JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa’s ‘Himalayan Book Club’ brings another creative force to its hallowed halls

October 26, 2023 - Words possess an extraordinary power to reshape our perspectives of the world and enrich our lives. Whether woven into tales, etched as memorable characters, or crafted into poetic verses, storytelling has an indelible impact. At JW Marriott Mussoorie, known for its immersive experiences, we are dedicated to creating unique moments and lasting memories. ‘Between the Covers — The Himalayan Book Club’ is our endeavour to bring the magic of literary excellence to life. We invite talented authors and creative minds to inspire, pique curiosity and spark engaging conversations. It’s about crafting fresh dialogues and inviting guests to embark on new adventures through the transformative power of reading.

This time, we are honoured to welcome Karuna Ezara Parikh, a poet, author and entrepreneur to our esteemed book club. She shares with our guests her first book, ‘The Heart Asks Pleasure First.’ This extraordinary tale of love and profound friendships delves into the agony and ecstasy of the human experience. Karuna’s work is relatable storytelling at its finest, evoking emotions and intrigue with every word. A Journalism and Broadcasting graduate, she began her media career as a print journalist and television host. Her talent as a writer was evident in her ability to weave complex themes into her work. In 2015, her poetry went viral, captivating readers with her lyrical writing. Following critical acclaim for her first release in 2020, her poetry was published as a collection, ‘Where Stories Gather’, in 2021. Karuna is also the founder of ‘Karuna’s Kitaab Club’, a global reading initiative. Currently she is working on her next literary masterpiece, a travel memoir titled ‘Waterbaby’, slated for a summer 2024 release.

“A residency in the mountains is something I've only dreamt of before, so to have these days of solitude, surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas, was a dream come true! From speaking about my work to a generous audience of listeners, to eating a perfectly cooked Himalayan trout under the stars, to waking each day and sitting down at a desk with a view of misty peaks... It's hard to choose a favourite moment from my days at the JW Marriott Mussoorie. I came back inspired, and hope to return soon.”

Karuna Ezara Parikh

Mussoorie has a rich literary heritage, with renowned authors shaping its history for decades. From Charles Dickens to Ruskin Bond, Rudyard Kipling to Jawaharlal Nehru, Mussoorie has been a cherished part of the literary world. Our book club continues this legacy, a tribute to the celebration of exceptional artistic words created by brilliant minds eager to share their voices and imaginations with global travellers. The

breathtaking setting amidst the clouds and mountains adds a layer of inspiration, making it the perfect destination to immerse oneself in some of the finest literature. This luxurious experience

broadens horizons and introduces guests to the boundless world of storytelling. It has become a tradition our visitors eagerly anticipate, a platform to celebrate, learn, love and savour life’s simple pleasures.

“When you venture to the mountains, you expect nature, relaxation and indulgence. At JW Marriott Mussoorie, we are committed to going even further, and curating blissful moments and unique experiences that transcend the ordinary. Our book club offers guests a brief escape from everyday life, inviting them to explore new perspectives while being enveloped in the breathtaking beauty of the region. With every author’s visit, we push the boundaries and continue to dream with each narrative shared. It was so lovely having Karuna come to JW Marriott Mussoorie and share with us her beautiful work. Her thought-provoking words took us and our guests on a unique journey and it was such a great experience. We can’t wait to see what she does next.”

Anoop Pandey, General Manager

Stay tuned for updates on visiting authors, interactive sessions and events planned for ‘Between the Covers — The Himalayan Book Club.’ This promises to be an exciting addition to your JW Marriott Mussoorie experience, leaving an everlasting mark on your memories.

About JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa is JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts’ first resort property in India. The 115 keys, five-star hotel is located in the hill station of Mussoorie, at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. The hotel services include ultimate luxury accommodations along with access to 12,000 square feet entertainment zone for kids called Den, one of the largest meeting spaces in the city with 3,300 total square feet across the Grand Orchard Ballroom and five restaurant lounges offering unique dining experiences. The resort also houses the Cedar Spa by L’Occitane, which features five lavish treatment rooms and an array of invigorating treatments inspired by the indigenous cedar trees of the region. The epitome of sophistication, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa is the perfect place to enjoy the serenity of nature in the lap of luxury.

---