This road trip will have earth-shattering consequences . . .

Twins Justine and Perry are about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime in the Pacific Northwest.

It’s been a year since they watched their dad lose his battle with cancer. Now, at only nineteen, Justine is the sole carer for her disabled brother. But with Perry having been accepted into an assisted-living residence, their reliance on each other is set to shift. Before they go their separate ways, they’re seeking to create the perfect memory.

For Perry, the trip is a glorious celebration of his favourite things: mythical sea monsters, Jackie Chan movies and the study of earthquakes.

For Justine, it’s a chance to reconcile the decision to ‘free’ her twin, to see who she is without her boyfriend, Marc – and to offer their mother the chance to atone for past wrongs.

But the instability that has shaped their lives will not subside, and the seismic event that Perry forewarned threatens to reduce their worlds to rubble . . .

An ambitious and captivating story of humanity, Are You Seeing Me? is a timely portrayal of courage in a shifting world, and reminds us our ultimate reliance on others is unshakeable.

“Insightful and rewarding…Groth’s story is uncommonly sensitive, his characters’ emotional journeys as critical as their physical ones.”
– Publishers Weekly

“Groth’s writing (is) continuously deft and striking…For those who enjoy narratives that delve into an illuminating alternative consciousness, (this work) is highly recommended.”
– Australian Book Review

“(The) quiet humour bubbles up naturally from the honesty and poignancy of (the twins’) relationship…this is a sensitive import executed with compassion, care and wit.”
– The Globe and Mail

“…A fun, interesting read. The author’s narrative style, happily devoid of medical jargon, makes the book an ideal choice…It will also appeal to readers who enjoy stories about relationships, road trips, and what makes a family work.”
– Quill & Quire

“(A) strong portrayal of the complexity of sibling relationships and the impact of death on their lives…The dual narrative structure effortlessly takes us inside the minds and emotions of both siblings…(The author) describes Perry skillfully, with affection and respect.”
– The Australian

“Darren Groth’s Are You Seeing Me? ventures into the world beyond the bandwidth of much of young adult fiction…The novel packs poignancy…Groth’s novel deftly evokes the isolation of being autistic and breaks through that isolation with the consolation of relationships.”
– Vancouver Sun

“A funny and beautiful story about love, life and other disasters, told with the help of Robinson Crusoe and Jackie Chan. I think what we’re “seeing” here is a writer at the top of his game. Just wonderful.”
– Michael Gerard Bauer, award-winning author of The Running Man

“Are You Seeing Me? is written powerfully with both the heart and the head, and neither gives an inch. It’s funny, moving and hugely insightful. Darren Groth puts the reader into the heads of Perry and Justine in a way that feels so true and so revealing that I think I’ve come away with a greater capacity for empathy. I didn’t know a book could do that. We all need to spend some time inside this story.”
– Nick Earls, award-winning author of 48 Shades of Brown

“Funny and profoundly moving, this is a book everyone should read. It’s about seeing the person in all their unique glory, not just the disability, or even worse, the unhelpful label…A celebration of family, life, love and loss. Loved. Loved. Loved. This. Are you hearing me? Six stars. At least.”
– Chris Bongers, award-winning author of Intruder

“Darren Groth shows an extraordinary ability to listen to the human heart: its fears, secrets, and telling silences. Told from Justine and Perry’s differing viewpoints, Are You Seeing Me? is a nuanced, gently humorous and ultimately moving portrayal of human frailty and strength.”
– Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, Judges’ Comments

“Groth’s vibrant descriptions of setting shine…Even the highway pit stops and hotel stays are painted with vivid, film-like details…Though it’s classified as a young adult book, Are You Seeing Me? will appeal to readers of all ages because of its depth of story. Groth deftly and sensitively addresses the issues of living with autism, but the book’s focus and strength is in the complex but touching relationship between siblings.”
– Cleaver Magazine

“This ‘slice of life’ family story is one richly full of meaning and one to stir the emotions and invite reflection…A fine story which can give young readers a valuable insight into loving brother and sister relationships and into the life and mind of a young person with an autism spectrum disorder.  Great thoughtful reading for ages 12 and up.”
– CBCA Reading Time

“A memorable, beautifully written novel…The dialogue between (the twins) and in their communication with others is particularly good and often enlivened with wit and humour…”
– Magpies Magazine

“The impact of Darren Groth’s charming new Young Adult novel Are You Seeing Me? should be seismic…I laughed a lot and cried buckets as I guzzled this gorgeous and deeply affecting book. You and every young adult you know should read it!”
– abiggerbrighterworld.com

“Reading Are You Seeing Me?, I felt myself wanting to reach out and hug every character, tightly, the whole way through. The experience made my heart hurt in a special way…I think fans of Melina Marchetta (and basically anyone with a beating heart) will love this journey. A great read for ages 15 and up.”
– Readings

“I absolutely adored this book. Mostly because Perry is such an incredibly lovable and original character but also because it was just so darn touching it made me cry tears of happiness…This is a powerful, beautifully written novel…”
– Booktopia

“Darren Groth has blown me away. I want to stand up and applaud him. Perry is just what YA fiction needed…Serious and funny, heartwarming and touching, Are You Seeing Me? is the type of book that will stay with you for a long time. It is a standout contemporary that everyone should read. I highly, highly recommend it.”
– Sharpewords

“Groth’s characterisation and writing are masterful…Heart-rending, compassionate, funny and wise, Are You Seeing Me? is powerful in its message…”
– Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards, Judges’ Report

2016 WINNER, Adelaide Festival Award for Young Adult Literature (AUS)

2014 Selection, Booktopia ‘Books of the Year’ (AUS)
2015 Outstanding Book, International Board on Books for Young Adults (IBBY)
2015 Shortlist, CBCA Older Readers Book of the Year (AUS)
2015 Shortlist, Ethel Turner Prize for YA Literature (AUS)
2015 Shortlist, Griffith University YA Book Award (AUS)
2015 Shortlist, PFP Children’s Peace Literature Award (AUS)
2015 Selection, ABA ‘Best Books for Young Readers’ (USA)
2015 Selection, Internationale Jugendbibliothek ‘White Ravens’ (GER)
2015 Finalist, Governor General’s Literary Awards (CAN)
2015 Shortlist, Prime Minister’s Literary Awards (AUS)
2015 Selection, Cleaver Magazine ‘Best of YA’ (USA)
2015 Selection, YALSA ‘Best Fiction for Young Adults’ (USA)
2015 Selection, YA Books Central ‘Best Books’ (USA)
2016 Selection, CCBC ‘Choices’ (CAN)
2016 Selection, ‘Top Grade’ List, Association of Canadian Publishers (CAN)
2016 Finalist, Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize (CAN)
2016 Shortlist, WA Premier’s YA Book Award (AUS)
2016 Nomination, Sakura Medal – English High School Books (JPN)
2017 Starred Selection, CCBC ‘Best Books for Teens’ (CAN)
2017 Selection, The Stella Prize ‘Read Up List’ (AUS)
2018 Shortlist, Young Australian Best Books Award (AUS)
2021 Shortlist, QWC ‘Adaptable: Turning the Page to Screen’ (AUS)
2021 Selection, Children’s Book Council ‘CBC Showcase’ (USA)
2021 Selection, CCBC ‘Families Showcase’ (CAN)  

You can purchase Are You Seeing Me? here in Canada, and here in the States. The book is also available in all good Australian and New Zealand stores. You can buy it here.