Book Review: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Book: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
Series: N/A
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 449
Rating: 4 stars

Summary:

Emily Hughes has never been someone to stand out. She was always in the background, but she was happy. Then, she meets Sloane Williams. Sloane is outgoing and fun and everything someone would want for a best friend. Except Emily is still stuck in the shadow of Sloane. People know her as 'Sloane's friend'.

Until one day when Sloane goes missing at the beginning of the summer. Emily's life turns upside down. The only thing that manages to offer her some sanity is a list. Sloane left Emily a bucket list, as she often does when Emily goes on a trip. The list has 13 tasks, such as 'break something' and 'kiss a stranger'. Emily decides to complete the list in hopes that it leads her to Sloane's whereabouts.

Throughout the summer, Emily accomplishes crazy tasks and makes some new friends along with way. She learns things about herself she never took time to realize. It's a great summer read about friendships and fun.

Review (Spoilers):

I personally really enjoyed this book. I thought it was full of humor and it was very easy to read. I especially liked the friends Emily makes, mostly Frank Porter. I loved how although Frank was known as the really smart and careful guy at school, he didn't act like it normally. I thought Frank and Emily's relationship was really cute and fun. One scene that frustrated me to no end was when Emily kissed Frank in her car. Frank was still dating his girlfriend, so he didn't react well after it was over. Plus, Emily lost her new three friends. But eventually, she makes up with Frank. I just wish I'd known what happened with Collins and Dawn.

One of my favorite sections of this book was when Emily and Frank went on the road trip, because Emily finally realized where Sloane was. Even though Emily and Frank weren't friends, he was still nice enough to drive her such a long way. Of course, in the end they make up and kiss. It was a little cliche but that didn't bother me at all. It was so sweet.

Overall, I liked this book a lot. The writing was easy to read but not in a bad way. Morgan Matson used a variety of flashbacks that really added to the story. It is a really great book in my opinion.

-Madison