoted love and care to, and now just need to act on? That's where you should focus your attention, rather than spreading yourself thin by taking on even more. Your lucky book this month is a poignant counterbalance to your mood this month - a collection of essays about the seven years separating the author’s son’s birth from his father’s death, and the heartwarming, heartbreaking, hilarious moments that occurred between. Let it be a reminder of the unpredictability of life - and inspiration to live it as fully and as well as you can.
 LUCKY BOOK: The Seven Good Years by Etgar Keret
  CAPRICORN
 Hey, sweet Capricorn. That squashy chair sure is comfortable, isn't it? This month, you're all about that home life: maybe you're taking on a renovation project, trying out some new baking recipes, or maybe it means spending time with your tribe, the people you love and who love you the most. Either way, your ideal April looks somewhat like a huge Snuggie, maybe a cup of tea, and some quality catch-up sessions with friends and family. We support this wholeheartedly, especially in light of the retrogrades coming your way - you’re to want to be surrounded by people who understand and care about you. Because despite your comfy socks and sweatshirt, you are not totally at ease - your career is an area of particular concern to you right now. Take this time to reflect on your current trajectory. What are you headed towards? What are you moving away from? Is this the direction you wanted to go with your life, or have you abandoned a dream to pursue something you aren’t sure you actually need? It’s okay to second guess your decisions sometimes, and always better to think through those gut feelings than to ignore them. This is when being in the midst of friends and family can help - soliciting a second or third opinion can be invaluable when you’ve been stuck at a crossroads for quite some time. Be open about your fears, and receptive to the advice coming your way. And to give yourself a break from this intense internal restructuring, your lucky book is waiting: a highly addictive, spellbinding collection of short stories about the ties that bind, the flawed world we live in, and what happens when things go topsy-turvy. A perfect escape within your escape.
 LUCKY BOOK: What It Means When a Man Falls From the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah
  AQUARIUS
 Look at you go, Aquarius! Your April is already off to a rousing start, with all of the exploring you’re doing. Good for you! March was an insular kind of month for you - whether because of a heavy work load, emotional load, or you were just plain exhausted - but now you’re ready to grab life by the horns once more. Keep this up! Be proactive in doing the things you enjoy, the things that make YOU happy, regardless of what you fear other people may think. Retrogrades are brewing this month, Aquarius, and for you, they can come with a boatload of self-doubt. You know your own propensity for negative self-talk and not trusting your own desires, so rather than wait for those feelings to take over, do the important work of reaffirming your own self-worth and confidence. Use your outings to find like-minded people; kindred spirits who you feel comfortable turning to for some subtle validation on your more melancholy days. Treat yourself to a massage or a matinee - life is short, so why not be kind to yourself? There is no one right way to do things, no matter what you may be accustomed to telling yourself, so let your explorations be open-ended. Your lucky book this month deals with one of the most polarizing and contentious topics with a similar approach: she presents the case for agnosticism, and the freedom in acknowledging everything we don’t know. There’s no shame in admitting the limits of our knowledge, and wanting to be our authentic selves, whatever that means for you. Own it!
 LUCKY BOOK: Agnostic by Lesley Hazleton
  PISCES
 Time to get up and get going, Pisces! You have a lot of ideas, but thus far, not nearly as much follow-through - but this month is when you change that! Think about it: how can you kick your productivity into gear? Set more alarms? Write more to-do lists? Find an accountability partner? Whatever works best for you, start now and stick with it - it will be tough, but you can do it. Best to get this month off to a busy productive start than wait for the impending retrogrades to sap you of your creative energy. But when that time does come, and you’re feeling sick and tired of the same old, same old, here’s an idea: do a bit a tidying up. Not your room or kitchen, necessarily (although that’s never a bad idea), but specifically, examine your wardrobe, your haircut, your shoe situation. Maybe the slump you’ve been in can be attributed to a subconscious desire for a physical change. Hey, they say not to judge a book by its cover, but everyone does it anyway, right? And there is much to be said for the ways that outward appearance can transform inward confidence. There’s something undeniably powerful about looking into a mirror and being happy with what you see - it can add a spring to your step, it can make you more likely to speak and be heard, and just appreciate the world a bit more. Donate the things you’ve outgrown to a local charity and experience the immediate psychological benefits of physically removing objects that carry outdated negative energy from your space. Your lucky book this month is all about the enduring impact of past mistakes on a small town, and the ways that those mistakes can have a ripple effect on multiple families within that community. When tragedy strikes, who is to blame? How do you reconcile the reality of the present with the ignorance of the past? Sometimes a facelift can be the first step to a deeper reconfiguring within.
 LUCKY BOOK: Friendswood by René Steinke
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READER HOROSCOPES FOR MARCH 2017
Zodiac consultation from a literary persuasion
 PISCES
 Blow out your candles and smile for the cameras, Pisces! It’s your month and you are letting the whole world know it. The beginning of the year can be such a drag - particularly if you live somewhere that’s cold, grey, and perpetually wet - but with the arrival of March comes the reminder that spring is truly just around the corner! Your optimism is taking you to new heights this month - maybe it’s something in the air, maybe it’s the extra bounce in your hair, or maybe you really are just born with it - but you’re having trouble finding the desire to turn down the part of you that wants to break out the champagne on the weekends. So don’t! However you prefer to indulge yourself - whether it be trying out a new nail color, treating yourself to a second dessert, or taking a luxurious bath after work - this is the month to give in, guilt-free. Be the decadent self you are when you close your eyes at night. Life is too short not to allow yourself to experience the simple magic in treating yourself. Your lucky book this month is an enchanting tale about two gifted orphans who are separated as teenagers and find each other again in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Heartened by the strange twist of fate that brought them back together, they embark on an incredible journey discover anew the glory and fame that could have been theirs as children. Life can be difficult, and dreary, and cold - but it can surprise you with its capacity for magic and intrigue, if you let it.
