"Richardson's uplifting debut recounts Pem Dorjee Sherpa's story-his life, love, success, and eventual immigration to the United States. Her description of Pem's harsh childhood, the poverty, and lack of opportunities is both sensitive and authentic; by placing those experiences in the broader cultural, economic, and social conditions of Nepal, she gives them context and breadth. This is a crisp, inspiring account not just of scaling a deadly summit, but of life itself."
- BookLife Review
"Beyond Everest is not just an adventure story, but one that's grounded in love, partnership, and a shared vision. Richardson is a trustworthy narrator who reveals a nuanced understanding of Pem and Moni's challenges and secrets, and invites readers into the ascendancy that results when we devote ourselves to each other and our communities."
- Sonya Lea, author of the memoir, Wondering Who You Are
"This is no ordinary climbing story. With all the drama, ambition and adventure of a good mountaineering read-including descriptions so vivid you feel the experience viscerally- the stakes here reach far beyond survival and summits. Richardson's spare, graceful prose captures Pem Sherpa's humble voice, rooted in, yet struggling against, the culture and realities of his homeland. A moving, rare window into an unexpected and deeply felt journey, to create a life shaped by love for both mountains and family.
- Susan Futrell, author, Good Apples: Behind Every Bite
"As a Sherpa mountaineer, I can relate to Pem Dorjee Sherpa's story told in Beyond Everest, and Moni's too. It is very difficult for Sherpa climbers, especially women climbers to get sponsorships and recognition for our skills and contributions to climbing. Beyond Everest is an encouraging story-a must read."
- Lhakpa Sherpa, 10-time Everest summiter, the most of any woman in the world. Summited K2 July 27, 2023. Stars in documentary film, Mountain Queen
"For hundreds of years Sherpas did the hard work for Himalaya expeditions. Now, they are leading tourists up to the highest summits and being recognized for their mountaineering skills as we see with Pem Dorjee Sherpa's story in Beyond Everest."
- Reinhold Messner, acclaimed mountaineer, author of Everest: Expedition to the Ultimate, The Crystal Horizon: Everest, the First Solo Ascent, My Life at the Limit
