Not If I See You First

Parker Grant is blind, and coping with the recent death of her father. She is also a talented runner, and a pretty acerbic character, not tolerating any nonsense from those around her. Her Rules go from 1-11 plus infinity, and set out very clearly how the people in her life should treat her as a blind person. The character of 16 year old Parker is what made the book work for me, she is not immediately likeable, but we get right inside her, and see the vulnerability she will not admit, as well as the fierce independence. The first person present tense narrative adds to this. The practicalities of coping in life without sight seem to be well researched, and are there without being laboured. The book is particularly good on female friendships, with Sarah, the one constant friend, as well as others who have drifted away from Parker, as well as Molly, the pupil selected to support her at school, who quickly becomes a new friend. They are fiercely supportive when needed, and they come to realise how important this solidarity is to each other. I was less sure about the romantic element, with Parker getting a new boyfriend, Jason, but obviously really hankering after Scott, the boy who she believes betrayed her when she was 13. This will appeal to some readers, but at times I felt it became a bit repetitive. One element that worked well was the descriptions of running. Parker runs on her own each morning, quite a challenge for a blind girl, and this gives her a feeling of freedom and release. She eventually joins the running team at school, to run with a sighted partner, but her recklessness comes to the fore when she runs on the track with only her friend guiding her by mobile phone instructions. Her feelings of freedom and exhilaration are well portrayed. A YA friendship and romance novel, with a feisty female lead, and something to say about bereavement and disability. 416 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Carol Williams, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 11+