 LUCKY BOOK: The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O’Neill
 ARIES
 Aries, darlin’, you’ve gotta let me know. Will you stay or will you go? Or if that doesn’t apply, are you going to answer yes or no? Up or down? I think you’re picking up what I’m putting down - your head is currently shaped somewhat like a pretzel, and you have no idea how to choose between the two major decisions facing you right now. Here’s a hint: if you’re still waffling about a project or endeavor of yours that’s been a dormant passion for a long time (and I do mean long) this is your time. There’s a reason that we feel called to certain places, or opportunities, or people. Trust that instinct. Trust yourself. But before you jump in feet first, ease your fears by doing the pre-work necessary to clear the path ahead. All the small loose ends that you’ve been ignoring? Get those taken care of. Pay back those loans, make that difficult phone call, let go of those individuals that have been dragging you down - whatever it is you know you need to do and have been avoiding: do it. Otherwise, taking on that passion project of yours will only end in burn out and regret. Your lucky book this month is the story of a young woman who followed her dreams, clear across the world, and wound up discovering something so much more precious than what she originally sought: a real love story, featuring star-crossed lovers, rather than the story of one in an ancient book. Have faith in what moves you, and allow yourself to move toward it in turn. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
 LUCKY BOOK: A Word for Love by Emily Robbins
 TAURUS
 You’re winning friends and influencing people left and right this month, Taurus, and it’s a power you should not take lightly! You have very strong opinions to express, whether it be in the board room, living room, or even in your group text, and you’re finding that people firmly agree, more often than not. While this may put you in a position of leadership or advocacy that you didn’t necessarily ask for, don’t shy away - usually, people who are open to speaking up are unwittingly voicing the questions and concerns that most people have, but are too fearful to share. As you continue to speak up for yourself and on the behalf of others, examine who you’re surrounding yourself with. It is often said that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Are you happy with your friend group as it stands? Are you inspired to be a better person by all of them? It’s a natural next step for you to feel drawn to activism or charity work these days, since you’re able to clearly articulate big ideas in ways that people can understand and identify with. Make sure that your increased popularity and demands on your time don’t cause you to overcommit. You can only be good for others when you’re good to yourself - and you can’t right every wrong in the world! Don’t bum yourself out by trying to. You can gather a lot of strength and motivation from your lucky book this month: an incredible account of the creative minds and thought leaders in Iran who worked together to create a completely new form of government in the modern age. It’s a testament to what can be accomplished when people will big ideas are unafraid to say them out loud, and then act.
 LUCKY BOOK: Children of Paradise by Laura Secor
 GEMINI
 Whoa, Gem. You are on the road to success and nothing is getting in your way, particularly during this month. Whatever your chosen field, whatever your preferred hobby or extracurricular activity, you’re amping up the effort and doing your best to jump two or three strides to get even closer to your goal. If that means a bit of ladder-climbing, so be it - don’t let envious detractors make you feel guilty for using the resources at your disposal to get ahead. Speaking of resources, this will be a great month to dust off that LinkedIn account you’ve been abandoning - maybe spruce up your Instagram and Twitter bios as well. You never know who may have stumbled upon a profile of yours, and what they may be looking for. That said, don’t bend over backwards for likes - keep your eyes on the prize and just live your best life, and be honest about the new challenges and opportunities you’re taking and are willing to fight for. It’ll come through to anyone who’s watching closely, believe me. For inspiration, you can’t get any better than your lucky book this month: remember the French artist who walked between the Twin Towers back in ‘74, Philippe Petit? His book on the art of living a highly motivated creative life will be just the guide you need to help you imagine even bigger and bolder ways to get to where you’re going. But don’t worry, they won’t include a tightrope...
 LUCKY BOOK: Creativity by Philippe Petit
 CANCER
 Where to next, Cancer? What city is next on your list to discover? This month, you’re so ready to break away from the familiar and explore a place you haven’t been...or maybe haven’t visited in some time. Maybe you just went through a rough split with a former loved one and can use some space from the constant reminders, maybe you have a friend abroad you’ve been promising to visit for years, or maybe you just stumbled across an amazing flight deal and have vacation days to burn. Regardless, you’re in for some unforgettable memories this month, so follow that wanderlust where it leads you. Don’t use this as an excuse to run some something that needs immediate confronting, however. If there’s a difficult conversation you need to have, make the time and figure out exactly what it is you need to say. Make no assumptions - be honest, be willing to listen, and lay your cards out on the table. Your partner will be much more likely to do the same. Your lucky book this month will be another much-needed jolt of honesty. As you take to the road, sea or skies this month, think about the people around the world who are driven to leave their homes in search of new ones. People displaced by circumstances outside of their control. And then, imagine within that: a love story.
 LUCKY BOOK: Exit West by Mohsin Hamid (3/7)
 LEO
 Personal space is vital this month, Leo. You’re feeling a bit jittery and overstimulated, tired of the constant noise, the exhausting pretenses, the sheer anxiety of being around other people. Consider this your permission to take a break. It’s not a crime to need time to yourself, to catch your breath and be quiet for a bit, no matter what you may be telling yourself. Some people simply can’t function in the spotlight all the time, or even adjacent to it, and that’s okay! Taking some time to bask in the intimacy of your special place - whether it be your bedroom, a hidden corner of the library, or by a quiet lake in the park - is a completely normal necessity, and your friends and family should understand that. Be honest about your needs, don’t lie and further enmesh yourself in unnecessary guilt. Sometimes, the very small untruths we tell - to ourselves and others - can lead to the social exhaustion that you’re suffering from right now. Have you been honest in your relationships lately? Is there something you’re afraid of, that you may not be letting yourself admit? What have you been trying to convince yourself of recently? Meditate on these things while you take some time to yourself, and try to figure out ways to break any cycles of deception that may be contributing to your currently uneasy state of mind. And take heed of your lucky book this month: a highly thoughtful exploration of a woman’s heart and mind when her husband, from whom she is already separated, goes missing. You may recognize some similar patterns in her way of thinking that you would probably do well to avoid in the future.
