September 2020 Horoscopes and Book Recommendations

Tauruses will invest time and energy in the home in September. Nesting is important to you; organizing and decorating your space will bring you great peace of mind this month. Your focus on the home will also strengthen family relationships. Take on a renovation or design project with a family member. Trouble may be ahead at work this month. Focus on clear communication if conflict arises. I recommend Stakes Is High: Life After the American Dream (September 15, Bold Type Books) by Mychal Denzel Smith. Through a series of insightful, clear-eyed essays, Smith explores what it means to be an American, and the contradictions inherent in that identity. Smith identifies the values we profess but fail to exemplify in the myth of the American dream.

Your creativity is through the roof this month, Gemini! You’re always good at thinking outside of the box, but in September, you’re thinking outside of the dimension. It’s a great time to engage in artistic projects. Unfortunately, you’ll struggle to focus on anything too constraining, which may cause trouble with work or family. If others grow frustrated with you, bring them into your creative process. Read Bestiary (September 29, One World) by K-Ming Chang. One Taiwanese American family grapples with their history as the mythology of their homeland haunts them. From tiger tails to missing toes to an all-knowing hole in the yard, three generations of women are plagued by fantastical family lore come to life, and the youngest in the line wonders if she can change their destiny.

Cancers need their social networks to thrive in September. There are a lot of people rooting for you, and that support is crucial for your success. Family members and mentors see what you can do. When you doubt your own abilities, let them be your cheerleaders. September may also be a tough month emotionally, so take care of yourself and don’t forget about the importance of self care. You might enjoy Transcendent Kingdom (September 1, Knopf) by Yaa Gyasi. Gifty is a young woman constantly torn between two worlds. Since losing her brother to opioid addiction, Gifty has focused her studies on reward-seeking behavior in mice. But can her research open a window to her lost brother? Or help her better understand the depression that has turned her mother into a shadow of her former self?

Everyone is competing for Leo’s attention this month. You may find yourself pulled in a million directions, making it difficult to focus on any one task. The good news? People want your attention because they respect your opinion and enjoy your company. If you grow frustrated with constant demands, remind yourself that it’s kind of a compliment! But don’t expect a lot of free time. You should read The White Coat Diaries (September 15, Berkley) by Madi Sinha. After her first day in medical residency, Norah wonders if the years she spent working toward becoming a doctor were worth it. Then she meets chief resident Ethan, and as they grow closer together, things are looking up. But after Norah gets pulled into a difficult medical situation, she wonders if it’s truly possible to honor her commitment to “do no harm.”

Stay vigilant this month, Virgo. Nothing will come easily to you in September. Luckily you’re used to moving mountains, and honestly, you don’t need anyone’s help to do it. You can do big things this month, but only if you follow your instincts and take care of your emotional wellbeing. Don’t take it personally if others aren’t on board with your vision; you know what’s best for you. You might enjoy Dear Justyce (September 29, Crown) by Nic Stone. Teenager Quan pleaded not guilty for the shooting death of a police officer. Now, he’s awaiting trial in a criminal justice system that systematically discriminates against Black boys like him. Through a series of flashbacks and letters, he tells his story, including a troubled childhood, bad timing, prejudiced authority figures, and police coercion.

Libras can talk anyone into anything in September. You’re always good at bringing people together and navigating through conflict, but your persuasion skills are through the roof this month. That will come in handy for settling disagreements among family. But with great power comes great responsibility. Make sure your plan is a good one before rallying everyone to join you. Check out What Are You Going Through (September 1, Riverhead) by Sigrid Nunez. An unnamed narrator recounts conversations with various people in the course of her normal life, each focused around time, grief, regret, and human connection. The stories-within-a-story explore the meaning of life and the mystery of death.

Luck is on your side this month, Scorpio. A little risk in September can bring big rewards. This is definitely true in financial and career matters. Good fortune may visit you in your love life as well. Romance will be very fulfilling, and your partner can also serve as a friend and mentor. However, you will only benefit from luck close to home. Any September travel plans will disappoint you. Read A Girl is a Body of Water (September 1, Tin House Books) by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi. Rebellious 12-year-old Kirabo was raised by many female relatives in 1970s Uganda. But after years of wondering about her mother, she seeks the help of a local witch to learn about her origins. As their relationship develops, Kirabo learns how a patriarchal world seeks to keep her and other rebellious women down.