Reviews

In Sight of the Mountain by Jamie McGillen

rachvos9's review against another edition

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I was looking forward to this book, but it just was not for me. I couldn’t figure out if this was supposed to be adult or young adult. The writing felt very simplistic to me, and I felt like the dialogue and conversations were not realistic. I also didn’t understand, if this was marketed as YA (which it felt more like given the writing style), why we spent so much time with Anna’s friend who was a prostitute. I felt like that could have been left out with the same effect (although I didn’t finish the book, so it could be that that comes into play later). The synopsis on the book makes it seem like the book is about Anna climbing Mount Rainier, but 200 pages in, it had only been mentioned a few times that she was training. Also, it felt like the obstacles Anna faced were just solved way too easily. Overall, I thought the premise had potential, but I did not enjoy the execution.

wordwitch73's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

librarystax's review against another edition

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5.0

What a delightful romance, with a strong female protagonist pushing the boundaries of her time and familial expectations. I couldn’t put it down. Great character development, great storylines, and fantastic writing. A breath of fresh air and a fun read. I can’t wait to read the sequel!

100pagesaday's review

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5.0

Nineteen year old Anna Gallagher longs for adventure in her hometown of Seattle, Washington.  However, in 1889 young women are expected to be proper and run a household.  Anna's grandfather and brother seem to want this life for her as well. Anna gets a taste of adventure when the great Seattle fire devastates her grandfather's book store.  Anna dreams to climb Mount Rainier and places her hopes in an advertisement for a  climbing party leaving next summer.  Now, Anna just needs the funds and to start training.  With help from her Duwamish friend, Heather, Anna finds the confidence to begin training for the climb and a means to raise money.  When her brother's friend, Ben visits Washington, Anna may find a man that also fits her lifestyle.
In Sight of the Mountain is an amazing historical adventure that captivated me from the start and didn't let go.  As an avid hiker, I have always wondered about the women who have paved the path for women to be active in the outdoors.  Anna's character, though fictional is a good representation of the experiences of many of the women who were the firsts in the field.  Anna's spirit is captivating and infectious, making me want to plan for my next adventure.  Through her eyes, the grandeur of the Washington territory came alive as well as the many prejudices that people carried.  The plight of the Duwamish people, the native people of the area was brought to light through Anna's friendship with Heather as well as the limited opportunities for women and the views of the women who took matters into their own hands.  I was enchanted by the mystery of the poem in the book that Anna solved and absolutely delighted by the path of the romance with Ben.  The highlight of the story for me was definitely Anna's journey up the mountain.  While Anna's story might not have turned out exactly how she wanted the first time, her story of grit and determination is one that many people can relate to. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

ohemgeebooks's review against another edition

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5.0

I ADORE this book.
So much so that I wrote a poem.
I want to share it with everyone.
Here it is:

Same time. Different day.
Just finished. Wished to say.
This book. A new favorite.
All day. Day-dreamy.

This book stole my heart.
I’m glad to have the sequel.
Now I don’t have to part.
With some of my new favorite people.

You see. I saw.
You enjoy rhyming poetry.
Berry bee. Raven caw.
The Mountain. Looms majestically.

bigskybooks's review against another edition

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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: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

samorris77's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

keepingyouonread's review against another edition

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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.

astifel21's review against another edition

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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.

danyell919's review against another edition

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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.