 LUCKY BOOK: A Separation by Katie Kitamura
 VIRGO
 February is over - you’re welcome. Rough one, huh? Take heart: this month, you’re feeling particularly inspired to take on a new project or two, and you know how energy-boosting that shock of creative energy can be. Immerse yourself in planning, sketching, delegating, organizing - all the things that make your Type-A Virgo heart soar. While you’re at it, though, don’t ignore whatever had you so down last month. It can be easy to allow the momentum of a new creative endeavor to bury emotions you’d rather not examine, but this can just lead to an unending cycle of repression and manic output. Small suggestion? Talk things through with someone who can help you make sense of those unpleasant feelings. Even if things don’t feel especially urgent or tragic, meeting with a therapist can do wonders for unlocking emotional vaults you weren’t aware of ever closing. And this month is a perfect time to engage with someone about topics that you find difficult to talk about, because with your newfound burst of motivation naturally comes the skills of articulation needed to talk people into supporting you. This is a transferable skill, even to the pesky emotional stuff. And so, for you: this month, your lucky book is an epic tale of love, belonging, heartbreak, and redemption that is guaranteed to remind you that life, with all of its attendant baggage and emotional nuisances, is well worth living anyway, and living as thoroughly as possible.
 LUCKY BOOK: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
 LIBRA
 Health is wealth, Libra! This is your month to get yourself back into the gym, yoga studio, dance studio, or wherever it is that you prefer to work up a sweat. Whether or not you’ve decided to give up a vice for Lent, it’s not too late to pinpoint an area of your life that you know you need to work on. Cut back on snacks before bed or resolve to make it to the gym at least twice a week. Start small and let yourself get used to following a regimented plan before you try to make it more strict. And speaking of plans...you know what else is wealth? Actual wealth! Alongside your compulsion to make getting fit a priority this month, you’ll want to make sure finances are in order as well. Honestly assess your budget and spending habits over the past few months. Are there areas in need of trimming? Can you cut back on certain expenses and to save a few extra dollars every month? Again, choose one to two usual expenses that you can go without, and see how those spare dollars add up when you stop blowing them on things you can go without. Find a good place to invest and watch that money grow. This is a month of serious responsibility for you, paying such strict attention to your physical health and financial standing. You’re going to need a break from the mental and physical exertion you’re about to put yourself through, which is where your lucky book comes in. It’s a story collection like none other, told from a most eccentric and hilariously unusual perspective. It’s the kind of book you turn to when you’re looking for a drastically different way of looking at the world, and it comes in concise, but weighty chunks. Go on and binge, guilt-free!
 LUCKY BOOK: Pond by Claire-Louise Bennett
 SCORPIO
 Work it, Scorpio! You’re feeling completely fabulous this month, and when you feel fabulous, you aren't afraid to let the entire world know. Wherever your gifts reside, that is where you are expressing yourself loudly, boldly, and unapologetically. Some may even go so far as to say you’re tapping into your latent diva tendencies - but you know what? We all need and deserve a chance to be proud of who we are, and not care who knows it. And if you got it, flaunt it, right? Who knows what might happen tomorrow, so why not celebrate yourself today? Don’t let your head swell so much you can’t focus on what’s in front of you, however. This is especially important in your close relationships. A diva attitude will not get you far with the people who need vulnerability and honesty from you, so try to curb those flamboyant impulses when you’re picking up on a totally different vibe from your significant other or close friends. If and when problems arise, approach them with a sober mind, thinking through the problem with solutions in mind, not simply your immediate emotional reaction. Dramatic speeches and door-slam feel great in the moment, but they do little to solve issues as hand, and can only further the divide that you should be attempting to close. If you’re having trouble coming back down from the more fanciful state of mind you’re in, channel all of that high-strung energy into your lucky book for the month: an enthralling short story collection centered around locks and keys, filled to the brim with elements of magic and intrigue that will more than satisfy your need for a larger-than-life perspective this month. It’s the kind of book you read to feel less alone in your madness, while receiving small shocks of reality that offset the fantastical in an even more fabulous way.
 LUCKY BOOK: What is Not Yours is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi
 SAGITTARIUS
 Spice up your life, Sag! This Women’s History Month, you’re reveling in the feminine energy around you, and taking strength in the powerful and enduring influence of the amazing women [pin your family, workplace, and friendships who inspire you to be better every day. Take your appreciation a step further and reach out - who has been a particularly guiding light for you lately? Who has offered you encouragement when you were feeling down? Who have you been admiring from afar for her incredible leadership and insight, but have been too shy to tell directly? Now is the perfect time to make yourself known - who knows, you may wind up with a new mentor, or friend! In matters of the heart, don’t be surprised if a certain someone from your past resurfaces. Don’t take second changes lightly - who knows why the universe has put them back into your life? This could be a chance to learn from past mistakes. That means that whatever issues you had before, you now have the advantages of time and distance to gain some much needed perspective and apply the wisdom you’ve gained in the meantime. And with your circle of sisters and all of the nourishing and empowering energy their presence brings, imagine how you can revolutionize your approach to relationships from this point on! For more revolutionary ideas, look no further than your lucky book this month: the story of the Russian feminist punk rock group, Pussy Riot, and the way the incredible way they mounted their resistance against a corrupt government and sparked a global movement. Who runs the world?!
 LUCKY BOOK: Words Will Break Cement by Masha Gessen
 CAPRICORN
 Not even a full week into March and your social calendar is nearly full, Cap! You're quite the popular kid this month, from work events, happy hours, movie nights, and everything in between. How do you do it? A secret time turner, or perhaps an expertly-placed clone or two? Whatever it is, your seeming omnipresence will go a long way towards ensuring your name on everyone’s lips for quite some time. Take advantage of all the chances you have to rub shoulders with all sorts of fascinating people within your network and outside of it - you simply never know when you may need to call on a new contact in preparation for a new exciting opportunity, offer someone else a chance to pursue something in line with their interests, or simply have a new friend to catch new art exhibit with. Don't underestimate the power of shared experiences - they help to further our mutual understanding and make sense of the world as a whole. Knowledge doesn't exist in a vacuum - it's the result of individuals banding together, forming communities, and teaching and learning from each other. While you are surrounded by old friends and new this month, take a few moments to reflect on how much better off you are for the shared knowledge you've gained, and how much further in life you can advance because of it. You'll find many more examples of this incredible feat of human nature in your lucky book for this month, as well as a humbling look at the inverse: just how much we don't know on our own.
