Linda Goodman's Sun Signs

by Linda Goodman

Find out what's really happening in your life and the lives of those around you. Is he really unstable beneath that placid exterior? Is she marrying you for your money alone? When should you give a wayward spouse the benefit of the doubt? How can you adjust your inner moods to your best advantage, knowing when to push and when to pull back, when to speak up and when to shut up? What is the best time to ask your boss for that raise, your girl for her heart and hand, your brother-in-law for a loan? Learn all this and much, much more from the world-famous astrologer who has helped millions divine their way to happiness, love, and profit by studying the sun signs. Amaze your friends and yourself with your insight into their most hidden characteristics. Be the best that you can possibly be with -- Sun Signs.

Genres: Astrology, Nonfiction, Reference, Spirituality, Self Help, New Age, Psychology

512 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Linda Goodman assumed the name Linda during World War II for a popular WCOM radio show in Parkersburg that she hosted called Love Letters from Linda. Each show consisted of Linda reading letters written between soldiers and their loved ones. Each letter was punctuated with a popular song of the day. While working in radio, she met her second husband, Sam O. Goodman, and took his last name. He began her career writing for newspapers in the eastern and southeastern United States. She also wrote speeches for black American civil rights leader Whitney Young, who served for several years as president of the National Urban League.

Reviews

[Audrey Babkirk Wellons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I take astrology seriously. I'm sure Linda Goodman takes astrology seriously. But you CANNOT TAKE LINDA GOODMAN SERIOUSLY. This book was written in 1968, and I swear it has NOT BEEN REVISED since then. What does this mean? First off, it means you get the benefit of all of Linda's 1968-era trippy-dippy moonchild flights of fancy. Second, girl will totally tell you that your Capricorn man might not like it if you want to, say, HAVE A JOB. (But hey, that's just one of his craaaaazy quirks that you'll have to accept!) Also, each of the 72 sections begins with a quote from Alice in Wonderland that will leave you scratching your head at how it relates.

Sorry for the all caps above, but really, this one is worth reading aloud at parties/sleepovers/bad poetry night.

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the reason by I am very much hooked in astrology nowadays. Linda Goodman carefully and accurately explain each zodiac sign in some forms of entertainment. In fact, I was suprised that most of her descriptions are true to me.

For me the best thing about this book is it helped me appreciate myself and other people. At the end of the day, I always end up saying "kaya pala ganyan siya dahil ganito ang sign niya." This book is not made to create prejudice but to help understand the oddness of other people.

If you read this book, you will be able to cope with the fussiness and being perfectionist of a Virgo. You will also understand why people born under the sign of Gemini have two or multiple personality that sometimes lead you to confusion. You will be able to adjust with the tranquility and slow pacing personality of Taurean, level up the energy and cheerfulness of Sagittarius, praise the Leon, laugh with the jokes of moody Cancerian, be as ambitious as Capricorn, as sweet as Pisceans and as friendly as Aquarians. We will also realize our desire to find out the mistery of Scoprion, the enthusiasm of people born under the sign of Aries and the beauty and judgement of Libran.

Those are just few things to acquire in reading this book. Truly wonderful to read.

[Rajan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is very cleverly written. So clever that you feel u r every sun sign from aries to piesces. Its heresay, imaginary, unscientific, illogical and absurd. But still u look up for your DoB many times and check your sun sign again and again. It is written so cleverly you force yourself to believe the qualities of your so called sin sign (pun intended).

Its the majority opinion that its not science. Sun is star. Moon is satellite. But still considered for calculations. How the stars, planets and satellite and there relative motion affect our lives is beyond comprehension. And even if they do how it can be calculated mathematically. The qualities attributed to different planets is based on mythology, arbitrary and imaginary. Like jupiter for education or venus for sex. The signs also named after the shape of a particular constellation which they represent. And then she impose the quality of that particular shape on that sign people. Like Leo or lions have qualities of lions. Libra looks like a scale so she says they r always confused and unable to take decisions. SO to cut a long story short it is all imaginary.

