I FELL TWICE: LOUIS GARNEAU'S TOUGHEST RACE

VALERIE LESAGE, EDITIONS OF MAN, 2021

The biographical story of this great athlete, entrepreneur and Quebec artist shows us that we can all fall one day. Louis Garneau shows great courage by speaking very openly about his professional burnout. Years of not being himself, without fuel to continue "his race", the one he always wanted to be at the head of, he says. He experienced moments of doubt and knew the fear of losing everything. He also felt a deep sadness of having created a crack in the relationship with one of his sons. A very tender life anecdote of a father who thought he was doing the right thing to keep the business within the family...

We also learn a lot about Louis Garneau Sports, from the almost romantic beginnings with his wife Monique who sewed the first LG clothing, to a major financial crisis. The life lessons – personal and professional – were numerous and fascinating. His letter to entrepreneurs is also an elegant testimony filled with hope, forgiveness and harmony. Today, Louis Garneau is back on track and has repositioned his company. We feel that he is more creative than ever.

Valérie Lesage is one of the rare authors to have multiple writing projects involving entrepreneurs. She has developed a beautiful style to tell their stories.

I “KNOW THYSELF”: YES, BUT HOW?

SERGE MARQUIS, EDITORIAL, 2021

Serge Marquis is a community health physician who loves to write. And I believe he does it for two reasons. First, to help us, because it's in his nature. But also so that he can give free rein to his boundless creativity.

The author of the popular Pensouillard the hamster immerses us in a story that revolves around the meeting between Socrates and Page Blanche, who are looking for their soul mate. Their discussions generate delicious debates that focus on fundamental concerns: they range from the future of the planet to violence against women. And on love too.

The story is above all that of Socrates, endearing and authentic, who invites us to take the path of awareness of the "I" in our lives, our ego. The book is full of sometimes very funny anecdotes that help us to better understand the cycle that the I takes. "It is so much easier to tell ourselves stories than to know ourselves," Serge Marquis reminds us.

THE BEAVER REFLEX, 19 PHRASES THAT PREVENT ME FROM MOVING FORWARD AND CHANGING

DIANE BÉRARD AND RÉMI TREMBLAY, GUY SAINT-JEAN EDITIONS, 2021

Many readers enjoy this type of book. Quite succinct and easy to carry, it offers us avenues for reflection on specific questions. In this small book, Diane Bérard and Rémi Tremblay seek to make us aware that our state of mind can limit us and block the path to change.

They have therefore identified 19 "barrage phrases" that limit us because we idealize the past too much, because we are not ready for change or because we refuse to take responsibility. Known to business people, the authors address them to encourage them to think big and participate in creating a better world.

The Book Fair will take place from November 25 to 28 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal,

and in the city and online from November 13.