Purchase from the Searls Historical Library Bookstore (in-person or online), Nevada City SPD (in-person only), Amazon, or from a variety of retailers
Borrow Crossing from the Nevada County Library
Specifications | Bonus Materials
The Story
Crossing is a vividly human re-imagining of the love, sacrifices, and history that laid tracks for the North America of today. Leaving behind ancestral Chinese homelands and their family, brothers Yang and Lee face harrowing challenges as they join countless immigrants seeking a better life in the 1860s.
This story follows their remarkable journey across the ocean to San Francisco, then into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where they’ll labor to build the Transcontinental Railroad.
Surrounded by California’s new marvels, and carrying their cultural traditions in their hearts, Yang and Lee find themselves in precarious situations. Their passions, struggles, dreams, and bravery create ripple effects for generations.
Locations: Panyu District China and California; camps at Newcastle, Auburn, Colfax, Cape Horn, Dutch Flat, Alta, Cisco, Donner Summit, Donner Summit Tunnel #6, and Coburn’s Station (Truckee).
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Library e-Books
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Writing Style
The novel style is a blending of Ken Follett (Pillars of the Earth), Diana Gabaldon (Outlander), and Nyla K. (Serpent in White).
A language algorithm has compared the author’s voice and tone to Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie) and Lisa Jackson (Deep Freeze).
Features
- Rich cultural details and cinematic depictions of mid-nineteenth-century life in Southern China and Northern California.
- Placer and Nevada County Locations
Yang and Lee take part in events that really happened (Chinese New Year & the Hungry Ghost Festival) in actual places (Auburn, Dutch Flat, Nevada City, Dutch Flat, Cobern’s Station / Truckee, and Tunnel #6 at Donner Summit).
- Published Newspaper Snippets.
[Sample.] Dutch Flat Enquirer | August 18, 166
The Railroad Company are now working day and night shifts on the line of their road above here, and it is stated that the night shifts accomplish more, with far less discomfort, than those that are compelled to work and swelter in the sunshine, which is hot enough just about now to give a thick beefsteak a decent broil.
- Animal Vignettes illustrate other living beings observing, benefitting, and perishing from Transcontinental railroad building activities.
- A research Resource List that includes books, documentaries, videos, podcasts, and websites.
Support Non-Profits Working to Preserve Chinese Culture and History
Donate to the Chinese Historical Society of America
Donate to the 1882 Foundation
Preserving Railroad History – Donner Pass Route of the Transcontinental Railroad
Become a member, or make a donation to the Donner Summit Historical Society
Donate to Placer Sierra Railroad Heritage Society
Purchase from the Searls Historical Library Bookstore (in-person or online), Amazon, or from a variety of retailers
Borrow Crossing from the Nevada County Library