Young Readers and Writers Mark World Book Day in Shimla with ‘Ghosts, Horror and Hills’

Shimla, April 23: Literature enthusiasts, noted authors, and young readers came together at Brews and Books Café on Mall Road to celebrate World Book Day with a special reading and signing session of Ghosts, Horror and Hills by journalist-turned-author Aditya Kant.

Organised by the Keekli Charitable Trust, the event provided an engaging platform for students and literature lovers to interact directly with the author. In an interactive session, Kant spoke about evolving reading habits among Gen Z, emphasizing the need to use digital platforms positively to promote reading culture.

“It is encouraging to see young readers breaking stereotypes about attention spans. Instead of discouraging social media use, we should leverage it to highlight the value of books,” he remarked. He also reflected on the role of parents in shaping children’s digital and reading habits.

Young participants including Maanika Sethi, Dia Chandel, Tamanna, and Tarun Sharma shared their experiences of reading the book, which weaves spooky narratives around Himachal’s iconic landscapes. The discussion was further enriched by senior journalist Rajeev Khanna and Prof. S.N. Ghosh from Himachal Pradesh University, who highlighted the cognitive and creative benefits of reading.

The event also saw the presence of noted authors and members of the literary community, including Minakshi Chaudhry, Jasleen Gulati, Anita Sharma, Gupteshwar Upadhyay, Aparna Sood, and Shalini Goel, along with students from Auckland House School for Boys.

The book Ghosts, Horror and Hills is a collection of supernatural stories set in Himachal Pradesh, blending local folklore with contemporary storytelling to create an engaging experience for young readers.