Reading is one of my passions, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite books with you. Perhaps you’ll make some wonderful discoveries! I’d like to make it clear that these recommendations are totally personal and unrequited, they simply come from the heart. Don’t hesitate to share yours with me, even if I’m running out of space ;)!
Adventures and hikes
Tirer un trail sur le passé (Michael Dessagne)
A book about the PCT trek that I literally adored. I love the author’s personality and the way he tells the story really immerses us in his adventure. This book is only available in French and Dutch.
Wild by nature (Sarah Marquis)
An incredible woman who sets out, alone, on expeditions lasting several months.
She has written several books, and this is the very first one I read. I was impressed by this woman’s courage and her love of nature.
A walk in the woods (Bill Bryson)
Another trekking story, a little less conventional and very funny.
Windswept (Annabel Abbs)
A lovely discovery, and I admire the stories and courage of these women.
The great alone. Walking the Pacific Crest Trail (Tim Voors)
Another PCT book (a future project? ;)), also very well written and much to my liking. I love the layout and the author’s watercolor illustrations.
Walking (Henry David Thoreau)
I bought the miniature version of this book for my first trek, and it’s been in my backpack ever since. I like to leaf through it during bivouacs, but above all I slip in a souvenir (feathers, leaves, flowers, etc.) for each of my treks.
100% animals and nature
John Muir. My Life with Nature (Joseph Bharat Cornell)
I discovered this book thanks to this article and fell in love with it!
This 19th century man’s love and respect for nature is incredible.
It’s magical to see your own thoughts described by someone else.
Le Grand Livre de la Nature (Salamandre)
A very well-crafted encyclopedia that I use a lot to identify birds, flowers, and so on.
This book is only available in French.
La Nature dans ma Vie (Sarah Marquis)
A book that speaks volumes to me, describing the place of Nature in our everyday life.
This book is only available in French.
Unlikely friendships (Jennifer S.Holland)
Lovely stories between animals of different species.
Painting and nature
Watercolor with me: In the Forest (Dana Fox)
This book teaches you how to paint animals, flowers… There are several volumes.
I love books that are out of the ordinary with cute illustrations.
Mes Secrets de Nature (Daniel Brugès)
The perfect book for nature and watercolor lovers. The
illustrations are truly magnificent! This book is only available in French.
Philosophy of life
The Why Café (John P.Strelecky)
This book has a special place in my heart.
Because of its content, it’s a book that makes you think a lot about your own life, but also about the memories attached to it.
In fact, I discovered it in the library of a Quebecer who graciously let us use his house for the night, even though he barely knew us.
His kindness, generosity and trust left a huge impression on me! Thank you, Danny.
The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)
Very well known, but in my opinion, often read too young.
The first time I read it, I was a teenager and didn’t understand the message.
Today I read it at least once a year and I love it!
Life Safari (John P.Strelecky)
After reading Why Café, I read other books by the author and this one was a real favorite!
It’s really beautiful and it helped me define my 5 big life dreams ;).
Travels
Nala’s world (Dean Nicholson)
A cute encounter between a backpacker and a cute cat.
Driving Miss Norma (Ramie Liddle & Tim Bauerschmidt)
I fell in love with this book, which I bought by chance in Quebec.
A very touching story, all the more so because it’s true!
Seper Hero (Marine Barnérias)
A lovely lesson in life in the face of illness. This book is only available in French.
Photographs
The Photo Ark (Joel Sartore)
The animal portraits are truly magnificent. I was impressed by the intensity of their gaze!
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
There are several volumes, and the photos and texts are very funny.
