bigskybooks's review against another edition
5.0
Title: In Sight Of The Mountain
Author: Jamie McGillen
Publisher: The Evergreen Bookshelf
When I saw the beautiful cover of ‘In Sight Of The Mountain’ I was hoping for an equally beautiful story and this book did not disappoint. As readers, we’re often forced to pick if we prefer plot driven stories or character driven stories. Author, Jamie McGillen, gives us both in this book; And does so superbly.
Our story begin with the 1889 Great Seattle Fire. In the aftermaths and rebuilding, nineteen year-old Anna Gallagher is facing pressure to marry well and soon. Her family sets her up to court with the town’s doctor, but Anna is more interested in her brother’s friend, Ben, who is a fisherman; But also college educated and challenges Anna intellectually who works at a bookshop with her Grandfather and is a voracious reader.
Anna has no intentions of giving up her freedom to keep house and she has a big dream to reach the summit of Mount Rainer. Her family doesn’t approve, but she trains nonetheless. This dream is not just for herself, but to pioneer a way for women to become mountaineers.
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Jamie McGillen
Publisher: The Evergreen Bookshelf
When I saw the beautiful cover of ‘In Sight Of The Mountain’ I was hoping for an equally beautiful story and this book did not disappoint. As readers, we’re often forced to pick if we prefer plot driven stories or character driven stories. Author, Jamie McGillen, gives us both in this book; And does so superbly.
Our story begin with the 1889 Great Seattle Fire. In the aftermaths and rebuilding, nineteen year-old Anna Gallagher is facing pressure to marry well and soon. Her family sets her up to court with the town’s doctor, but Anna is more interested in her brother’s friend, Ben, who is a fisherman; But also college educated and challenges Anna intellectually who works at a bookshop with her Grandfather and is a voracious reader.
Anna has no intentions of giving up her freedom to keep house and she has a big dream to reach the summit of Mount Rainer. Her family doesn’t approve, but she trains nonetheless. This dream is not just for herself, but to pioneer a way for women to become mountaineers.
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
samorris77's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25
keepingyouonread's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
Recently, I won In Light of the Summit on Goodreads and I wanted to read book one before I tackled book two. In Sight of the Mountain is YA historical fiction, set in late 1880’s Seattle. Anna dreams of climbing Mount Rainier but her family wants her settled down, preferably with a wealthy man.
What I liked: This book has a nice mystery element, a love story, adventure and a little about acceptance – of others and what others want to do. I was rooting for Anna to reach the summit and gain her grandfather’s approval to live her life as she sees fit.
Anna shows young girls that they can try for their goals even against what seems insurmountable odds.
I enjoyed the mystery element and appreciated how it tied into the ending of the book.
What didn’t work for me: I found the beginning a little slow but once I got about a quarter into the book, the pacing picked up as Anna started training for the climb.
The dialogue felt a little stiff at times – characters would randomly change topics mid-conversation or share things that didn’t seem natural at the time.
If you’ve followed me awhile, you know I like an open ending and while this book does set-up book two and leaves some questions unanswered, I was also simultaneously a little disappointed how easily things worked out for the characters.
Who should read it: If you’re looking for a story with a strong female lead and enjoy historical fiction. Things stay pretty PG – parents there is some mild discussions of sex, one character is employed in a brothel and a childbirth scene.
Recently, I won In Light of the Summit on Goodreads and I wanted to read book one before I tackled book two. In Sight of the Mountain is YA historical fiction, set in late 1880’s Seattle. Anna dreams of climbing Mount Rainier but her family wants her settled down, preferably with a wealthy man.
What I liked: This book has a nice mystery element, a love story, adventure and a little about acceptance – of others and what others want to do. I was rooting for Anna to reach the summit and gain her grandfather’s approval to live her life as she sees fit.
Anna shows young girls that they can try for their goals even against what seems insurmountable odds.
I enjoyed the mystery element and appreciated how it tied into the ending of the book.
