JOHN ABBOTT
John Abbott College Teachers Launch the First Femina des cégépien.ne.s

Ten books, two months, an exciting challenge.

The adventure for the Femina des cégépien.ne.s for college students has begun!   

The very first edition of a new literary prize is currently taking place in five Québec CEGEPs.    

At a time when the place of French-language literature in English-speaking schools is under scrutiny, it is inspiring to see this group of students taking on this challenge.   

In collaboration with the famous Femina, the second largest French literary prize, the Femina des cégépien.ne.s is a new award that will be selected by Québec CEGEP students and presented to a work that was published in France.    

Organized by Daniel Rondeau and Ariane Bessette, professors of literature and French at John Abbott College, the Femina des cégépien.ne.s is a true test for students who must read ten novels in two months. The 60 avid readers will then choose their favourite book during final deliberations, held on November 20 at John Abbott College.    

Throughout the fall, guided by their teachers, CEGEP students who are passionate about reading will discuss, debate, and choose the novel that has touched them the most from among those selected by the official committee of the prestigious Femina.     

"Every CEGEP has its elite hockey or football team. These students are the elite team in literature!" sums up Daniel Rondeau, co-organizer of Femina des cégépien.ne.s.   

"There will be meetings, exchanges, knowing smiles, but above all, there will be a strong chance of coming across THE work that changes everything, the one that permeates every pore of your skin and lodges itself in your heart forever," says Claudia Larochelle, patron of the prize.