May 2022 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

Feeling overwhelmed, Cancer? A lot of forces are colliding in your life this month, and that can make you worry you aren’t giving any of them the attention they deserve. You’re only one person. Remember that, and know that your loved ones recognize that as well. Keep the most important plates spinning, and everything else can wait. Self-care is crucial to mental and physical wellness in May. Read Brace for Impact by Gabe Montesanti. Montesanti came to roller derby at a crossroads in her life: starting graduate school, moving to a new city with her partner, recovering from an eating disorder, and still seeking her emotionally abusive mother’s approval. Roller derby led her to a wonderfully weird queer community, but it also helped her find a new way to relate to her body and the courage to embrace her true self.

Say what you mean, Leo. With Mercury retrograde throwing a wrench in communication for much of the month, you can’t assume that others will be on the same page with you. Confusion can cause trouble in your career and relationships. Be explicit about your needs and expectations and all may be set right. A family vacation may be in order to smooth over hurt feelings. You should read Neruda on the Park by Cleyvis Natera. As gentrification creeps into their predominantly Dominican New York neighborhood, each member of the Guerrero family reacts differently. Eusebia crafts a dangerous plan to stop the construction of a luxury condo building. Her daughter Luz, striving for a wealthy lifestyle, starts a secret romance with one of the white developers planning the condo. And Luz’s father Vladimir has been hiding his plans for a retirement home in the Dominican Republic.

Don’t let a good thing pass you by, Virgo. Big opportunities await you this month, and sticking to your comfortable routine can keep you from living your best life. It’s understandable to question something that seems too good to be true, but don’t give up on it altogether. Romance is particularly fortuitous in May. Love can be found while doing something out of your comfort zone. Your perfect May book is Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster by Andrea Mosqueda. Maggie has always been fine with being a little messy, but her little sister’s upcoming quinceañera is forcing her to face some hard truths about what comes next. Looking for a date to the quinceañera, Maggie is torn between her best friend/first crush Amanda, her flirtatious ex-boyfriend Matthew, and new girl in town Dani. Her romantic uncertainty forces Maggie to confront bigger questions about her future — and what they mean for her loved ones.

Relationships will make or break your month, Libra. You’re susceptible to the influence of your friends, so ask yourself: Is your social circle pushing you where you want to go? Meditation may be a good practice to help center your own needs and desires among the noise. Education can also be an important tool for finding your own path. Current or past teachers may have the answers you seek. Read Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour. As a teenager, Sara runs away from her home in northern California to escape a difficult family situation and the loss of her girlfriend. Emilie is looking for somewhere to call home, and someone to make her feel less alone. They both find themselves drawn to an L.A. restaurant called Yerba Buena, where Sara ends up bartending and Emilie arranges flowers. And despite the things pulling them apart, they also find themselves drawn to each other.

A little creativity goes a long way. Any challenge can be met this month if you’re willing to take it on from a new angle, and Mercury retrograde will provide you with plenty of challenges. A positive mindset can turn troubles into opportunities, so try to look for the benefits in an unexpected journey. In family relationships, being fully present can shut down any difficulties in May. You should read The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas. Beatriz lost everything in the overthrow of the Mexican government, including her father and home. When a handsome, wealthy man with a sizable estate in the country proposes, Beatriz quickly accepts. But once she arrives at Hacienda San Isidro, she finds her new home isn’t the safe haven she hoped. Beatriz is haunted by strange voices and visions, and no one will help her. Could the death of her husband’s first wife have something to do with her terrifying new reality?

Other people’s ideas aren’t always bad, Sagittarius. You hate being told what to do, but this month, taking some wise advice from mentors can make a big difference. Mercury retrograde means even your best plans can go awry, so having supporters behind you is crucial. In matters of the heart, a little sensitivity is called for. Love can be taken to the next level with open and honest communication. Read I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston. Ever since Chloe moved from California to Alabama, she’s been dead set on becoming valedictorian, which means she’s been in close competition with her private Christian school’s golden child, Shara Wheeler. But when gorgeous, smart, completely perfect Shara goes missing, Chloe knows something no one else knows: Shara kissed Chloe before she disappeared, and she left a set of clues for Chloe to find out what happened.

There’s no mountain you can’t climb this month, Capricorn. This year has placed some big obstacles in your path, but May will give you the tools to break past them. Your support network is stronger than ever, and the lunar eclipse on May 16 will bring some much needed clarity. It’s time to make your move! Be cautious with your health and get rest when you can, because big things are ahead. Check out The Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, a new historical novel based on the last reigning queen of India’s Sikh Empire. Born a commoner, Jindan became royalty when her beauty and determination caught the maharajah’s eye. She was his youngest and favorite wife, but when the maharajah died and Jindan’s 6-year-old son inherited the throne, she became a rebel warrior queen, determined to protect her people from the British Empire’s rule.

Ready for something completely different, Aquarius? May brings big changes for you, particularly in your career. What’s served you well in the past may not be working for you anymore. You adjust to change more quickly than other signs, so have patience with loved ones who struggle to keep up. Some quality family time may help illuminate what matters most during this phase. You should read City of Orange by David Yoon, a new sci-fi novel about grief and finding your way home. When a man awakes in an unfamiliar apocalyptic landscape, he doesn’t know who or where he is, or where he came from. As he scavenges for food and water, he begins to piece together his distant memories. But when he encounters a boy, he finds nothing in this place is as he thought it was.

You bring a lot to the table, Pisces. You take special care of your loved ones and contribute vibrant ideas to your teams. But make sure you’re not being taken advantage of in May. You don’t need the limelight, but you do need to know what you’re worth. Money may be tight, so don’t let your extra work go uncompensated. In love, a heart-to-heart conversation may be in order. Your perfect May read is By the Book, a Beauty and the Beast retelling by Jasmine Guillory. Izzy dreamed of working in publishing, but as the overworked and underpaid only Black employee in her office, the shine is starting to wear off. When she hears her boss complaining about a prolific, reclusive author failing to complete his manuscript, Izzy sees her chance to show what she can do. She travels to the author’s mansion to give him the encouragement he needs to finish his book. But before long, she finds something sweet and almost kind behind the author’s beastly reputation.