August 2020 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

You could use some fresh air, Taurus. Sometimes you can get so focused on a project that you forget there’s a whole big world outside. Cleanse your mind with a little outdoor time this month. The stars foretell good finances this month; money may come from unexpected sources. But do not use this money for risky investments. Play it safe! I recommend Lobizona (August 4, Wednesday Books) by Romina Garber. Manuela lives in a protective bubble in Miami, on the run from her father’s criminal past in Argentina. But when her family is attacked, Manuela digs into her own hidden history and discovers a fantastical world straight out of Argentine folklore.

Geminis have some commitment issues in August. You’re often accused of being a flip-flopper, but being open to new ideas and perspectives isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Your indecisiveness may frustrate your loved ones, though. Give yourself plenty of time when it comes to big decisions, and when in doubt, talk through the situation with trusted friends. Read You Had Me at Hola (August 4, Avon) by Alexis Daria. Telenovela star Jasmine arrives in New York to film a bilingual romantic comedy just as her recent messy breakup hits the cover of every tabloid. She needs to prove she doesn’t need a man to be happy. But as she begins rehearsals with her co-star Ashton, they fall into a telenovela-worthy romance of their own.

You would do anything for your family, Cancer. This month, that will be put to the test. You’ll have to make some big sacrifices to help your relatives, including time and money. This may also lead to difficulty at work. Be honest with yourself about how much you can handle, and ask for help from colleagues when you can. You know your priorities best. Check out The Death of Vivek Oji (August 4, Riverhead) by Akwaeke Emezi. Vivek Oji is too much for this world: too ethereal, too magical, too free-spirited, and too willing to break Nigerian society’s rules. When Vivek’s mother finds her child’s dead body on her front porch, she turns to Vivek’s friends to try to understand what happened to her only son.

Happy Birthday, Leo! Leos are the biggest birthday fans of the zodiac. It’s an important time to celebrate yourself, and to reflect on how far you’ve come and how far you’d like to go. It’s a great month for an upgrade. Buy yourself something nice, take advantage of a new opportunity, or learn a new skill. Growth is an important part of self-care! You might enjoy Body Talk: 37 Voices Explore Our Radical Anatomy (August 18, Algonquin), edited by Book Riot’s own Kelly Jensen. In this collection, beloved writers, actors, models, musicians, and artists share what it’s like to move through the world in their bodies. Their writing explores the miraculous and diverse nature of bodies through essays, lists, comics, and illustrations.

Some months you’re the hero, and some months you’re the sidekick. Virgo will play a supporting role to loved ones in August. Family and friends face big challenges this month, and you can provide the love and support they need. Your organizational and project management skills help, too. Don’t worry. You’ll be back in the spotlight again soon! I recommend Black Bottom Saints (August 18, Amistad) by Alice Randall. Ziggy Johnson has been at the heart of Detroit’s famous Black Bottom since the Great Depression. Now on his deathbed, he reflects on the iconic figures that changed life in Black Bottom through the years. Inspired by Catholic Saints Day Books, he offers tribute to each figure, along with a thoughtfully paired cocktail.

Libras will make big moves in August. Usually, you trust the universe to take care of things in its own time. But this month, you’re ready to go out and grab what you want. Assertiveness will benefit you in relationships and in your career. You will also make excellent financial decisions that will pay off later in the year. If you know what you want, don’t let anything stop you! Read Luster (August 4, Farrar, Straus & Giroux) by Raven Leilani. Edie is struggling through her 20s, trying to believe in her own artistic talent while working an unsatisfying admin job. When she meets Eric, she agrees to the rules of his open marriage, but somehow finds herself entangled in his family as a lover to Eric, friend to his wife, and mentor to his adopted daughter.

Do you feel lucky, Scorpio? You should! Big things are coming your way in August, including chances to move several rungs up the ladder. Although colleagues may press your buttons, nothing can get in the way of you reaching your goals. Your charm will help smooth over conflicts this month, and may even lead to a new love connection. You might enjoy Killer Kung Pao (August 25, St. Martin’s Press) by Vivien Chien. Lana is busy overseeing renovations of her family’s Chinese restaurant in Cleveland. But when a woman turns up dead after a feud with another local business owner who swears she’s innocent, Lana is the only one who can figure out whodunit.