October 2020 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

Aries knows what makes people tick this month. Your emotional IQ is at an all-time high, increasing your perceptiveness when it comes to others’ feelings and motivations. You can use that power for good or evil; be wise in your social dealings. Trouble at work may cause frustrations in October. Team building can be an asset, so put those social skills to work. You might enjoy Make Me Rain: Poems & Prose (October 20, William Morrow) by legendary poet Nikki Giovanni. This new collection combines the deeply personal with an examination of social injustice. From love poems to her heritage to indictments of systemic racism, Giovanni’s poetry feeds the soul.

You’ve got your ducks in a row, Taurus. Your organizational skills are strong in October, making it a great time to conquer big projects at home and at work. A little home improvement may do wonders for your attitude. The stars indicate big achievements in your professional life, perhaps leading to a promotion or new opportunity. Make room for romance, too; love is in the air for Taurus. Check out Simmer Down (October 13, Berkley) by Sarah Smith. Nikki took a big risk by quitting her job and moving to Maui to help her mom run a Filipino food truck. But when British food truck owner Callum sets up shop right next to her perfect beachside spot and starts taking her customers, things get heated—in their food trucks, their professional competition, and the sparks between them.

What do you really want, Gemini? The stars give you big insight into your true self in October. Spend some time thinking about what fulfills and inspires you. Creative pursuits will be fruitful this month, especially in a medium that is new to you. It’s also a great time for romance. Passion is high, and relationships new and old will be strengthened by the personal journey you’re experiencing. Read Memorial (October 27, Riverhead) by Bryan Washington. Daycare teacher Benson and chef Mike have been in a relationship for several years. But while things started strong, life in their one-bedroom Houston apartment has become strained. A series of difficult personal events make it clear that their relationship may not be the same it once was, but perhaps it can become something new.

Cancer thrives off of social interactions this month. October will be full of joyful time with family and celebratory occasions with friends. These events may also lead to new romantic relationships for single Cancers. Your intuition is strong, which may help you in social situations and in your finances. Watch for a surprise windfall in the second half of the month. Good things are ahead! I recommend Magic Lessons (October 6, Simon Schuster) by Alice Hoffman. In Hoffman’s Practical Magic and Rules of Magic, we see the consequences of a centuries old curse on the Owens family witches. In this prequel, Hoffman takes us back to the origin of the curse in 1600s Salem during the witch trials. Young witch Maria arrives in Salem with a baby in tow to seek her destiny—and change the destiny of her descendants for years to come.

Don’t rock the boat this month, Leo. You will face many delicate situations in October, and a wrong move could have lasting consequences. Avoid starting arguments with romantic partners or family. Professional challenges require a thoughtful approach, and bad financial decisions could have lingering effects. The good news? The stars show it’s a great time to learn something new. Check out American Cheese: An Indulgent Odyssey Through the Artisan Cheese World (October 6, Harper Perennial) by Joe Berkowitz. Berkowitz always considered himself a cheese lover, but after a life-changing experience at an artisan cheese shop, he realized he had much to learn. This book shares what he learned after a year of exploring the ins and outs of the artisan cheese world, from underground cheese caves in Paris to the mountains of Gruyere, all the way to the World Cheese Awards.

You care about the details, Virgo. And when situations become complicated this month, you know exactly how to break them down and find the root of the problem. That will serve you well, particularly in your career. Your ability to fix any situation may also lead you to gain some new admirers. Finances may be tricky in October; you can always find a way, even when money is tight. You might enjoy Phoenix Extravagant (October 20, Solaris) by Yoon Ha Lee. Artist Jebi stays away from politics in their creations. But when Jebi is hired to paint the Razanei government’s automaton soldiers, they can’t unsee the horrible secrets behind the violent regime. Can they use their art and their voice to fight back?

Happy Birthday, Libra! You’ve got charisma through the roof this month, making others want to join your team. That will be a big help in your professional life, and your positive attitude can bring your family closer as well. Romantic prospects are strong in October; the return of an old flame may throw you into an unexpected love triangle. Don’t let your charm get you into a sticky situation! I recommend Blazewrath Games (October 6, Page Street Kids) by Amparo Ortiz. Sixteen countries are preparing for an epic dragon relay world cup. Lana Torres lands a spot on Puerto Rico’s first ever team to join the cup. But before she can compete, she learns of an international conspiracy burning down dragon sanctuaries. Stopping those responsible may prove even more dangerous than the competition itself.