 LUCKY BOOK: The Knowledge Illusion by Steven Sloman and Philip Fernbach (3/14)
 AQUARIUS
March is going to be a doozy, Aquarius - you ready? You’ve got time and energy to burn, and that’s a great thing. You’re pretty much all work and all play - and if that math doesn’t seem to add up, just wait. You’re crushing it at work, with offers and exciting new assignments coming at you from all sides - so keep your calendar app pulled up at all times, and get serious about organizing your timetable in a way that keeps you on top of your various responsibilities. The universe wants to give you the financial compensation you deserve for your hard work, but that still means you need to work to earn it. You know what else that means? Giving yourself some playtime to balance out the intensity of your workload. Remember what I said about having energy to burn? Your friends and family may not know how you’re doing it (no seriously, what is it?? Green smoothies? Exercise? Coffee beans?) but your PM social calendar is nearly as full as your AM one, with friends vying for your attention and company several nights a week. Have all the fun you can handle, but here’s a handy way to cut corners and not leave anybody out: schedule group hangouts when you can, that way everyone gets a piece of you, but you aren’t running yourself ragged by mid-month (yes, even that impressive energy store has its limits!). Your lucky book for this month is a perfect match for the level of intensity you’re operating at right now: an unforgettable story of war, heroism, and the power of sacrificial love, as told through the lens of the Korean War, and the profound effect it had on the world thereafter. You’ll laugh, you’ll weep, you’ll feel unmistakably alive. Most of all, you’ll savor this essential reading during those rare quiet moments this month - that’s a guarantee.
LUCKY BOOK: The Surrendered by Chang-rae Lee
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READER HOROSCOPES FOR JANUARY 2017
As the planet spins on, so the pages turn
 CAPRICORN
Hello and very happy new year, beautiful Capricorn! I hope you're basking in the glow of the past few weeks (the end of 2016 worked out quite well for you, you can admit it) instead of succumbing to the societal pressure to make lists of resolutions. Is it good to have goals to work towards? Of course! But don't drive yourself crazy trying to change every other part of your personality in order to fulfill some imaginary “new year, new me” quota. Think about your life right now: what are you thankful for? What have you been blessed with? Once you've made that list, then think about which areas could use some growth. Take inspiration from the heroine of your lucky book this month: a woman who capitalized on her talents and used them to go after the life she truly wanted. She had some rough beginnings, but she didn't let the more difficult aspects of her life bog her down or overwhelm her progress. Take courage - 2017 is blank slate, a song just waiting to be written. Grab your pen and your guitar and get to work!
LUCKY BOOK: Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein
 AQUARIUS
Every dog has its day, and this month, gentle Aquarius, is yours. After the manic pace of the holidays - that persisted right up until the new year - it's time to slow way down and catch your breath. If you're feeling like you've got a couple screws loose, trust those instincts; you probably do! Use this time of renewal and new beginnings to attend to yourself in the way you've been longing to: return those phone calls and emails, complete the projects you left undone, systematically tie up any loose ends that have been keeping you up at night. Most importantly, do these things at the most leisurely pace you can muster. Disconnect from the frenetic pace of your social media feeds - you'll be shocked at how much more clear and rested you'll feel when you stop the mindless scrolling. Does the thought of going analog make you itch? Let your lucky book this month be your guide: follow the stories of several Americans doing their best to live more authentic lives: not necessarily by leaving technology behind, but by doing what they can, bit by bit, to simplify the way they approach their daily existence. Breathe deep, take in the beauty surrounding you, and use each morning as a fresh start.
LUCKY BOOK: The Unsettlers by Mark Sundeen
 PISCES
Quite the socialite, aren’t you, popular Pisces? You’re starting the year off surrounded by a community of family, friends, and admirers, happy as a clam. Well, perhaps a bit harried, too. But in the best way! Even though you have to get really creative in your responses to invitations (Why double date when you can quadruple date?) you’re feeling all the love the universe has to give right now, and now you want to give some of it back. How will you channel this benevolent energy? The main character of your lucky book used his creative powers to create political cartoons that rocked his entire nation - with consequences that far surpassed his expectations. When you have any kind of platform, taking a strong political stance is always a calculated risk - but is usually well worth the effort. Take advantage of the attention you're getting, and think about how to best use it for good. You never know just how influential your words - or actions - may be.
LUCKY BOOK: Reputations by Juan Gabriel Vásquez
 ARIES
Balance, Aries, it's all about balance. In addition to a lucky book, you get a key word this month, too. Think of the next few weeks as gently flowing waves, and you're rising and falling with the tide. You're not doing any heavy lifting this month, so unclench and relax. The beginning of a new year often brings enormous pressure to transform into a brand new iteration of yourself that you probably feel little to no connection too. So why that disconnect? Imbalance. (Told you.) Bringing baggage from 2016 into the light of a new year - whether it be emotional, physical, psychological - is guaranteed to throw you off and have you losing the game before you get a chance to start playing. Take a step back and examine your priorities: how are you feeling about your career? Your relationships? Your home? Yourself? Do the necessary work of dotting I’s and crossing T’s that you've been neglecting, and then you can truly begin on a clean slate. Your lucky book this month is a mind-bending exploration of our perception of reality - time, space, physics. All of the things we know of, but struggle to explain; that we trust, but can rarely see. All of the disparate pieces that somehow hold together the very fabric of our existence...all connected through a most complex and delicate balance.