All in all a fun read

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was practically weened on this book. The copy I have is a hardback from the 60s. It was my grandmother's, mom's, and now mine. And someday my kid will get it - mwhahaaaha! I have awesome memories of climbing onto mom's bed and reading astrology books with her. We'd read aloud to each other - different chapters for different parts of our charts. As I got older and had crushes, she'd ask me about this Pisces or that Gemini I had a thing for and we'd READ ALL THE COMBOS. This book is to me what mom's apple pie is like for non-hippie-inclined families.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear by this book. I've read all the signs and they describe people's personalities so perfectly. Plus it was published in the 60's and is super old fashioned about gender roles. It's pretty hilarious. And to top it all off, there are constant references to Alice in Wonderland. How could it get any better?

[Sylwia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the Aquarius chapter was like reading erotica.

Linda Goodman has a good understanding of the main foundation of a person's chart: the sun sign. She makes it a point to remind the reader how the other signs in our charts can skew our "token" sun sign personality. I appreciated this about the description, even if reading about the "hardcore" version of every sign wasn't always fulfilling. She points out very specific and accurate details that might give a reader some insight about themselves. However she also provides the reader with an easy understanding of the complicated aspects of other signs.

I found this emotionally satisfying in terms of my own chapters. In terms of the chapters of others, I found it reassuring.

[Nandakishore Mridula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book to read. I don't believe in astrology, but I must say that Linda has got it correct regarding the personality of myself (a Leo), my wife (a Taurean) and my son (a Gemini). I only did not like the part where she said Leos are boastful - we are not! We are just honest in pointing out our virtues.

[P.J. MacNamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't come on here and give bad reviews because I think it's generally unkind and unnecessary. I'm a pretty good judge of what I'm going to like, so I haven't bought many books I would give less than three stars to, and those few I have will remain anonymous because I'm sure someone else would like them more than I do. However....

I felt I had to come on here and review this book today because nobody paid much attention to my review of Liz Greene's "Astrology For Lovers", which is quite simply the best astrology book ever published in the history of the world. If the whole world was going up in flames and there was only time to save one book for posterity I expect most people would save the dictionary or the complete Shakespeare, but I would definitely be rescuing Liz Greene from the flames.

"Linda Goodman's Sun Signs" is to "Astrology For Lovers" as the Datsun Cherry is to the Bugatti Veyron. There is not one single thing that Goodman does even half as well as Greene. The only people who give this book the time of day are the people who are not aware that the Liz Greene book exists. Had Liz Greene's publishers not for some inexplicable reason insisted the word "Lovers" be incorporated into her title (it was originally called "Star Signs For Lovers",) a lot more people would have read it, I feel sure.

Liz Greene will literally make your jaw drop and change your life. Linda Goodman won't. She is quaint and mildly amusing in an old fashioned, American kind of way that really grated on me. I can't believe I'm giving her book three stars. I bought it back in the 1980s when there weren't that many books about astrology available. We are positively drowning in them now. My, my, how the world changes.

[Gabriela G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Suddenly this author has gotton me exited about a topic that i never fathomed would be very intresting. I have never taken any classes or took an intrest in astrology to read about it but reading Linda Goodman's writting and words she makes me feel like an expert. You would never guess that you are learning about Sun Signs, in fact your having way to much fun to even realize your learning anything at all, she treats this "guide" like a regular book, making it fun, adding in similies and metaphors, and in a way every chapter she intrudues a new character. I was really intrested to learn about different sun signs because sun signs are what give most of us our characteristics and moods. So now I know more then just my birth date and sign, i know my moon moods, element, and characteristics (or how people see me) I was so exited to learn about asrology and now I want to know even more about it, so this book opened my eyes into a hobby that I would have never guessed i would be the least bit intrested in!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

That is kind of a nostalgic tip of the hat four stars there, because I appreciate Linda's Aries nature and the way she threw open the doors for a generation of astrologers and people in search of a bit more insight than just that newspaper column promising a tall dark stranger on Tuesday. And the Alice in Wonderland framework of Sunsigns was cool, particularly to the children of the 60's, our long hair trailing, our embroidered gowns catching the light.

