October 2023 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

Try and try again, Aries. Nothing clicks on the first attempt in October. Working toward what you want will feel like hitting your head against the wall. That doesn’t mean you can’t make magic happen; it will just take a little extra elbow grease. But if there’s anything in your life you’re not fully committed to, the planets will bring that to light. This month will show you what truly matters. Check out One Puzzling Afternoon by Emily Critchley. Edie was a lonely teenager in 1951 when she met lovely, charming Lucy. But their friendship came to an abrupt halt when Lucy disappeared. Edie spent decades wondering where she went, and now, at age 84, she’s certain she’s spotted Lucy looking exactly the same as she did at 15. When Edie’s family doesn’t believe her, she decides it’s time to finally find out what happened to Lucy.

Put yourself first, Taurus. The planets are pushing you to look inward this month. Health problems could slow you down and keep you away from commitments. It’s crucial that you give your physical and mental health the attention they need. If you could use some space and time alone to reflect, ask for it. Travel can help you connect with a former version of yourself. You should read Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant by Curtis Chin. In a racially divided 1980s Detroit, Curtis Chin grew up in a place where everyone was welcome: Chung’s Cantonese Cuisine. Chin shares his story of coming of age as a gay Chinese American kid through humorous and touching personal stories structured around the menu of his family’s restaurant. It’s a memoir full of moving reflections, endearing stories, and delicious food.

Find a new angle, Gemini. October will bring challenges your way, but your ability to see different perspectives will take you far. Stay on your toes, and your quick thinking might impress the right people. You’ve got an open mind and an ability to learn this month, so take advantage of it. In romance, you’ve got charm but no follow-through, so new love might not last. I recommend The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng. Lesley Hamlyn and her lawyer husband Robert have a lush life in 1921 Malaysia. The couple welcomes notable writer William Somerset Maugham and his secretary (and secret lover) Gerald for an extended stay. But Maugham is quietly searching for creative inspiration to turn around his declining career, and he finds it in Lesley’s connection to former Chinese revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat Sen.

Keep moving, Cancer. Your life is rolling forward at a pace that might feel hard to sustain, but you’ve got this. All you need to do is keep your eyes on the things that matter. Career advancement and even some extra cash can come your way if you stay focused. Distractions — like spending time with someone who doesn’t understand your priorities — could throw you off track. Check out What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez. Inez is devastated to learn of her parents’ death during their travels away from their home in 19th century Buenos Aires. Against the advice of her new archaeologist guardian, Inez uses her sizable inheritance to travel to Cairo in search of answers about her parents. A golden ring given to Inez by her father pulls her into a world of ancient magic that reveals her parents’ long-hidden secrets.

Check in with yourself, Leo. Some troublesome parts of your past are resurfacing — and bringing messy emotions with them. Your frustrations can bleed over into other areas of your life if you don’t give them the attention they need. You can only heal if you understand what’s going on in your head. Take a break from the memories by trying something new and out of your comfort zone. Read The Reformatory by Tananarive Due. Twelve-year-old Robert makes a split-second decision to protect his sister, and he gets unfairly sentenced to six months in a reformatory school for boys in 1930s Florida. Beyond the threats from other boys and violent adults, he’ll also have to face the haints of boys who died on the school’s campus. Can Robert’s sister bring him home before he’s stuck at the reformatory forever, alive or dead?

You hold the key, Virgo. A lot of voices are in your ears this month, trying to tell you what to do. But the only person who knows what’s right for you is you. Conflicting opinions can make your work and family life tense. Rest and recharge with solo activities you enjoy. Big changes can take place in romance in October. A fresh start may be in order, or a restart with a long-term partner. I recommend Blood Sisters by Vanessa Lillie. Syd left the trauma of her Oklahoma hometown behind years ago, and now she’s an archaeologist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Rhode Island. When the discovery of a skull back in Oklahoma coincides with the disappearance of Syd’s sister, she can’t let either mystery go uninvestigated. She puts her archaeological skills to the test — and uncovers much larger questions about a pattern of missing Indigenous women and girls.

You’ve got birthday powers, Libra! October is your month to shine. Your charisma is off the charts, drawing people to you and earning you some new admirers. At work, you can lead conflict to compromise and impress powerful people. It’s the perfect time to show anyone who doubts you what you’re capable of. Money might be tight, so save the luxuries for another month. You should read Love at 350° by Lisa Peers. Bake-o-Rama is a wildly popular TV baking competition, and celebrity chef judge Kendra Campbell has been asked to soften her harsh critiques of contestants. That task is easy when it comes to chemistry teacher and talented home baker Tori Moore. But as something more builds between Tori and Kendra, can the competition stay fair?