On August 12, I’m buying a Quebec book

Tashi Farmilo

August 12 passed with a sense of literary pride in Gatineau as the community celebrated J’achète un livre québécois. This initiative, launched in 2014 by authors Patrice Cazeault and Amélie Dubé, encourages the purchase and appreciation of books by Quebec authors. The day, now a beloved tradition, saw local bookstores buzzing with readers eager to discover and share their favourite Quebec literature.

Several women from the Gatineau municipal council took the opportunity to share their favourite Quebec books, highlighting the rich diversity of local literary talent.

Bettyna Bélizaire, representing the Plateau district, expressed her admiration for Serge Bouchard's Un café avec Marie, written in memory of Bouchard's late partner Marie, whose presence permeates every page. This collection of “micro-essays,” originally written for Radio-Canada, offers dense, evocative prose that blends the personal with the universal,

Anik Des Marais, municipal councillor for Mitigomijokan, mentioned her current read, Rue Duplessis by Jean-Philippe Pleau, which tells the story of Pleau’s journey from a working-class upbringing in Drummondville to becoming a sociologist and radio host, capturing the social and personal struggles of navigating different worlds. She also enjoyed Mireille Gagné’s Frappabord, described as “an excellent camping read,” and highlighted Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin’s works on municipal politics, Libérer les villes and Passer de la ville à la cité, considering them essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing cities.

Both Isabelle N. Miron, councillor for l'Orée-du-Parc district, and Caroline Murray, councillor for Deschênes, recommended Les Départs by Clara Lagacé. This novel follows Catherine, a post-war immigrant who ends up in Montreal instead of New York, delving into themes of resilience, emancipation, and the search for identity, drawing inspiration from the revolutionary figure Rosa Luxemburg. Miron also highlighted Karine Côté-Andreetti’s Ports d’attache: osons révolutionner nos amitiés, an essay that challenges the conventional understanding of friendship, proposing it as a cornerstone for rebuilding our personal and collective lives. “Happy reading and see you soon!” Miron added, reflecting her enthusiasm for sharing these literary gems.

Catherine Craig-St-Louis, a newer councillor representing Carrefour-de-l'Hôpital, shared her affection for Michelle Lapierre-Dallaire’s works, specifically Y avait-il des limites si oui je les ai franchies mais c’était par amour ok and Je vous demande de fermer les yeux et d’imaginer un endroit calme. These titles are known for their raw, autobiographical exploration of mental illness, abuse, and misogyny, told with disarming frankness and lyrical beauty. She also mentioned Là où je me terre by Caroline Dawson, a poignant memoir that chronicles a family's flight from Chile’s Pinochet regime to Montreal, touching on themes of exile, cultural identity, and survival.

As the day concluded, the literary suggestions from Gatineau’s municipal leaders highlighted not only their personal connections to Quebec literature but also the importance of celebrating and supporting local authors.

Photo caption: Gatineau municipal councillors, including Catherine Craig-St-Louis, celebrated On August 12, I’m Buying a Quebec Book by sharing their favourite Quebec books, emphasising the importance of supporting local authors and literature.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Catherine Craig-St-Louis