Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson Published by Simon and Schuster on May 6th 2014
Genres: Young Adult, Social Issues, Friendship, Love & Romance
Pages: 449
Amazon||The Book Depository
Goodreads
It was Sloane who yanked Emily out of her shell and made life 100% interesting. But right before what should have been the most epic summer, Sloane just…disappears. All she leaves behind is a to-do list.On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back?Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough.Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not?Kiss a stranger? Um... Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane's list. Who knows what she’ll find?Go skinny-dipping? Wait...what?
in a well-ordered universe, everyone would read this book.
where do i begin to explain the gloriousness of morgan matson’s masterpiece? somewhere between the interesting plot, quirky characters, and beautiful relationships, i transported to, wherever emily was – somewhere four hours away from south carolina – and began experiencing things through emily’s eyes. i heard too many amazing things before beginning this novel and my expectations were surely met. it had a bit of a slow start, but after twenty or so pages, i was completely hooked; i couldn’t put the book down; i couldn’t stop thinking about it.
“Nothing worth doing is easy.” (pg. 159)
the characters and relationships in this novel were fantabulous. emily and frank’s interactions were natural from the start. it was as if these two were bound together by fate. emily was so awkward at the beginning; frank was distant and polite. watching these two grow together was beautiful. emily and sloane’s relationship was also lovely to witness. i didn’t expect that to be the case since i knew sloane was gone for the entire novel. however, there are flashbacks to sloane and emily together and i love their friendship. <33
“I don’t think you have to do something so big to be brave. And it’s the little things that are harder anyway.” (pg. 323)
i love how there was a soundtrack to this book. emily and frank often went running together and we would actually see their playlists! the small thing made a huge difference and really improved the ambiance of the novel. i’d be singing along and jamming out to their songs and it made me embarrassingly happy.
this was one of those strange novels that are simultaneously light and inspirational/deep. i don’t think this novel changed me as a person, but it did affect my perspective on some things. overall, i really enjoyed this book and all of the wonders it shared. i loved going on the adventures with emily and i can’t wait to read more of morgan matson’s novels!
[rating-report]
– alexandra
I can’t wait to read it!
Alexandra ugh first of all, your photography is beautiful!! Second of all, I OWN THIS BOOK AND NEED TO READ IT. Why have I not read this book already?? 🙁 I feel like I would love Emily & Frank’s romance; it just seems so stinkin’ cute! I’m so glad SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE lived up to your expectations. Lovely review, dearest!
xoxo,
Jen
I love a book with a soundtrack since it help me understood the book better xD I’ve read many good reviews about this book and I love Morgan’s Second Chance Summer, so I want to read this one too!
Great review 🙂
I couldn’t get into the audiobook last year but I would like to try reading it again because I have heard so many great things!
Love the pretty blog!
Morgan Matson is one of my favorite authors. Before reading Since You’ve Been Gone, I read Second Chance Summer which was amazing and really pulls at your heart (if you haven’t read it yet). This book was just as amazing. I loved how you got the chance to really know the characters before it really jumped into anything and nothing moved faster than it should of. I loved watching Emily grow as a person and as well as watching her and Frank’s relationship grow. Aren’t they the cutest?