But this book was also the first one to make me realize that in all fairness (yes, I'm a Libra by sunsign) astrologers and writers on astrology should be required to give you their charts first. Or at least to admit to their biases. Aries Linda had trouble with the Libra people and didn't quite capture us in all our glory.

It's a fun read, though, and a nice introduction to the art. Just don't take it too seriously, okay?

[Shikha Aggarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very true for us scorpions. Must read.

[Jordan Lombard · Rating 5 out of 5]

*sigh* I can't find my edition on here anywhere. It's the hard cover published in 1968.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know what it means to be born during a specific time of the year. It read me like a book! lol.

[Richa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely! Accurate! Interesting even if you do not believe in them. Is an all time favourite. My dad was an astrologer and he got us to read this, hoping to get us hooked to this science (I call it science, I have seen it work... Every time). It sure got me hooked!

[Allison Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

So on POINT!

[Samir Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the bible of sun signs. I have read it 10 to 12 years back and still i wonder it writes so many things that are very similar to the person's trait and personality. Bought this book basically to read about my crush and of course myself also; and later on it went on helping me to understand about other sun signs as well. I am libran and it is remarkably well described about myself and that too quite precisely. The best part about this book is you can enjoy a lot while going through it. I suggest that if you want to know about someone's nature, take this book without hesitation. It will definitely be worthy.

[Kecia · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I was in high school I thought this book was based on fact.

[Greta G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sun Signs

[Shanu · Rating 3 out of 5]

dated but entertaining

[Matisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. It’s an astrology book. Woo-hoo. Yay. Cheers to Linda Goodman. Can you tell I’m being sarcastic?

[Aaditya Mandalemula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't believe in Astrology until I bought this book. I just had to read the Aries (the first sign) chapter in the book and I knew then to my great delight that this book is genuine.

This book literally changed a large part of my life. I first went, a little bit, through her Love Signs book before taking the 'Sun signs' and buying it. I didn't care if Astrology is true when I picked up the Love signs book. I was just going through books in the store, so I just took this book and opened the Leo-Pisces chapter (I'm a Pisces and I had a crush on a Leo girl). Once I read the first sentence (may be even before that), I got hooked, and after a few paragraphs, I totally stopped judging this book. I just went through it. I was nodding. I was laughing. I was learning.

But then, I came back to myself and couldn't believe what just happened - I was being foolish enough to take this stuff seriously. I just put back the book and never thought about it again for six months.

And after six months approximately, I remembered that I read something about Leo and Pisces relationship being exactly the way it is described in that book. Now, what's that book? I didn't struggle much to remember it. And I didn't go to the shop straight away. Don't I have better things to do? Ok, after a few days, I made time for it and went to the shop. I took the book and read the same three paragraphs again. I found the Sun signs book leaning beside it. Well, I just took the Sun signs book (I know it came earlier, and that it is more basic than the Love signs), and bought it. Got back to my home, and read the chapter - Aries man (there's an Aries man in my family. He almost always commands me around. Really frustrated with his always noisy dominating presence. But this book made me understand him try to get on well with him), and I found the traits absolutely correct.

And also I found the narration witty. And the things very true. And since then I was following her with absolute devotion. I am a big fan of Linda Goodman. And I consider her a Genius.

[Anie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes a lot regarding various sun signs in a very interesting way even if you do not want to believe it sometimes. It becomes very interesting when a person reads it and matches his or her qualities.

