Lakhpa Phuti Sherpa is the president of Nepal Woman Mountaineering Association and the executive director of the Mountain Academy Nepal. She is also the author of Himalma Challis Barsa, a book about her travels in the mountains. An avid lover of books since childhood, Sherpa talked to the Post about her reading habits. Excerpts:

What are you presently reading? What is it about?

I am currently reading The Summit: How Triumph Turned To Tragedy On K2’s Deadliest Day, by Pat Falvey and Pemba Gyalje Sherpa. I was in Europe when the incident took place and I really admired Pemba Gyalje’s Sherpa’s courage in the face of adversity. I have been wanting to read this book for a while now and it is exciting so far. Also, because I work for Mountain Academy, these kinds of books give me an insight to different places and expeditions.

What are you presently reading? What is it about?

I am currently reading The Summit: How Triumph Turned To Tragedy On K2’s Deadliest Day, by Pat Falvey and Pemba Gyalje Sherpa. I was in Europe when the incident happened and I really admired Pemba Gyalje’s Sherpa’s courage, and applauded the way he saved two lives in the face of adversity. The book was on my wish-list for so long. It is an exciting read so far. Also, because I work for Mountain Academy, these kinds of books give me an insight to different places and expeditions.

How did you first come to love books?

I have always loved reading, ever since I was a kid. I like learning about new things—whether it be the culture, food, people, and languages—I strive to learn. Growing up in a small remote village in the mountains, I had little access to books. Now, of course, times have changed, and for the better. It is a good thing a reading culture has started to develop among kids these days and books are accessible quite easily. Books expose us to different worlds; reading, indeed, awakens our imagination. Needless to assert, books are the best way to acquire knowledge and vision; they help you to discern right from wrong.  

What is your favourite genre and why?

I delight in non-fiction. I love reading books about different cultures, places and social issues. Through these books I get to see places I have never been to and view life from different perspectives.  I also enjoy reading biographies.

What would you say makes a good writer?

I think a good writer is one who manages to connect with his readers effortlessly. I consider a book great when the message a writer is trying to render through his book is clear to his audience.

How have books affected your life?

It is incredible how much power books have and how heavily they can influence our thought processes. Books, I believe, have the power to stop time; they have the power to preserve moments. Books, I would say, have influenced the way I think, and eventually, my way of life.

What’s your take on e-books?

I don’t mind e-books. With changing technology and times, I think you have to adapt. It definitely has made things easier for readers; you can download any number of books with a click, isn’t that wonderful? But then again, physical books do have their own charm.

Anything else on books and reading that you want to add?

I think the most important thing today is practical academic knowledge Although, this is not valued as much as it should be in a country like ours. I think the way we provide education to our students needs to change, so that it not only makes them knowledgeable but also open minded. The main focus should be to foster the reading culture.

Your advice for young readers?

Books help you find your way, in one way or another. Read any kind of book you get your hands on. By reading you will not only pass your time smartly, but also get to be wise in the best way possible.