Lady Vagabond, by Judy DePue

Lady Vagabond is a memoir of becoming—of learning where you belong in a rapidly changing world.

In 1978, newly minted psychologist Judy DePue leaves a prestigious research job and sets out alone on a round-the-world journey, determined to prove she can do “big things” on her own. Raised on a rural dairy farm yet shaped by the promises of the women’s movement, she feels caught between tradition and possibility, independence and connection. From grass huts in the South Pacific to Himalayan Mountain passes, from Aboriginal communities in Australia to crowded cities in Southeast Asia, Judy navigates risks, kindnesses, cultural change, and her own self-doubts. Along the way, she pursues an independent study with the World Health Organization, exploring how behavioral health is woven—or ignored—within global healthcare systems.

What emerges is not a solitary hero’s tale, but a heroine’s journey—one that reveals strength in collaboration, courage in asking for help, and belonging in unexpected places. For women and seekers navigating a changing world, Lady Vagabond is a resonant story of identity, resilience, and finding your place in the world.