not if i see you first by eric lindstrom

Parker’s friendships with Sarah and Molly seem very real and are a positive addition to the story. Not If I See You First also has a great exploration of friendship and relationships. Not If I See You First explores the grief and mourning process that Parker is going through, as well as the adjustment process she’s been forced into with her extended family moving in. Her father has just died and her Aunt, Uncle, and cousins have just moved in with Parker as her new guardians. Lindstrom also touches on the other challenges Parker is facing. (Bonus points for the fact that her blindness doesn’t magically disappear!) Sometimes she’s rude and stubborn so she’s not a main character you’re going to fall in love with instantly, but her perseverance and growth over the course of the novel makes Parker worth rooting for. I really appreciate that Eric Lindstrom is showing that even with her blindness, Parker is just as capable as everyone else. She’s strong and spunky, sometimes to a fault. She even goes running alone every morning, no guide dog or other form of guidance present.

She insists on being treated normally and fends for herself well. In this case, Parker Grant is blind and doesn’t let it get in her way one bit. These stories are ones that need to be told and are a needed addition to the existing young adult repertoire. I love that there have been so many YA books lately with characters who have some kind of physical or mental illnesses/disability/challenge. Not If I See You First was a really interesting read.

Not if i see you first by eric lindstrom