'What is a book young Canadians should read in 2023?': 4 Poetry In Voice finalists share their picks
Poetry In Voice has selected the nine Canadian finalists for its annual poetry recitation contest and the finals are set to take place later this week.
The annual Poetry In Voice competition challenges Canadian students to learn poems by heart and perform them online for consideration. The organization hosts two national recitation contests — one for students in Grades 9-12, and another for students in Grades 6-8 — and a dozen local team recitation contests.
The national finals in Calgary will be held live, for the first time in three years, on April 20, 2023 and streamed on multiple platforms.
Ahead of the finals, CBC Books caught up with four of the finalists to find out about the books they think all of their generation should read.
My Mother's Daughter by Perdita Felicien recommended by Olivia Bridgman
"Throughout this memoir, Perdita Felicien is candid about her mother's life in St. Lucia prior to her immigration journey to Canada and the seemingly all-encompassing struggles she faced in a lonely new world. As the story progresses, readers learn about the author's upbringing, remarkable Olympic career, and transition into journalism.
"In a world where social media often taints our view of reality, this fiercely honest and heartfelt autobiography is truly refreshing. Felicien intimately recounts her journey of struggle, resilience, and ultimate triumph.
Felicien intimately recounts her journey of struggle, resilience, and ultimate triumph.- Olivia Bridgman
"As a generation that has had to overcome a pandemic and the devastating repercussions of it, this novel is a raw reminder that we are not defined by how or when we fall but rather by the journey of how we rise above it all.
"I recommend this book to any individual who feels as though the obstacles they face are unsurmountable."
Greenwood by Michael Christie, recommended by Maia Cassie
"Greenwood weaves together five different time periods, beginning in the near future, travelling backwards into the 20th century and then returning to the future in an ingenious narrative structure mimicking the rings of a tree.
"The book is ultimately about resilience, love, human connection — messages that I believe each person in my generation would benefit from. Underneath the novel's depictions of environmental crisis and human conflict is an unshakable feeling of hope.
"Community, the narrative shows, holds many similarities to a tree: complex, powerful and imperative for survival. It presents an important message not only on fostering a better relationship with nature, but on the interconnectedness necessary to do so.
Underneath the novel's depictions of environmental crisis and human conflict is an unshakable feeling of hope.- Maia Cassie
"Whether you're looking for pressing environmental warnings, breathtaking prose, or captivating twists, Greenwood does it all. I can't recommend it enough."
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, recommended by Aaronsaul Negre
"There is a beauty in the simplicity of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's work. Through the narrator's impactfully simple illustrations along with the author's playful syntax, this story is able to connect with anyone who gets their hands on it. Whether you are eight or 88, everyone is able to learn a valuable lesson from this work, which is the aspect of The Little Prince that interests me the most: it is the universality of this book that can create conversations and spaces for connection with people from all different walks of life.
"Every time The Little Prince comes back in my life, it always hits a different part of my heart. This time around, as I am preparing to leave for university and begin this new chapter of my life, this story is helping me navigate and better understand the dichotomy of the childhood that I am leaving behind and this phase of adulthood that I am now entering.
Every time The Little Prince comes back in my life, it always hits a different part of my heart.- Aaronsaul Negre
"Antoine de Saint-Exupéry beautifully illustrates the intrinsic evolution of one's imagination and ultimately one's ability to perceive possibility. A child's imagination is often seen as rampant and foolish by the world around them and the adults that inhabit it.
"However, this story emphasizes the power of one's imagination and how they are able to see an elephant eaten by a boa constrictor rather than a hat, or how they can see importance in the world without pursuing materialistic or dutiful-driven ideals.
"I hope that myself and anyone who reads this classic tale, are able to train the imagination to perceive the world for not only what it is, but what it could be."
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, recommended by Maria Espindola
"Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir written by Mitch Albom that chronicles his conversations with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying of ALS. The book is a poignant exploration of life, death, and the human condition, divided into 14 chapters, each detailing a different Tuesday meeting between the two men. During these meetings, Morrie imparts his wisdom and life lessons to Albom, teaching him the importance of love, forgiveness and acceptance.
"What makes Tuesdays with Morrie a compelling read is the authenticity of the relationship between Mitch and Morrie. Their conversations are not sugar-coated and Morrie is not afraid to challenge Mitch's beliefs and assumptions. Morrie's insights on life are also incredibly poignant and his approach to death is both philosophical and pragmatic.
"Through the book Morrie emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the things that matter most to us, such as our relationships with loved ones, our passions and our inner peace. It also serves as a reminder that it is never too late to learn, grow and change. The book encourages readers to examine their own lives and relationships and to consider how they can live more fully and authentically.
I would recommend it to my entire generation because it provides a much-needed perspective on what truly matters in life.- Maria Espindola
"I would recommend Tuesdays with Morrie to my entire generation because it provides a much-needed perspective on what truly matters in life. In a world that is often driven by material success and external validation, Morrie's lessons on love, compassion and self-reflection are invaluable. The book also highlights the importance of meaningful relationships and the power of human connection, which are things that are sometimes overlooked in our digital age.
"Overall, this is a beautiful and thought-provoking book that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages."
Comments have been edited for length and clarity.
