CEGEP Students’ 2024 Literary Prize: new books to sink your teeth into

CEGEP Students’ 2024 Literary Prize: new books to sink your teeth into

Article published on November 20, 2024

Woman reading on the train

The CEGEP Students’ Literary Prize is an honour awarded each year by a jury of students from various CEGEPs in Quebec to promote current Quebecois literature among college students.

Here are the five finalists for 2024 and their prize-winning works.

Mise en forme by Mikella Nicol

Cover of the novel, 'Mise en forme' by Mikella Nicol

This autobiography, presented in essay form, tells the story of the author who, after going through a break-up, dives into the world of fitness. While training, she seeks to transform her life and her body, but soon realizes that the fitness industry and her own beauty ideals are at odds in many ways, and social media’s influence is making matters worse.

Le compte est bon by Louis-Daniel Godin

Cover of the novel, 'Le compte est bon' by Louis-Daniel Godin

Inspired by the author’s own life, this book follows the story of a man who was adopted when he was 5 days old. Throughout his life, he tries to keep track of the successes and failures related to his adoption to determine his value as a person. He constantly asks himself if he is indebted to someone – a question that guides his actions. His journey drives him to try to fill the void that the first five days of his life represent.

La blague du siècle by Jean-Christophe Réhel

Cover of the novel, 'La blague du siècle' by Jean-Christophe Réhel

This novel tells the story of a young man who dreams of having a career in comedy, all while facing some major family challenges. With his father close to death, and his brother suffering from schizophrenia, his life is far from easy. Throughout his journey, the young man works to repair his family’s wounds, all while experiencing some truly authentic, touching relationships.

Ce que je sais de toi by Éric Chacour

Cover of the novel, 'Ce que je sais de toi' by Éric Chacour

A young Egyptian doctor, whose future seems fairly well mapped out, has an encounter that turns his life upside down. This encounter causes him to question his marriage, his career, and some of his most profound beliefs. Forced into exile, he moves to Montreal to rebuild his life. The author of this novel writes with both grace and humour, allowing you to become completely immersed in the tale.

La version qui n’intéresse personne by Emmanuelle Pierrot – 2024 Prizewinner

Cover of the novel, 'La version qui n’intéresse personne' by Emmanuelle Pierrot

Two friends decide to move to the Yukon to live as freely as possible. When the pandemic hits, a love affair between the characters leads to an unplanned living situation marked by unwanted advances, turning the young woman into an ideal victim. The author pushes us to see how certain groups can do terrible things, all while believing that they are doing good around them.

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date: 2001-01-01 12:00:00 AM