The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Book Cover for: In Sight of the Mountain, Jamie McGillen

In Sight of the Mountain

Jamie McGillen

In the devastating aftermath of the 1889 Great Seattle Fire, nineteen-year-old Anna Gallagher faces considerable pressure to marry well and soon. But she has no intention of giving up her freedom to keep house. She wants to be the first woman to summit Mount Rainier. Inspired by the trailblazing women of the 19th Century who dared to climb Mount Rainier, In Sight of the Mountain is a charming coming-of-age story, but it also casts the reader's gaze upon issues of colonialism, class, and women's far-too-narrow options.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Evergreen Bookshelf
  • Publish Date: Sep 19th, 2019
  • Pages: 362
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 9.00in - 6.00in - 0.81in - 1.17lb
  • EAN: 9781733423922
  • Recommended age: 13-17
  • Categories: Historical - United States - 19th CenturyHistorical - Exploration & DiscoveryBooks & Libraries

About the Author

McGillen, Jamie: - Jamie McGillen lives in the shadow of Mount Rainier, and no matter how many times she moves away, it draws her home. Everything about large evergreen trees delights her, except how poky they are, and the sap. Her poems and essays have been published in numerous literary journals, and she teaches English Composition at Highline College. You can find out more about her at www.jamiemcgillen.com.

Praise for this book

"Anna's struggle to find her place in a society that wants to constrain her within appropriate gender roles is enhanced by the author's attention to details-of fashion, culture, and even mountain climbing. An engaging escapade with a feisty female lead." - Kirkus Reviews


"Searching for purpose and adventure, Anna will win your heart over and then some. Filled with lessons of strength, perseverance, and audacity, In Sight of the Mountain is a beautifully written story. A must-read for those who are striving to fulfill their dreams." - Kristi Elizabeth, Seattle Book Review


"Focusing on themes of the liberation of women, the American class system and effects of colonialism, this intelligent and heart-warming novel introduces us to Anna Gallagher at the tender age of nineteen... In an epic and gripping work of historical fiction with modern sensibilities, author Jamie McGillen gives you everything you could possibly hope for in this inspiring and dramatic tale... Overall, In Sight of the Mountain is the perfect historical read for fans of pioneering heroes and tales of triumph over discrimination." --K.C. Finn, Reader's Favorite (5 Star Review)


"As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, I found it entertaining to try to picture Seattle as a frontier town and see Mount Rainier without its modern trappings. The story begins with the 1889 Seattle fire (a true event) and I was immediately hooked... In all, In Sight of the Mountain is a really great read--compelling, educational, containing complex characters and a well-crafted plot. Recommended for all readers YA and up who enjoy historical fiction. I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could." --Donna Gielow McFarland, Reader's Favorite (5 Star Review)