Joe Heaps has written a very moving book covering many difficult subjects in The Rules of Seeing, blindness, gay love, domestic violence, and done it extremely well tying all the elements together in a well-written story. The main character, Nova, is given the opportunity of an operation which will give her sight having been blind from birth. The author takes the reader through the process and the difficulties she faces adapting to a world she can see for the first time. Nova goes on to form a relationship with Kate who has left an abusive relationship and whose estranged husband is determined to extract revenge for the desertion of his wife. At times a tender romance, at times a suspense filled drama this book will appeal to, and be enjoyed by, many, many readers.