LUCKY BOOK: Reality Is Not What it Seems by Carlo Rovelli (1/24)
 TAURUS
Auf wiedersehen and bon voyage, Taurus! You're grabbing 2017 by the horns and shaking it - that is to say, you aren't taking any winter blues lying down. No, you're throwing your sunscreen and phone charger in a weekender bag and peacing out (and who can blame you?). A giant dose of wanderlust at the very top of a new year can do wonders for expanding your knowledge, refreshing your worldview, and giving a much-needed jolt to both empathy and creativity, which often go hand-in-hand. How would we learn authentically about other people’s lives and experiences if we stayed cloistered within our hometowns, unwilling to venture out and be an outsider in a new place? The protagonist of your lucky book this month shares your desire for traveling beyond the comfortable or familiar: she goes to a Middle Eastern country in search of an ancient text, but ends up discovering so much more. Witness to an incredible love story, mounting political tension, and a family’s struggle to navigate their country’s increasingly precarious hold on peace, she discovers what it means to be a stranger in a land that is physically and culturally different even as her emotional attachment grows ever stronger. In the midst of your adventures, don’t miss your chance to make a deep connection with what may at first feel strange or foreign. You’ll be all the richer for it.
LUCKY BOOK: A Word for Love by Emily Robbins (1/17)
 GEMINI
Feeling a bit touched out, Gem? We all have those days. Err...months. No judgment, seriously. Coming right out of the holiday season, where it seems like everywhere you turn, there’s another nosy relative, ugly sweater party obligation, or guilt-inducing ad, it’s no wonder you are desperately seeking a room of your own. Consider this your pass to embrace the hermit you’ve been trying to suppress all November and December! You are welcome. Use this time to think about boundaries: have you been careful with who you allow into your space, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional? Have your loved ones been mindful of your needs? There is no shame in being exactly who you are, despite what the people around you (and on your feed) might feel about it. The beginning of the year can be tough - the pressure to change can feel more like a burden, particularly when the exhaustion of the weeks past doesn’t actually melt at the stroke of midnight on January 1, like the world would have you think. Stand firm in who you are, what you need, and what you enjoy - and don’t be afraid to turn your back on whoever makes you feel as if you are inadequate. When you’re curled up under a warm blanket and blissfully ignoring the world outside, you’ll want a copy of your lucky book: a beautifully heartbreaking true-life account about a young man who was made to feel ashamed of who he truly was, and his journey to radical self-love. Despite all odds, and despite hate masquerading as righteousness, he found the courage and strength to say yes to himself, and overcome a lifetime of no. Now that’s a story worth snuggling up to.
LUCKY BOOK: Boy Erased by Garrard Conley
CANCER
It takes two, baby!!! Cancer, take a minute to make sure your phone isn’t in airplane mode and that you’ve got your notifications ON, because this is your month for partnerships! Maybe you need a cuddle partner for the cold winter months - or if you’re in warmer climes, a buddy to hit the hiking trails or In-N-Out with. Either way, the stars have decreed that the going will be easy in terms of of establishing and/or strengthening connections with the ones you’d like to get a little closer to this month. But that doesn’t mean that you can sit back with your arms crossed and expect love or companionship to find you: it’s all in your ability to recognize what’s in front of you, and perhaps even what’s been in front of you for some time. It’s in your willingness to open yourself up to possibilities you may have previously thought impossible. No woman is an island - or, at least, shouldn’t be for too long. Your lucky book is testament to that fact. Isolation and loneliness can be incredibly damaging over time, and should not be equated with strength of character or some kind of emotional fortitude. Nadia had to learn this lesson, however slowly or painfully, and ultimately, learned and grew from her connections with other people - despite, and in some cases, because of her missteps. Growth is change, and change sometimes hurts. But taking the first step is more than worth it, as any character in your lucky book would tell you. Consider the possibilities, and embrace them! Life is too short to go it alone.
LUCKY BOOK: The Mothers by Brit Bennett
 LEO
Aaaaaand...ONE and TWO and THREE and FOUR! You’re high kicking and downward dog-ing your way into 2017, and good for you! We’re in the dead of winter and that’s normally the signal for morose hibernation and comfort snacking, so be proud of your strength of will in such trying times. Keep yourself well hydrated, stock up on a healthy munchies, get plenty of rest. And, most importantly, don’t give in to the temptation to subscribe to the latest fad diet or Instagram fitness craze. You know what feels right for your body, and trying to fit into anyone else’s standards of beauty or fitness is just a long, slippery slope to dissatisfaction and depression. At this point in your life, whatever point that may be, you know that embracing your inner strength and resolve is what makes you feel truly empowered. It’s incredibly easy to lose sight of that strength on a daily - and sometimes hourly - basis. But as long as you continue exercising your body and mind (you know that level of discipline you have accounts for some serious mental heavy lifting, right?) you’re golden. You’re creating the life that you want, rather than just existing. And the quickest way out of or away from any rut - whether it be a “midlife crisis” or simply an awful week - is to live with purpose, with intention. To approach each crossroads as a fresh beginning rather than an inevitably unfulfilling choice. Grab your lucky book this month for a wellspring of insight and inspiration for any day when putting on your running shoes feels completely insurmountable. You’ll be back on the track in no time.
LUCKY BOOK: Life Reimagined by Barbara Bradley Hagerty
 VIRGO
Well, Virgo, it may be cool outside, but you are HOT. We aren’t sure what exactly it is, but you’re making heads turn all month, and good luck keeping your weekend evenings free - you’re the belle of the ball, so don’t be surprised by all the requests to hit the dance floor! Enjoy yourself, but this won’t be all fun and games - expect some serious relationship vibes to find their way to you and whichever sweetie has been on your mind for some time. The time is now, no day but today - what’s your move going to be? Coupled Virgos, a monumental next step could be coming - you know exactly what I’m talking about - while single Virgos, have your defenses at the ready. Heady romance and passion are all well and good, but beware the untimely return of a former lover. Take any mysterious reappearance as a sign - to run! Don’t be wooed by the same mind games that you escaped from once already. Your lucky book has enough of those already. Haunting, breathtaking, and utterly captivating, you’ll tear through this small book and be left completely on edge and completely stunned. Nothing like some healthy fear to counterbalance a bit of amorous passion, right Virgo? This will be a thrilling month indeed.
