Sacred Heart Reads: The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

We are where social service meets social justice and we believe that learning together makes us stronger. Every month we share what a member has read, watched or listened to. This month, we hear from Omar Leal about the book, "The Last Cuentista” by Donna Barba Higuera.

Donna Barba Higuera's The Last Cuentista is a powerful account of the importance of our heritage, stories, and the things that make us human. This dystopian young adult novel follows Petra Peña. Petra, her family, and a few others are selected to flee Earth when a comet strikes the planet to preserve the human race. After years in stasis, Petra awakens as the only one who remembers life on Earth and the cuentos passed down by her Abuelita. Armed with those cuentos of the past, Petra faces a sinister collective to maintain hope for the future. There is so much more to say, but I don't want to give away too much. 

This story felt profound and fitting when thinking about the communities we are trying to build and the world we want to create. We all come from somewhere, and the stories of those who came before us are necessary for understanding and framing our futures. As the pandemic has upended our lives, the stories we build can bind us together and help us create communities that care for one another. While reading, I cried, laughed, and was shocked.

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. It's an accessible read that dives into deep themes. Great for young readers, book clubs, or your joy.