What didn’t work for me: I found the beginning a little slow but once I got about a quarter into the book, the pacing picked up as Anna started training for the climb.
The dialogue felt a little stiff at times – characters would randomly change topics mid-conversation or share things that didn’t seem natural at the time.
If you’ve followed me awhile, you know I like an open ending and while this book does set-up book two and leaves some questions unanswered, I was also simultaneously a little disappointed how easily things worked out for the characters.
Who should read it: If you’re looking for a story with a strong female lead and enjoy historical fiction. Things stay pretty PG – parents there is some mild discussions of sex, one character is employed in a brothel and a childbirth scene.
astifel21's review against another edition
5.0
“And I swear by the stars and my soul and say, that I will have you and hold you and kiss you, through the whole world stands in the way.”
I just finished this book and I absolutely loved it. I loved Anna’s relationship with her female friends. I felt her feelings towards young men who wanted to court her and her confusion was so authentic for the characters age. Her plans for how to accomplish her dreams were so encouraging and inspiring. I really appreciated how strong her character was and how she worked to overcome her fears and doubt. Absolutely beautiful story and cannot wait to read the second and third books.
I just finished this book and I absolutely loved it. I loved Anna’s relationship with her female friends. I felt her feelings towards young men who wanted to court her and her confusion was so authentic for the characters age. Her plans for how to accomplish her dreams were so encouraging and inspiring. I really appreciated how strong her character was and how she worked to overcome her fears and doubt. Absolutely beautiful story and cannot wait to read the second and third books.
danyell919's review against another edition
3.0
I saw this book shared by Explore Washington State and I always love books set in the Pacific Northwest. This was a lovely story.
ablondebooknerd's review against another edition
4.0
“And I swear by the stars and my soul and say, that I will have you and hold you and kiss you, though the whole world stands in the way.”
Mt. Rainier has loomed over my entire life. We have a saying here on a clear day that “The mountain is out.” If the mountain is out, you know it’s a gorgeous day in Seattle.
I loved this story about a young woman who wants more from traditional life in 1890. As Anna struggles against the rules of society for a proper young woman, she dreams of climbing Mt. Rainier and befriends a Duwamish woman as well. It was appalling to read how Seattlites treated the Duwamish and to know that some people still hold these stereotypes about Indigenous people today.
My copy of the sequel In Light of the Summit arrived recently and I’m excited to see where Anna’s story goes and to learn more about my city’s history.
Mt. Rainier has loomed over my entire life. We have a saying here on a clear day that “The mountain is out.” If the mountain is out, you know it’s a gorgeous day in Seattle.
I loved this story about a young woman who wants more from traditional life in 1890. As Anna struggles against the rules of society for a proper young woman, she dreams of climbing Mt. Rainier and befriends a Duwamish woman as well. It was appalling to read how Seattlites treated the Duwamish and to know that some people still hold these stereotypes about Indigenous people today.
My copy of the sequel In Light of the Summit arrived recently and I’m excited to see where Anna’s story goes and to learn more about my city’s history.
vickijustwantstoread's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars are NOT enough!!! This book is a GEM that I will now be handing to all my bookish friends!!
gabbysletsread's review against another edition
5.0
THIS BOOK guys 10/10!
Read this book for a rollercoaster of emotions: happiness, anger, excitement sadness, hopfulness, etc. This book has them all! I lovedddd Anna she was so courageous and knew what she wanted and took it. I also liked how we got a glimpse about how life as a woman was like back then, we can see that and see how much we have progressed! This book is definitely an eye opener.
Moral of the book: follow your dreams, anything is possible!!!
Read this book for a rollercoaster of emotions: happiness, anger, excitement sadness, hopfulness, etc. This book has them all! I lovedddd Anna she was so courageous and knew what she wanted and took it. I also liked how we got a glimpse about how life as a woman was like back then, we can see that and see how much we have progressed! This book is definitely an eye opener.
Moral of the book: follow your dreams, anything is possible!!!