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?
Since You’ve Been Gone Review
Another great book from the wonderful Morgan Matson. If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know that I have been re-reading her books.
This all started because of a recent opportunity I had to interview her and talk about her most recent book, Save the Date! I also had the chance to meet her recently at a local event.
While this is not my favourite Morgan Matson book, it is a solid and enjoyable read. I devoured it so quickly and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Since You’ve Been Gone focuses on the main character Emily and her summer without her best friend Sloane. Sloane happened to disappear at the start of the summer and leaves Emily with a list of things she should try.
Emily as a main character was great. At the start of the novel, she is reserved and laid back. This is largely in part because of a huge distinction between her character and Sloane’s personality. But, as she went through the list, she matured and expanded as a character, and I loved seeing it unfold.
Frank. Oh, lovely, lovely Frank. He is what I would call the All American boy. One that is not only kind and sweet but is great at achieving anything he sets his mind to. His friendship with Emily was slow-burning and was one that I have no complaints with. I thoroughly enjoyed how they leaned on each other and how he helped Emily with her list.
Sloane as a background character was good, although, she is not my favourite. While the flashback scenes helped provide information as to her relationship with Emily, I was not a huge fan of Sloane. I sometimes found myself wanting the flashback scenes to be over, so I could get back to more of Emily and her chance at completing the list.
Overall, Since You’ve Been Gone is an enjoyable contemporary read about the importance of finding yourself. Through a summer of firsts, anything can happen!
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)
Favourite Quote
I don’t think you have to do something so big to be brave. And it’s the little things that are harder anyway
About the Author
Morgan Matson is a New York Times bestselling author of The Unexpected Everything, Since You’ve Been Gone, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, and Second Chance Summer, which was the winner of the California State Book Award. She received her MFA in writing for children from the New School. She lives in Los Angeles.
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