The Things You Kiss Goodbye

The Things You Kiss Goodbye by Leslie Connor follows Bettina who is growing up in a very strict household.  Her greek father is very controlling about where she goes so when her new boyfriend introduces himself to her father she's thrilled to be allowed to spend time with him.  However, after a summer of him being the sweet and dutiful boyfriend changes.  He starts being more and more cruel, tugging her hair and knocking her books out of her hands.  One day after her boyfriend hurts her she runs into an auto shop and develops a friendship with a man called Cowboy.

This is one of those books that is just uncomfortable and hard to read.  Almost all the men in Bettina's life were just horrible.  From her controlling father who treated her like an inconvenience to her horrible boyfriend and then the only person in her life who treats her well is the 26 year old man that she has a complicated relationship with.  Everything does magically work out at the end for the better but it's a long way getting there.  It's a difficult read but it is still enjoyable.

Appropriateness:  This book is chock full of adult content.  Bettina is sexually active with her boyfriend and is pressured the first time and there are abusive and inappropriate relationships as a focal point of the book.. There is quite a bit of drinking.  I would recommend this book to readers 13+ and use it as a way to discuss healthy dating relationships with your child.