JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa’s ‘Himalayan Book Club’ continues to cultivate literary excellence

September 12, 2023 - Every once in a while, a story comes along that profoundly alters our perception of life. Characters, whether imagined or drawn from real life, leave an indelible mark on our thoughts. We eagerly turn each page, hungry to uncover what lies ahead. The words crafted by brilliant minds resonate deep within our souls. JW Marriott Mussoorie, through ‘Between the Covers — The Himalayan Book Club’, strives to consistently offer this enriching experience. So far, our guests have enjoyed every moment, making it a delightful success story. Going beyond typical entertainment, this endeavour is celebrated as a luxury like no other. It’s a journey into the realm of storytelling, fostering engaging dialogues on literary masterpieces among guests and writers from across the country and globe, offering an incredible escape from the ordinary.

Our latest author-in-residence, Priyanka Khanna, treated our guests to her debut novel, All The Right People, a compelling and insightful story about friendships, family, first loves and fresh starts. Born and raised in Mumbai, Priyanka is a graduate of Hamilton College, Clinton, New York. Before her debut as an author, she was already making waves. She spent fifteen years as the Fashion Features Director at Vogue India, where she handled fashion-related content for both digital and print. She has interviewed revered designers and personalities such as Karl Lagerfeld, Isabel Marant, Sabyasachi, Pharell Williams, Salma Hayek, and many more. Now, she has penned her first novel, a delightful blend of fun and thought-provoking storytelling. She is also an advisor to Share A Book India, and writes and speaks on art, design, parenting and culture.

“I was thrilled that my debut novel All the Right People was spotlighted at ‘Between the Covers,’ JW Marriott Mussorie’s Book Club this past weekend. Mussorie has long been a place of inspiration for so many writers and I was honoured to carry on that tradition as an author in residence at this scenic property.”

Priyanka Khanna

With each esteemed author we invite to join our inspiring book club, we honour Mussoorie’s rich literary legacy. The Queen of Hills has a storied history dating back to the Victorian wordsmith, Charles Dickens, who shares a deep-rooted connection with this picturesque hill station. Mussoorie has not only been graced by the presence of renowned authors like Ruskin Bond, who has called it home since 1962, and Anita Desai, one of India’s foremost fiction writers, born amidst its scenic beauty; it has also played host to eminent visitors and literary luminaries, including Rudyard Kipling, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the eminent historian Ganesh Saili among many others. Notably, even Agatha Christie, the queen of mystery herself, found inspiration in Mussoorie. Her novel, The Mysterious Affairs of Style, drew its intriguing narrative from a sensational murder that unfolded within the hallowed halls of a well-known Mussoorie hotel in 1911. These literary connections solidify Mussoorie’s enduring and revered bond with the world of literature, making it an ever-thriving haven for literary enthusiasts.

“To find oneself cradled by these majestic mountains, a book in hand, is to embark on a singular adventure. Our endeavour is more than just a platform; it’s a gateway to moments that defy the mundane. Our mission is clear: to immerse guests and visitors in the authentic essence of our cherished destination, renowned as one of the most fertile literary landscapes in the country. We are committed to preserving this legacy while creating our own, as we extend invitations to some of the most talented writers to our hometown.”

Anoop Pandey, General Manager

Stay tuned for updates on visiting authors, interactive sessions, and events planned for ‘Between the Covers — The Himalayan Book Club’ — an exciting addition to your JW Marriott Mussoorie experience, promising to leave an indelible 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.

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