Book Review: Since You've Been Gone

Author: Morgan Matson

Publication Date: May 6, 2014

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough. Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um...

The list arrived after Sloane had been gone two weeks.

That night, in the darkness, sharing our secrets and favorite pizza-topping preferences, he’d moved closer to just being Frank – maybe, possibly, even my friend.

An hour later I left the salon with sideswept bangs and hair in long layers that grazed my shoulders, feeling like someone else, but in the best way – like this was a me I hadn’t known existed until that moment.

Summer is coming and all I want to read are books that remind me of it! This book was such a great start to my summer vacation. This is a beautiful story of friendship that tells the story of two girls, Emily and Sloane. Emily has followed in Sloane’s footsteps for most of their friendship, but when Sloane disappears Emily is confused and doesn’t think she can face high school alone. Two weeks after Sloane leaves, a list arrives for Emily. The list is full of things that Sloane wants Emily to do in order to break her out of her reserved shell. This list is full of things that Emily would never do even if someone were paying her to, but she does it all in hopes of Sloane’s return.

What is so beautiful about this book is the fact that Emily learns so many new and interesting things about herself. The central message behind the story revolves around self-discovery. Emily learns that she did not have to spend all of this time in Sloane’s shadow because she is just as wonderful as Sloane, just as pretty, sweet, caring, and smart. I did not always agree with Emily decisions, but I was definitely able to support her and I came to care for her after I found out so much about her life and saw how she blossomed by following the list!

Of course, most good books have a little bit of romance! Morgan Matson is a truly remarkable author and a lot of that status has to do with the dynamic characters she often writes. Frank and Emily’s relationship was so sweet and really drew me in because it started off as a friendship. Frank is such a sweetheart and I found myself crushing on his genuine personality. And he is a redhead, so that is surprising for me! Frank brings out a little more of Emily’s hidden personality as well. He was the perfect guy for her!

***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Simon & Schuster in exchange for my honest review***