LUCKY BOOK: Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin
 LIBRA
Oh, lovely Libra. The holiday season is enjoyable, sure, with all of shiny bells and baubles, and goodwill to all men. But the unrelenting busy-ness can be a bit much, so you aren’t too mournful in saying goodbye to the madness for another year. So, onto much more satisfying things: your warm bed. Your cozy apartment. An intimate group of friends and family, just sharing snacks, telling jokes, and watching movies without any of the frenzy that typically bleeds into similar get-togethers in November or December. If you’re feeling like a homebody, that’s completely fine, because you love your home and are proud to be in it, and so are the loved ones you invite into your space. That warm glow of comfort and friendship - it’s completely irreplaceable, isn’t it? This month, you share a lot in common with the title character in your lucky book - a comparison you may find unusual, but stick around. This is American history like you’ve never experienced it before, although the character in question is actually French. That’s right, General Lafayette, that dashing, daring, revolution-loving soldier may have fought battles and navigated thorny political conspiracies, which you will probably never be called upon to do - but at the heart of his tale lies the impact he made not just on history, but on the people who surrounded him. His friends. His admirers. The people who he could kick up his feet and shoot the breeze with. It’s easy to forget that historical figures had inner lives that so resembled ours - so this month, bask in the knowledge that you and General Lafayette could both appreciate the simple pleasures of spending time with good company. La vie est belle, non?
LUCKY BOOK: Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell
 SCORPIO
Whew, Scorpio! Have you slowed down since the ball dropped on January 1? You’re a whirling dervish this month, spinning from one activity to the next, accepting as many invitations and lunch dates and dinner gates and hangout plans as your poor little calendar can hold. Not to knock your hustle - you’re feeling the energy that comes from a fresh new start, and your “new year, new you” vigor is unstoppable. After all, community is crucial, your networking is working, and you certainly don’t have time to waste! But to that point, take a second every now and then to double check your daily agenda - double-booking can happen all too easily. Barring that, go on and live your life in glorious, unfettered splendor. You’re embodying the spirit of your lucky book this month, which explains why untidiness and sprawl is actually integral to the way our minds function, and can lead to innovation and creativity. Is your room a mild disaster area because you’re too busy to put your things away? Fine! Is your desk strewn with papers and post-its? Great! You’re subconsciously keeping yourself engaged, attuned to unusual patterns, and primed for new ideas. 2017 is already your year, Scorpio - and you haven’t even made your bed yet. If you want to rub it in your mother’s face, just don’t tell her we sent you.
LUCKY BOOK: Messy by Tim Harford
 SAGITTARIUS
Wow, Sagittarius, you’re looking quite large and in charge. You’ve got a swagger in your step and twinkle in your eye - as focused as the archer for which you’re named. Yes, you made a list of resolutions, and what of it? You’re not the kind of person to abandon them after two weeks, no ma’am. Setting manageable, yet ambitious goals for yourself is a wholly affirming exercise: it inspires reflection on what’s been working for you so far, and helps you dream of what you’d like to accomplish next. You’re feeling totally grounded and in control this month, Sag, so this work is both essential and instinctual. Be sure to think through all of the logistics of each goal: what resources are required to make them a reality? Who might you need to rely on for help? How much time will you give yourself to achieve each step? You’re thinking like a visionary, so it’s only right that your lucky book this month be a sparkling how-to guide for the creative, forward-thinking soul. Take it from an expert: the power of soulfulness and positivity cannot be understated. But they don’t come naturally, no matter how good you may be feeling right now, in the second week of the new year. Put in the practice now to make these values a habit, and watch how your vision boards manifest in 2017. You got this!
LUCKY BOOK: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
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Have YOU consulted your Reader Horoscope for February yet??? Don’t miss your personal zodiac readings from our resident literary astrologer - check it out now! And then be sure to let us know how much you enjoyed your lucky book of the month!
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January’s not over yet - be sure to check out your Reader Horoscope for the month, as well as a LUCKY BOOK personalized to your zodiac sign! 
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READER HOROSCOPE FOR FEBRUARY 2017
Turning the celestial pages of love
AQUARIUS
Bust out the champagne and crank up the music - it’s your birthday month, and you are ready to party! You’re full of energy this month after a pretty drab and boring January, and it’s infectious! Have you noticed a recent uptick in the number of brunch and happy hour invitations in your inbox? Get used to it! You’re in the spotlight this month, Aquarius, and you are loving it. While you embrace moment in the sun, just be sure to monitor your calendar so you don’t overbook yourself. Looking for a high-energy read that fits your current mood?  Look no further than your lucky book for this month, a wildly imaginative and deliciously unusual account of the dawn of the modern era. You’ve undoubtedly heard snippets of the circumstances around the death of Anne Boleyn, or memorized some facts about the Aztec people in middle school, but be warned: this is history like you’ve never experienced it before. While you whisk around this month, charming the socks off of everyone you meet, remember the power that a sparkling personality and a tiny twist of fate can yield. Who knows, you may end up altering the course of history yourself.
 LUCKY BOOK: Sudden Death by Álvaro Enrigue
 PISCES
Time to bring out the bathrobe and fuzzy slippers, Pisces. You’re in desperate need of some rest, and this month is your time to finally indulge in the magical art of doing absolutely nothing. Well, okay...doing less. You know how to read your body, and you know when your mind is stretched to the breaking point - this is the time to slow down and use your spare time to just let yourself be. Work is work, and the pressure from deadlines and upcoming projects may trick you into thinking that you need to be on edge all the time, but that is simply not the case! Allow yourself to do what you need to do at the office, and then give yourself the freedom to pursue an activity you want to do - whether that be taking more naps, dusting off your baking pans, or settling down with a good book. And speaking of good books - if you’re looking for a long, juicy read to fill the time you’re gaining this month, your lucky book this month is just the ticket. Take a walk through several decades of history - from Kingston, Jamaica to the streets of New York - and read a fascinating fictional account surrounding the assassination of Bob Marley, and the world-changing events that followed. There’s no better time to sink your teeth into a gripping, spellbinding story than during a self-imposed exile from the noise and clamor of the real world, so get ready to dig in.
