"Part Nepal trail guide, part travelogue, part memoir, "Under the Goddess of the Sky" by Judith Glyde is an inherently fascinating, thought-provoking, and inspiring read from start to finish. While also available in a digital book format from Coffeetown Press, "Under the Goddess of the Sky" is especially recommended for personal reading lists of classical music fans and armchair travel guide enthusiasts, as well as and community/public library Travel/Memoir collections."

Julie Summers, Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

 

"A beautiful story of Bach’s cello suites explored afresh under inspiring and fiercely challenging circumstances. Reading Judy’s book was a moving way to be reminded of her lively, thoughtful and adventurous approach to life - aspects that were such a positive influence for all the years she lived here in Boulder and taught at CU."

Ed Dusinberre, First Violinist, Takacs Quartet and author of Beethoven for a Later Age: Living with the String Quartets and Distant Melodies: Music in Search of Home.

 

"It's one of the best books I've read all year. And I read a LOT of books. I binge-read it on an international flight and now I'm buying it for all of my friends. Highly recommend!"

Miranda Wilson, Professor of Cello at the University of Idaho and author of The Well-Tempered Cello: Life with Bach's Cello Suites.

 

"Inspired by the grandeur of the Himalayas, the dignity and kindnesses of the simple Sherpa villagers who took her in, and her beloved cello, Judith Glyde explores the central questions that define our humanity.  Her memoir of those months reads like a novel.  But it's the depth of her reflections - the insecurities, the uncertainties, self-doubt and, in the end, the glorious accomplishment of being truly alive and in harmony - that stay with us.  A brilliant, courageous piece of writing."

Greg Fields, Koehler Books

 

Inspirational.                                                                                                                               DISCLAIMER: "I was a classmate of the author many years ago and have remained in occasional contact with her over five decades. However, as an avid reader and independent thinker, I maintain an impartial attitude with everything I read.REVIEW: This memoir of a wonderful musician reveals an undaunting spirit of adventure combined with a deep and sensitive spirituality. Judith Glyde's adventure in the Himalayas, cello "in hand," is inspiring. Her decision to make the journey chronicled throughout the book isn't one that most of us would have the courage to undertake: spending three months in Nepal to achieve two enormous goals - experiencing Mount Everest up close and memorizing six of the most challenging musical compositions ever conceived.In addition to the spiritual rewards of following the narrative, the reader will find a clear and open literary voice and a sense of honesty that is most welcoming and quite rare. The only part of the experience that disappoints is that it eventually comes to an end!"

Paul E. Doniger October 31, 2024

 

Totally unique.                                                                                                                                      "Beautifully written, this tale describes a journey, physical and spiritual, that is amazing and wonderful. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties, but brings us with her along the path of adventure in rural Tibet. This is a totally unique and captivating story."

Boyce Sher, Boulder, CO

 

"What an incredible read this was, so well articulated and a tribute to the Spirit of a true adventurer and gifted cellist! The book is so educational and filled me with awe. I felt I was there with her on her transformative & courageous journey to experience life in a foreign culture most could only imagine spending time. To realize our son had the opportunity to study cello with Judith at CU Boulder was a remarkable gift & one we feel truly grateful for. Thank you to Judith for sharing this inspirational story & how it impacted her life, not only as a cello teacher but role-modeling how it is possible to experience life learning & growing through adventurous challenges in a foreign culture.”

Amazon review, Lynda

 

"You are taken to the Himalayas. And wow what a beautiful description and journey towards Mount Everest. So educational and relaxing a read."

Amazon review from the United Kingdom.

 

"My book came, and I can’t put it down!  I feel like I’m right there with you. Thank you for writing this!"

Reader from Alabama

 

"I read The Goddess of the Sky in a day and a half because I couldn't put it down. It's a story that will fascinate musicians, travelers, and anyone lucky enough to have a copy of it. It's beautifully written, with descriptive phrases that made me feel as if I were in the same room with the author, as if she took me right along on the trip. Now I have to go back to the beginning and really absorb it, because I read it so fast to find out about the whole journey that I didn't stop to really savor it. That pleasure just might last long enough to keep me going until the author's book about building a house in Italy comes out."

Amazon review

 

"Even to those of us who have not been there, the Himalyas are beautiful.  Majestic, serene and for some, like Judith Glyde, inspiring. The author loves her cello. As she talks about her decision to enter into seclusion
for three months with a Sherpa family in the village of Sengma, trekking to Mt. Everest, and managing to memorize Bach's six suites for solo cello, we can hear her heartfelt dedication and the thankfulness she
feels when her thoughts turn to this life-enhancing experience. She shares her fears, her doubts, her awe as she immersed herself in the wild and challenging surroundings, and her great happiness at having embraced this opportunity to commune with her own deeper nature. The author has toured extensively around the world with the Manhattan String Quartet which she co-founded, but it is clear that her most memorable
experience is and will always be her time "Under the Goddess of the Sky." It is a privilege to read her memoir and I thank her profusely for sharing it with us!"

Linda Bond, Outreach/Book Club Coordinator, Auntie's Bookstore

 

"This tale is unexpectedly engaging, descriptive and cathartic, not just another transformative journey account but a warm, honest and engaging story of people, culture, landscape and music. The Tibetan recipes shared from her Sengma village family are a bonus that invites the reader into a shared experience. Not to be missed."

Karen Sherlock, Left Hand Valley Courier