The cast of CBC's Utopia Falls selects books their generation should read
Utopia Falls is a new sci-fi series available to stream on CBC Gem.
The show takes place in the future on a depleted planet Earth where an idyllic human colony called New Babyl has emerged. Their annual performing arts competition, Exemplar, brings together a group of talented teenagers who stumble upon a terrible secret about their community.
CBC Books asked the cast share one book they think their entire generation should read.
Humberly Gonzalez recommends The Giver by Lois Lowry
"I have always been fascinated by the idea of a perfect world, explored through a futuristic or dystopian society. When I was asked the question, 'What's the one book you think your entire generation should read?' I instantly thought of The Giver by Lois Lowry. This young adult novel follows the story of 12-year-old Jonas, who lives in a society that appears idyllic on the surface but in reality, much like in Utopia Falls, has a whole hidden history that is revealed as the story progresses.
"Although it is catered to a youth/young adult audience, this novel is an enjoyable read for all ages and carries themes that, in my opinion, are highly relevant and engaging for all generations. The interesting connection between this book and Utopia Falls, is that, in both, the ruling society works to create unity through the removal of individuality and promotion of 'sameness' — a term used specifically by Lowry in the novel. What we discover is that even though the veneer of sameness might create the appearance of a cohesive society, history cannot be erased and when it is uncovered or discovered, it becomes clear that all that glitters is not gold."
Akiel Julien recommends The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
"The one book I'd most encourage my generation to read would be The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It's really interesting, fun and can guide a person to learning a lot about themselves and their infinite capabilities. There are so many ways it can be interpreted — you can read it over and over and learn something new each time. In some ways, it's like a metaphorical puzzle. The essence of the book is about a shepherd boy's destiny to pursue his heart's desires, his 'personal legend.' Your personal legend is what you've always wanted to accomplish in life. Everyone knows what their personal legend is when they are young — anything feels possible to us, due to the natural use of the right part of our brains (creativity, passion, discovery, instinct) over the left (logic, analysis). The left brain interferes with us expressing that natural essence of who we are.
"When we are young, there seems to be no limitations — we're not afraid to dream, to yearn and to express our feelings about everything we'd like to see happen in our lives. But as we grow older, something negative in our minds activates and we begin to feel as if we're incapable of becoming what we truly desire to be. This book speaks to the trials and tribulations one faces on the quest to achieving what their heart desires most.
"It teaches you that it is not the treasure itself that is most valuable, but what is learned and acquired along the way to achieving the wants of the heart. If one stays completely in touch with themselves and their personal legend, it just might be what sparks positive and groundbreaking change in our world."
Robyn Alomar recommends Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
"Children of Blood and Bone by is a YA fantasy novel written by black author Tomi Adeyemi. It incorporates a lot of details from West African mythology and history, which Adeyemi studied. It's important for black people to see themselves represented in all literature (all of the characters are black) — especially in literature for young people, and the fantasy genre — and not only in historical fiction and slave narratives (which are also important).
"Zelie, the protagonist, learns about her ancestors and cultural heritage on her quest to restore magic to her community. The process of learning and becoming proud of where she comes from is a kind of magic in itself. One of my favourite aspects of the story is how Zelie becomes more powerful as her hair gets curlier. I always straightened my naturally curly hair in elementary school, but in high school, I embraced my natural hair and realized that my uniqueness and my self-confidence was my magic."
Mickeey Nguyen recommends Your Name by Makoto Shinkai
"One of my favourite books that I have ever read, and that moved me and made me intensely emotional, was Your Name by Makoto Shinkai. It's an incredible story and is a novelization of its animated creation, which was my sole reason for wanting to read the story in its own words. Often, when I'm really moved by a film and I see that it's based on a book, I'll read it because there's always something more that it delivers — and this story was no exception.
"I'm usually not into romance, but this one had so much depth to it — it's an emotional, romantic and heart-warming fantasy, with some great comedic moments, about two teenagers who share a magical bond upon discovering they are swapping bodies. Things take an immense turn when they both decide to meet in person. Your mind may immediately go to the Disney classic, Freaky Friday, but trust me... this is waaaay beyond that. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and probably end up sobbing by the end. Whether you decide to read the book or watch the film, it's a story that you'll soon cherish as one of your favourites.