Here are 10 Quebec books to slip under the Christmas tree

Reading as a gift… why not? Quebec authors have published a number of novels, essays, collections and practical guides over the past year. There is no shortage of choice! Treat a loved one… or treat yourself, and discover something good! Here are some ideas to inspire you… Happy Holidays!

Janette's recipes

Janette Bertrand

Editions Libre Expression

248 pages

First published in 1968, then revised and expanded in 2005, this great classic has accompanied the daily lives of thousands of families over the decades. It is a huge bestseller, selling more than 300,000 copies. The new edition honors, once again, classic Quebec recipes. A tribute to our culinary heritage signed by a great communicator who loves generous and tasty dishes.

• Also read: Almost a hundred years old, Janette Bertrand publishes the third edition of her cookbook, which has sold more than 300,000 copies, “Janette’s recipes”

• Also read: At 99, Janette Bertrand denounces the taboos linked to old age in her new book “One Hundred Years of Love”

• Also read: “We don’t give old people a voice,” denounces Janette Bertrand in her essay “One Hundred Years of Love”

• Also read: Book Fair: authors and illustrators have forged heartfelt ties with Quebec

As long as there are birds

Dominique Demers

Editions Quebec America

320 pages

Author of more than 70 works for both young people and adults, the amazing Dominique Demers offers an astonishing sequel to her autofiction My crazy lovewhich described the incredible adventures linked to the purchase of a chalet in the Laurentians. This time his fans return to the world of this beloved, but shaky chalet, which requires many unforeseen renovations. They will find a crippled Dominique after a serious bicycle accident… and seduced by a handsome German.

• Also read: “It was like in a film”: Dominique Demers recounts his “tremendous love at first sight” in his new novel

The wonderful Quebec of Disney

Tristan Demers

Hurtubise Editions

184 pages

After publishing Tintin and Quebec et Asterix among QuebecersTristan Demers once again explores the influence of popular culture heroes on our collective imagination by publishing with Hurtubise The wonderful Quebec of Walt Disney. This abundantly illustrated collection, rich in finds and anecdotes, shows to what extent the world of Walt Disney has been present in our country… for almost a hundred years!

• Also read: Tristan Demers delved into the archives to show the extent to which the world of Walt Disney was present in popular culture in Quebec

Memoirs of Mayron Schwartz

Jean-François Beauchemin

Editions Quebec America

528 pages

In the wake of Light wind andJoy Archivesthe incomparable Jean-François Beauchemin published this year a poetic reflection on the human condition, the depths of the soul and the flights of the spirit. Aptly, it explores themes of religion and spirituality, shows the after-effects left by the atrocities of the Second World War and reminds us that the world is beautiful, despite all its scars. A magnificent text.

• Also read: Jean-François Beauchemin shows how people from the same large family live despite traumatic memories of the Second World War in his new novel

• Also read: 16 Quebec books to watch this fall

Snow trails

Kev Lambert

Éditions Héliotrope

416 pages

Medici Prize, December Prize and Ringuet Prize for his novel May our joy remainthe talented Kev Lambert published this fall Snow trails. This fourth novel describes Zoey's first Christmas since her parents separated. The sensitive and very imaginative boy spends the holidays between his father's family and that of his mother and happily reunites with his favorite cousin, Émie-Anne. During their walks in the forest or during epic family reunions at Lac Saint-Jean, they experience memorable adventures.

• Also read: Kev Lambert was inspired by his childhood in Lac-Saint-Jean to write his new novel

The caravan of angels

Dominique Bertrand

Éditions Flammarion Québec

256 pages

Best-selling author and woman of heart, Dominique Bertrand published this fall this unique story taking place in a Walmart on Christmas Eve. People from different backgrounds, with different life paths, find shelter in the department store due to a powerful storm. While the snow falls, all traffic is impossible and general chaos sets in, they get to know each other and prepare to celebrate an unusual New Year's Eve together.

• Also read: Dominique Bertrand imagined in his new novel that strangers would be forced to spend New Year's Eve together in a store because of a storm

The Tales of Jehoshaphat the Violin

Michel Tremblay, illustrated by Marc Séguin

Leméac Editions

144 pages

To the delight of story lovers, fans of the work of Michel Tremblay and fans of Marc Séguin, here are finally brought together the four stories that Nana received as a gift at the end of The crossing of feelingsthe third part of the Desrosiers Diaspora. While she is on vacation in Duhamel with her aunt Rose, Nana discovers a notebook filled with fine writing: The Tales of Jehoshaphat the Violin. Here is finally an illustrated version of these famous tales, just to immerse yourself in the world of two phenomenal artists.

• Also read: Editions Leméac publish “The Tales of Josaphat-le-Violon”, by Michel Tremblay, in a collection magnificently illustrated by Marc Séguin

• Also read: David Goudreault recalls the urgency of acting to protect French in Quebec in “Ta langue!”, a collective where 12 other writers speak on the subject

Juice press

Valérie Chevalier and Matthieu Simard

Hurtubise Editions

208 pages

Two important figures in the Quebec literary and cultural world, Valérie Chevalier and Matthieu Simard, have united their pen and their know-how and let their imagination run wild to write a first novel with four hands. Tasty epistolary correspondence between two characters, Pauline and Hugo, Juice press is a cocktail of confidences, revelations, moments imbued with great emotions, where the poetry of everyday life and common sense reflections are in the spotlight. And it all starts with a letter sent to Santa Claus…

• Also read: Valérie Chevalier and Matthieu Simard combine their ideas and creativity to write a four-handed novel, “Presse-jus”

• Also read: Valérie Chevalier questions love commitment in her new novel

• Also read: “Les Prank” by Matthieu Simard: abominable brother-sister duo

The most extraordinary journey

Marc Garneau

Éditions Michel Lafon

376 pages + exclusive photo book

First Canadian to travel into space, Marc Garneau recounts his incredible odyssey in his autobiography. The book traces his career and his professional achievements, but also deals extensively with his personal life, which was marked by numerous trials. The book therefore talks about exploits, significant events, political commitment, public recognition. But it also illustrates the wisdom and resilience of the man, the spouse, the father of the family. A very interesting book, full of humanity.

• Also read: First Canadian astronaut, Marc Garneau publishes an autobiography where he talks about his professional achievements, but also about his personal life and the challenges he faced

• Also read: Marc Garneau explains that seeing Earth from space changes our perspective

Between us

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

KO Editions

304 pages

A cross between the personal growth guide and the autobiographical story, this very personal, surprising, interesting and seriously researched book is peppered with relevant interviews with world luminaries. This is a real invitation to undertake or continue a journey towards well-being and better mental health. An essential book to open your mind and heart.

• Also read: “We are dizzying ourselves with distractions”: Sophie Grégoire Trudeau is interested in well-being in a comforting essay