April 2021 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

Relationships are everything for Leos in April. You’ll find great joy in time spent with loved ones, and any problem can be faced with help from your squad. It’s also an auspicious time for new connections, particularly romantic ones. Look for opportunities to network, as they may open new doors. Money may be tight this month, so spend wisely and avoid risky investments. Check out Caul Baby by Morgan Jerkins, a powerful novel following generations of Black women in Harlem. The Melancon family is revered for their powerful caul, a layer of skin with healing powers. Desperately wanting a child, Leila seeks their help, but a failed deal followed by a stillbirth fills her with rage. Soon after, Leila’s niece gives birth to a daughter born with a caul. The Melancons take her to raise as their own, changing all of their lives forever.

Changes are afoot, Virgo. The success of your month will be determined by how quickly you can adjust to them. You hate it when your carefully laid plans are upended, but circumstances in April are outside of your control. It’s a great time for educational pursuits, so learn something new and look for a chance to use those new skills. Get plenty of rest to avoid health troubles. I recommend Pride and Premeditation by Book Riot contributing editor Tirzah Price. In this Pride and Prejudice retelling, Lizzie Bennet’s mother and sisters want her to find a husband, but she’s more focused on becoming a lawyer by creating a role for herself in her father’s law practice. When a murder takes place in town, Lizzie sees an opportunity to bring in a new client and show off her investigative skills. As she dives into the case, she discovers intrigue, danger, and a handsome legal rival named Darcy.

You can’t protect everyone, Libra. While things are moving in a good direction for you, April may be challenging for your loved ones. You like making the people around you feel safe and loved, but you can’t fix everything. Help your friends accept things outside of their control. Your love life may be a bit volatile this month. Stay calm; the last week of April will make up for the uncertainty. Read Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin. Hana dreams of hosting a radio show, but is waitressing at her mother’s Indian-Canadian fusion restaurant for now while building her skills by podcasting. But her mom’s restaurant is thrown into a frenzy when a distractingly handsome chef opens a competing restaurant nearby.

Scorpios must practice tact in April. You’re feeling full of passion this month. That’s great for your romantic life and creative endeavors. But it also means you’re liable to say something you might regret in a passionate moment. Fights with family and difficulties at work are ahead unless you hold your tongue. You know the exact power of your words, so use them with care. You might enjoy the new Jamaican inspired fantasy Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart. Iraya has spent her life imprisoned, dreaming of vengeance. Jazmyne is the daughter of a Queen who wants her dead. They’re both powerful witches, but also sworn nemeses. When Iraya and Jazmyne find they have a common enemy putting them both in danger, they’re willing to do anything to win — even work together.

Focus on what feels good this month, Sagittarius. You’ve been feeling constrained, and now is the time to stretch your wings. Many problems are out of your control in April; you can avoid frustrations by spending time with people and hobbies you enjoy. New experiences may trigger pivotal ideas for your future. Travel may not be in the cards, but don’t let that keep you from adventure. Read Gold Diggers, a fantastical and darkly funny commentary on the American Dream. As a teenager, Neil struggles to live up to his Indian American parents’ big expectations for him. He’s more interested in his cute neighbor Anita, especially when he learns she can brew ambition in an alchemical potion made from stolen gold. But after their heists lead to a terrible tragedy, they’ll spend the rest of their lives haunted by their actions.

Capricorns are feeling distracted this month. You’re having trouble keeping all of your plates spinning, especially with some trouble at home. Family arguments take a toll on your mood, causing issues at work and in your romantic life. Seek clarity through meditation and relaxation. With a little focus, you can turn things around and have a more peaceful final week of April. Check out The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert. After losing her job in D.C., Sabrina begrudgingly returns to her Wisconsin hometown. In good news, she meets an attractive restaurateur who invites her to join his dinner club. In bad news, she’s forced to confront her family curse: an ability to see spirits with unfinished business.

You’ve got the power of persuasion, Aquarius. Everyone wants to spend time with you this month, making for intriguing romantic prospects. Let your passion be your guide. The admiration of your colleagues will help you reach any goal at work. At home, your humor and creativity will lead to great family memories. Your charm gives you great power in April; use it carefully. I recommend Why She Wrote. In a combination of comics and prose, this graphic history book glimpses into the lives of famous women writers from the 18th and 19th century like Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, and Alice Dunbar Nelson. Each author is shown at a pivotal point in her life when she fought to take control of her career.

Pisces have much to gain this month. Unexpected wealth is coming your way, both literally and figuratively. You may receive unexpected funds in April, as well as new opportunities in your career. Surplus energy may inspire a last-minute adventure. Family conflict may cause some bumps in the road, but otherwise, you’re in for a month of excitement and personal growth. You should read Peaces by Helen Oyeyemi. Eschewing a wedding, Otto declares his love for Xavier by taking his last name. Xavier’s aunt gifts them a non-honeymoon in the form of train tickets to an unspecified destination. But once aboard the train with their pet mongoose, the couple discovers that the train and its strange owner are more mysterious and magical than they appear.