Capricorn season is upon us, starting December 21 and lasting through January 20. All my fellow hardworking goats know that 1) It’s getting really cold out and 2) People use the cold as an excuse to miss out on your wintery birthday festivities (really?!). Anyways, bitterness aside, the Capricorn gang is known for being ambitious, practical, persistent, and a bit pessimistic. Here are some book recs to keep your optimism up and going during Saturn’s reign.
The Perfect Book Recs for Capricorns
1. Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi
Mary H.K. Choi’s second book is an ode to finding love, and ultimately yourself, in the “emotionally expensive” city that is New York. Meet Pablo Rind, a college drop-out with a whole lot of debt weighing him down. Like any hardworking Cap, he picks up a shift at a bodega to make ends meet (the graveyard shift, no less). All this changes once pop star Leanna Smart stops by on a 5am snack-run. Sparks fly and things get…complicated. With just the right amount of romance, humor, and pessimism—this book has just enough to keep any Capricorn entertained this winter.
Also! Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu is going to produce and potentially direct the feature film adaptation!! So stay tuned!
2. The Toll by Neal Shusterman
Please do yourself a favor and pick up Neal Shusterman’s Arc of a Scythe series if you haven’t already. There’s a reason why all these books have hit the bestseller list, and it’s because they are just that good. Scythes share many similarities with the Capricorn gang: they’re resilient, somber, and highly disciplined (they undergo rigorous training to receive their robes and death rights). There’s enough action, plot twists, and death tolls to keep you on the edge of your seat. Trust me, you won’t need to stream anything if you have this book by your side.
3. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
Like Caps, Andie is as hardworking as they come. She’s the kind of Type-A girl who always has a plan and sticks to it. With her sights set on a top-tier medical school, she doesn’t have time for relationships or any other distractions. But when a political scandal costs her a summer internship, Andie suddenly finds herself working as a dog walker—and has to re-examine her workaholic persona in order to embrace the chaos of the unknown. This book is perfect for the non-stop Capricorn who plays the book and has a hard time going with the flow!
4. SLAY by Brittney Morris
Kiera Johnson is an over-achiever. Not only is she an honors student and a math tutor—but she’s also the highly-talented game developer of a secret multiplayer online role-playing card game, SLAY. On top of this, Kiera also has to deal with a problematic boyfriend, controversy over her game’s Afro-centric themes, and a potential law-suit. Fellow Capricorns can relate to Kiera’s struggle to have it all, without losing her authenticity in the process.
5. Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw
As the name implies, Winterwood takes place during the very season us Capricorns are born—winter. Throw in a dash of witchery, dark romance, and atmosphere—and you’ll have the perfect read for a chilly night in. Prepare yourself for a twist at the end!
6. Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu
If, like most other Capricorns, you’re into dry humor, suspense, and intrigue, then Red Scrolls of Magic is a must-read! Magnus Bane, one of the most powerful warlocks in the world, decides to take his Shadowhunter boyfriend, Alec Lightwood, on a trip to Paris. However, their lavish vacation is cut short by the appearance of a demon-worshipping cult called Crimson Hand. The couple must stay determined and rely on each other more than ever to make it work. At 368 pages, this isn’t a quite a beach read, but pairs well with a warm blanket on a cold night.
7. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Elisabeth is also a Type-A kind of girl who lives by the book. So much so that she’s a resilient and practical apprentice at a magical library. All of her plans come to a screeching halt when the library’s most dangerous grimoire is released (and literally transforms in a creature made of ink and leather). Suddenly, Elisabeth is ensnared in a conspiracy, with no one to turn to but her dashing sworn enemy, Nathaniel Thorn. Yes, there’s some romance, but this book is ultimately about facing a future not quite planned for. Capricorns, take note!