 LUCKY BOOK: A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
 ARIES
One may be the loneliest number, Aries, but that's not a worry you'll have this month. People are just clamoring to be in your orbit, from friends to strangers to colleagues, and you're working on making your exchanges both smooth (always check your teeth after going to town on a kale salad!) and profitable (business cards at the ready!). Collaboration is of the utmost importance right now, as the connections you forge today will only help you become a better team player, listener, and person overall. Having at least one partner to work with in all things academic, corporate, or even romantic can help the both of you become greater than the sum of your parts - and perhaps even create the beginnings of a lifetime bond. The characters in your lucky book can attest to this: two orphans abandoned at birth, who grow up together and eventually fall in love. Follow them on a whirlwind journey through the world of dance and theater, through temporary separation and desperately trying to find their way back to each other to make their childhood dreams come true. It's a spellbinding paean to the wonders of enduring love, suffering difficult times, and coming out on the other side stronger together - an appreciation that you can truly share this month.
 LUCKY BOOK: The Lonely Hearts Hotel by Heather O'Neill
 TAURUS
There's no stopping you from getting what you want this month, Taurus, and it's inspiring to see. They don't call you the bull for nothing - you refuse to be deterred from going after your dreams, and you're willing to do just about anything to achieve the level of success you've always wanted. That means, of course, that this is a month in which your social calendar will be pretty bare bones: you only have so much time to spare, and getting your affairs in order to strive toward the next level in your career or passion is of utmost importance right now. When is the last time you spoke to your mentor? That's one lunch date that should be prioritized - you can have all the ambition in the world, but without a bit of guidance from someone who's seen more and experienced more, you may merely end up spinning your wheels or even end up suffering from the residual effects of self-sabotage. In your lucky book this month, you'll learn all about a nation that achieved an incredible feat  way ahead of its time: establishing a modern-day revolutionary theocracy. From the outside, Iran now appears to be dangerous, a threat to our way of life, but within it lies a much deeper and more complex story of the many religious thinkers, political operatives, poets, journalists, and activists that have staked their entire lives and beliefs on what they feel their country should represent and be capable of. For a mover and shaker like yourself, this is the kind of book you won’t know you needed until you're halfway through. Go get em, Taurus. We'll be cheering you on.
 LUCKY BOOK: Children of Paradise: The Struggle for the Soul of Iran by Laura Secor
 GEMINI
This month is focused on personal growth, Gem, and not a moment too soon. If you've been feeling bored and listless, then find a class to take or new route to run. If you've been feeling hopeless about the state of the world, use this time to push yourself to action - get involved in a way you may have been afraid or hesitant to until now. This is the time to expand your everyday reality, to take small leaps of faith that leave you with some pretty undeniable results. Your inner circle will be crucial during this time of self-discovery and boundary-testing: they're smart, reliable, and you trust them to have your best interests at heart. That is not a gift to be taken lightly, so be sure to learn from them this month, and let them know how much you appreciate their presence in your life. To assist you in thinking on a larger scale than you normally do, your lucky book this month is a small volume with dizzying scope. Learn the facts around some of our most common yet awe-inspiring realities, like the makeup of space and time, and the elementary ingredients that comprise our world. It's the perfect reset button, going back to the basics of our physical world and coming to a deeper understanding about how truly miraculous and beautifully fated our very existence is. You'll walk away from this book with a much richer perspective on life, and less fear around wresting control of your own, and shaping it in the way you've always dreamed. You know what they say about shooting for the moon, Gem. Landing among the stars really isn't such a bad deal.
 Lucky Book: Reality is Not What it Seems by Carlo Rovelli
 CANCER
Who says being a recluse is a bad thing? There are times you just need to be alone, to recharge and re-center yourself, and this month, it's your turn. A lot has happened over the past few months, both in your personal life and on a global scale, and if you want to be able to navigate the many different challenges that have presented themselves, reconnecting with your values and checking in on your state of mind is a must. This doesn't mean you need to confine yourself to your apartment at all times, just that it would be in your best interest to embark on a journey of some inner exploration, and maybe limit your social engagements to outings with only your closest friends. The clarity that can come from this time spent with yourself or with your most trusted loved ones is invaluable. The main character of your lucky book this month makes that discovery as well - on a trip to Greece to search for her missing husband, there are some questions about his disappearance that are never answered, but by the end of the book, she has plumbed her emotional depths and discovered long-dormant truths about herself that could only be found during a sustained period of solitude. Don't be afraid to do the tough psychological work of digging through your own impulses, desires, fears, and hopes - self-reflection is a skill that becomes more crucial the more life is lived. Dive in.
 LUCKY BOOK: A Separation by Katie Kitamura
 LEO
Once upon a time, there was a Leo who felt like they would scream if they had to answer another benign "How are you?" You know what, Leo? We certainly can't say we blame you. You're all about the real talk this month - you say what you mean and mean what you say, and don't have time for meaningless pleasantries. Life is too short for wasting precious minutes on anything but the conversations and experiences that will help you get where you're trying to go. January was a bit slow - the first month of the year tends to be a rough one - so now you're fired up, ready to go. Your mind is buzzing, and your creative energy is flowing - so keep that vibe going! The author of your lucky book this month is the perfect accompaniment to your current mindset: quirky and unusual, a series of traditional fairy tales with stunningly inventive departures from the norm. Is it a love story, a tragedy, or merely a series of strange misadventures? That's up to you to decide. Go on a journey filled with twists and turns, and surrender yourself to the glorious ambiguity of familiar stories turned on their head. I know you’re a straight shooter this month, but there is value in taking the road less traveled to your intended destination - or, perhaps, to a destination you didn’t even know you wanted to reach. You’re going to make it to your _______ ever after - and filling in that blank is the best part.
