Book: ¨Mind in the Mountains¨, by Pihu Malhotra.

(Para leer esta entrada en español haz clic aquí)

 

The back cover reads:

 

"In the quiet of the mountains, where the wind whispers and the storms roar, Mind in the Mountains takes you on a journey through nature’s beauty and the emotions it stirs within us. This collection of poems is about the way the mountains make us feel alive, small, and yet deeply connected to something greater. Step into the serene and untamed world of the mountains, where the peaks touch the sky and the valleys whisper secrets of the earth.

 

Mind in the Mountains is for anyone who has ever stood in the shadow of a peak and felt their heart beat in sync with the earth. It’s a celebration of the unbreakable connection between us and the natural world.

 

Whether you’re a wanderer, a dreamer, or a seeker of solace, this collection invites you to pause, breathe, and lose yourself in the timeless rhythm of the mountains. Let these verses guide you to a place where the mind finds clarity, the heart finds peace, and the soul finds its true home.”

 

About the author:

 

"I am Pihu Malhotra, a certified mountaineer, traveler, and storyteller who has been drawn to the mountains since childhood. My journey began at the age of 10, and what started as an adventure soon became my greatest passion. I am no longer a teenager, but every time I step into the mountains, I feel like I am living my dreams in reality.

 

My parents, especially my dad, have been my biggest supporters, encouraging me to pursue mountaineering even though it is an expensive and dangerous sport. Their unwavering belief in me has fueled my desire to keep pushing my limits and making them proud. The Himalayas have been more than just a destination — they have shaped me into the person I am today, teaching me resilience, humanity, and the art of finding poetry in nature.

 

This collection of poetry is a tribute to the mountains that have given me so much. Through these verses, I hope to share my love and respect for the Himalayas and take you on a journey where every word echoes the beauty, challenges, and magic of the high altitudes.”

 

I met Pihu during the Hampta Pass trek (Himachal Pradesh, India) in July 2021. It was organized by India Hikes, a fantastic company that I highly recommend if you’re interested in hiking in India. It was a trek during the monsoon season and we got absolutely drenched, but I enjoyed it tremendously. At the time, Pihu was a high school student. Some of the less experienced hikers complained about the walks and the rain, but Pihu handled it like a champ — which was striking for someone her age. No complaints, strong, and motivated. Afterward, the trekkers from that group stayed in touch through a WhatsApp group, and I saw that Pihu went on to do other amazing treks.

 

She recently published this book of poetry, so of course I had to check it out. She divided it into five chapters:

 

-Chapter Alpha: Wind x Weather

-Chapter Beta: Himalayas x Humans

-Chapter Gamma: Trails x Thoughts

-Chapter Delta: Wildflower x Words

-Chapter Epsilon: Meadows x Medley

 

In total, 80 poems — some very short, just 4 lines; others made up of five quatrains. Verses you have to pause after reading, to absorb all the feeling in them. More than a book for my home library, I see it as a book to keep in my backpack pocket, so that on my hikes I can pull it out during a quiet moment, open it to a random page, and reflect on what’s written.

 

The book begins with a dedication:

 

"The mountains — my greatest teachers, my sanctuary, and the soul of my journey.

And to my parents, whose unwavering support turned my passion for climbing into a reality. Your belief in me has been my greatest strength, and every summit I reach is a tribute to your love <3”

 

This is a beautifully self-published book through Writer’sPocket, with outstanding quality. I warmly recommend reading it! You can find it on the Writer’sPocket website or on Amazon. Enjoy!