As in Scoppettone's other books, excellent writing and lively characterizations grace a heartwarming "it could happen to me" story. [Long Time Between Kisses] tells the story of a sixteen-year-old girl who misinterprets the confused feelings, self-negation, and rebelliousness common to adolescence as love for a man with multiple sclerosis (who is himself confused and rebellious).

And, as in the author's earlier writings, my only reservation about Long Time Between Kisses lies with the portrayal of Billie, the main character. Her artsy east coast language and habits (such as sipping a daily cappuccino) may diminish the story's realism for some readers.

Billie's emotional states are too subtle for most pre-teens to grasp. But Long Time Between Kisses is an excellent reading selection for girls thirteen and up. (Boys might find it enjoyable and thought-provoking, too, if we could get them to read a "girl's" book.)

Barbara J. Craig, in...