LUCKY BOOK: Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi
 VIRGO
Fire up that blender and start stretching those limbs, Virgo - this month, personal fitness is the name of the game. Chances are, you’ve been following the news cycle obsessively, nearly driven to the edge with worry, and stress-eating is often the only solace to be found after going down a dark social media hole. No more! Banish the Doritos from your room and just say no to the peanut M&Ms. Get rid of the nagging guilt by listening to your body and doing what it’s politely asking you to do - put your health at the forefront of your concerns and allow yourself to shut everything else out, if only for an hour a day. Better yet, put your money where your mouth is, and get outside to volunteer with an organization doing the work you feel passionate about. Aside from it being a small humanitarian act that can go far, you’ll feel better for having spent your energy on an activity that helps put the world to rights, just a little bit, rather than simply complaining about it on your Facebook feed. After all, this is going to be a marathon, not a sprint - better to limber up for the long haul rather than let yourself burn out quickly. For inspiration, your lucky book of the month is a historically accurate account of a slave’s escape right before the Civil War - a reminder that despite even the most inhumane and depraved circumstances, the human will to persist, to survive, is more durable than we often believe. Remember the struggle others have faced before you: grieve their sacrifice, but take strength from it too. You are capable of more than you know.
 LUCKY BOOK: Song Yet Sung by James McBride
 LIBRA
Ooh, la la, Libra! Love is in the air this month, and you are just reveling in it! And what a beautiful thing that love is, when it’s free, and shared without guilt or shame. You feel light, unburdened, and that’s not an easy feat. Few can allow themselves to wear their hearts on their sleeve like you do, but that doesn’t make you weak-willed or unable to keep a secret. It means you have courage in an area where others often don’t: the courage to be rejected. The courage to be disappointed. Instead of hiding your affection for whoever has captured it, you’re letting it shine and going after what you want. In a world that increasingly favors mind games and obfuscation in matters of the heart, your approach is a wholly refreshing one - so don’t be surprised when it works! Your lucky book this month is written from the point of few of the outsider - the witness to an extraordinary love story that grows into a personal passion. Such is the power of love - particularly in this case, when it’s between a housemaid and a policeman, two individuals who come from totally different cultural and political backgrounds. As they struggle to legitimize their true feelings in a society that does not want them to be together, the narrator becomes more and more attuned to their private anguish, and is ultimately changed just by having seen their relationship blossom. If that’s not an endorsement of living and loving out loud - especially in a time and place where you are granted that freedom - then what is?
 LUCKY BOOK: A Word for Love by Emily Robbins
 SCORPIO
Kick off your shoes and relax your feet, Scorpio - this month is shaping up to be a quiet, introspective one. There’s no place like home right now, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of - everyone needs a chance to just relax in their own abode from time to time. If you’re feeling the sudden urge to paint, or change your curtains, or even do some plumbing - go with it! This is your sanctuary, and it can be incredibly therapeutic and soothing to put the time and care into maintenance that it deserves. Your home is much more than the physical structure, however; be sure to spend some time with the people closest to you as well. They are your anchors - whether it be your girlfriend, roommate, little cousin, or parents - and keeping you grounded can be a pretty taxing job, if we’re being honest here! Don’t neglect those relationships; they need as much maintenance and TLC as your apartment does. Your lucky book this month is a heartwarming, hilariously realistic tale of two families who learn, through a series of misadventures, how vital they are to each other, despite any build-up of resentment, or jealousy, or awkwardness. The people who love you the most know your flaws, and continue to love you in spite of them - and what an incredible reminder when the world just makes you want to lie down for a long time. There truly is no place like home.
 LUCKY BOOK: Modern Lovers by Emma Straub
 SAGITTARIUS
You’re just the life of the party, aren’t you, Sag? You’re radiating positive energy this month, and it is joy to be around. It’s rare that you run out of things to talk about, because you have opinions to share and refuse to keep them locked away! Good for you - a little bit of honesty is healthy, and breaks down walls that keep potential friends apart. Your forthrightness is attracting all sorts of people to you, and there’s a good chance that it may lead to a brand new friendship - or more! There is little doubt that you will find a kindred spirit in the protagonist of your lucky book for this month: a young woman who charms her way from small-town girl-next-door to mega-popular It Girl. You know the risks of laying yourself bare, inviting commentary and criticism from friends and strangers alike - it can be demoralizing and downright scary, as people will often take your kindness for weakness. This is where your signature optimism and honesty come in handy - sometimes in order to protect yourself, you need to let people know when they’re crossing your boundaries. And if they take offense, well then, that’s their issue. You know who are you, what you want, and you’re not afraid to stand up for yourself when no one else will. Keep doing you, Sagittarius. It suits you well.
 LUCKY BOOK: Funny Girl by Nick Hornby
 CAPRICORN
Work, work, work! Cap, I truly admire your commitment to your craft and seemingly inexhaustible supply of energy. You’re firing on all pistons this month, breezing through deadlines and taking on extra projects - and killing it! This is your month of productivity, and so far, it’s a very successful one. Be careful to avoid burnout, though. If you haven’t already, scale back your side-ventures and hobbies, if only for the next few weeks while you’re in work-mode. Balance is vital - either work less and socialize more, or vice versa, but at all costs, avoid burning the candle at both ends. You always want to be economical with your greatest commodity - your time. But guess what, Cap? Being focused on your work actually doesn’t preclude engaging in play - quite the contrary. According to your lucky book this month, some of our most invaluable resources were the result of an innovator having fun. Makes weird sense, doesn’t it? Think about your own daily schedule. How much more productive are you when you actually enjoy what you’re doing? How much more exciting are the ideas you come up with when you’re truly enjoying the brainstorm, or are working towards an enjoyable product? Work doesn’t have to be boring - and, really, it just shouldn’t be. And you can - literally - take that to the bank.
 LUCKY BOOK: Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World by Steven Johnson
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