5 books that inspired Run the Burbs star Rakhee Morzaria
Run the Burbs is airing now on CBC TV and CBC Gem
Rakhee Morzaria is a Canadian comedian, writer and actress most noted for her starring role as Camille Pham in CBC TV's Run The Burbs.
Run The Burbs follows the Phams, a young, bold Vietnamese-South Asian-Canadian family taking a different approach to living life to the fullest, while changing the way we think about contemporary family values and life in the 'burbs. It stars Morzaria along with actor and executive producer Andrew Phung of Kim's Convenience fame.
Run The Burbs is airing now on CBC TV and CBC Gem. Morzaria connected with CBC Books to talk about the books she loved reading.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie
"I read this book in my book club when it first came out in 2013 — humblebrag — and remember being completely in awe of the main character, Ifemelu. She's so bold, confident and unafraid to speak her mind.
"It inspired me as a young comedian and actor. Whenever I was feeling nervous or timid about sharing my opinions, I'd think, 'What would Ifemelu say to me right now?'"
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
"I mean, what can I say? Possibly one of the greatest and most heartbreaking novels ever written? This story is a complete experience. It's poetic, lyrical and full.
"I couldn't tell you how it impacted my career as an actor but I can tell you it changed me as a human being and I think everyone in the world should read it.
"There, I said it!"
The Actor's Life by Jenna Fischer
"Legit. One of the best resources out there for an actor. It has so many helpful tips about the industry and acting that no one tells you.
"Like, how to take good headshots! Who knows how to take good headshots? I looked like I was a real-estate agent selling townhouses in Markham, Ont., until I read this book.
'Highly recommended for actors early in their career or for parents of actors who are curious what the heck it is they do all day."
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
"This book really resonated with me on a cultural level. It's a story about the immigrant experience, rebelling against traditions and ultimately about family.
"It taught me to bring my experiences, stories and culture to my work so that one day I might be able to come up with something half as entertaining, funny and smart as this."
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
"Yeah, I've never finished reading this book. It's so long! I've always gotten about halfway through and then stopped. Look, I know I should — and trust me, one day I will finish it — but for now it stands as a nice reminder that I make choices in my life.
"I'm not forcing myself to finish it just 'cause everyone else has. I'll get to it in my own time, but for now, I think I'll go back and reread Giovanni's Room."