It also defines the nature and characteristics of water, air and earth signs. As it was written a lot of years ago, things have changed greatly. It is based on people belief on astrology. Some of the points that I found interesting were like :

-a Capricorn child is very serious in his childhood and when his age grows, he becomes more childish. it's a reverse aging process.
-Piscean have qualities of all the sun signs.
-Taurus have great success when they invest in land and properties.
-a Cancerian boss always expects his employees to be punctual and obedient.
-Most twins are born in Gemini sun signs.
-Leos have quite extravagant lifestyle.
-Taurus and Cancerian always want to be liked by people.

There is much more in it and most descriptions are surprisingly correct. There may be exceptions and different opinions but when I read and compared with the people, I found many of these qualities matching correctly.

[Rummy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't believe in Sun Signs? This book's for you!
This book is fantastic! My book is dog eared and falling apart - I've read it that many times. Its one of those astrology books that don't need you to fit yourself into the said characteristics. Sometimes we just don't get someone's behavior or their nature - this book clearly helps in that. Understanding. Understanding that people are different and great in different ways.
Linda Goodman's writing style is easy to read and holds your interest. When you see the pages, full of long paragraphs, its easy to close the book because it looks boring. Indeed the opposite. Start reading and you'll know why this book has been sought after so many years. :)
Best of all, the characteristics of your sign DON'T have to fit you like a fingerprint. The book concludes with the fact that the stars only influence, not control your life. You can be who you want to be.

BOTTOM LINE: AMAZING book.

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was interested in this book I must admit. While I do not have any deep belief in Astrology, it was fun reading about the different personalities of the various signs.

But here is my main issue and I am sure it will not be a surprise:

I do not really fit my sign nor do most people I know fit their sign. So it is not a book I could take all that seriously. I know many people are deep believers in Astrology and that's fine. But I'd have enjoyed the book more if I could find myself in my sign or the people close to me in their signs.

I am a Virgo. The only two things I have in common with my sign are: we read(yes!) and we are worriers. Otherwise not much.

But it IS fun. If you do not take it to seriously you can have a fun time trying to guess the signs of people you know based on their personalities. For a person like me who likes reading about the mind, that is a good thing.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I have always liked Goodman's style, her books are rather dated (keeping in mind that they were written decades ago and continually republished): a good writing style and an assumption that astrology as a determinant of personality does not age, but the interpretation does as they are often through a cultural filter. Now it is expected that both spouses work, women can handle things independently, etc. This is not to say I do not enjoy her books, as I often reread sections, and even quote/paraphrase her once in a while ("Aries are stubborn enough to touch a hot stove twice, but not the same stove... Remember that." I find it is a good explanation). However, you will occasionally see the colour of dated perceptions.

[Fenixbird SandS · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! great imaginative & enthralling read! My favorite part(s) of this book? "How to identify this sign" You say you are in love with a Sagitarrius boss? Ayue carumba!! If you are a novice, then I might recommend reading Linda Goodman's Sun Signs first.....pick out your favorite friend(s) birth signs & read about them! OR....if you have a difficult boss, and can find out his or her birthday, then read about that sign "as a boss." Perhaps my age is showing, but good clean fun (plus a little help from the stars!)

[Lenny Husen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best Astrology book ever written. Not because it is any less bullshit than any other, but so elegant, fun to read, and amazingly well crafted. A true gem. The descriptions are delightful of personalities that we all know. And I have to admit, my Sun Sign description, The Capricorn Woman, describes me perfectly, especially the part about how beautiful all Capricorn women are. .

[Aoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that started it all! An extremely fun and enjoyable recounting of the sun signs and their quirks. She has a great flair for narration, and when copied by astrologers today, comes across as stiff and unnatural.

A great book to read again and again. I was nodding and laughing at myself when the Sagittarius section came on..

[Tapasya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Book Ever.

I just love this book. This book inspired me to learn astrology. I was 15 then. And now i am quite an expert in astrology.

[Yoana]

Ok so I only read my sign and those of the boys I was in love with at the time. But I read them multiple times! I say it counts.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my twenties, when I was dating a lot, this was my Bible.