Not If I See You First

Parker Grant navigates her high school life with strict rules and unwavering confidence, despite being blind since age seven. She runs track, maintains close friendships, and refuses to let anyone treat her differently because of her disability. When Scott Kilpatrick returns to her life after years of separation, Parker must confront their complicated past and her own rigid beliefs about trust and forgiveness. Her carefully structured world faces disruption as she deals with family changes, evolving friendships, and unexpected romantic developments. Parker's journey through loss, love, and self-discovery challenges her to question the rules she has created to protect herself. The story examines how past experiences shape our perspectives and explores the courage required to open oneself to new possibilities and second chances.

Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of Parker Grant, a blind teenager whose sharp wit and direct personality drive the story. Many note the book offers insight into navigating life as a blind person without making blindness the central focus. The supporting characters and complex relationships earn praise for avoiding typical YA romance tropes. Several reviews mention the realistic depiction of grief and forgiveness. Common criticisms include Parker being too harsh or unlikeable at times, with some readers finding her rudeness off-putting. A portion of reviews note the plot becomes predictable in the latter half. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (11,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (140+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (30+ ratings) "Parker's voice is refreshingly unapologetic" - Kirkus Reviews reader "The rules Parker lives by feel genuine rather than gimmicky" - Goodreads reviewer "Sometimes her meanness goes too far to be believable" - Amazon reviewer

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🔹 Author Eric Lindstrom previously worked as a creative director in the video game industry, contributing to popular franchises like Tomb Raider. 🔹 The main character Parker Grant's rules for life, which appear throughout the book, were inspired by actual rules the author's blind friend used to navigate social situations. 🔹 The novel's portrayal of blind running was meticulously researched with the help of blind athletes and running guides to ensure accuracy. 🔹 The distinctive cover design features braille dots that spell out the book's title, though they're printed flat rather than raised. 🔹 The book sparked discussions in the disability rights community for its realistic portrayal of a blind teenager who refuses to be defined by her disability or treated with pity.