Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson Published by Simon and Schuster on May 6th, 2014
Pages: 464
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Emily is about to take some risks and have the most unexpected summer ever in this new novel from the bestselling author of Second Chance Summer and Amy and Roger's Epic Detour.
Before Sloane, Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, and she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—someone 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 with thirteen bizarre tasks that Emily would never try. But what if they can lead her to Sloane?
Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough.
Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not?
Kiss a stranger? Wait…what?
Getting through Sloane’s list will mean a lot of firsts, and with a whole summer ahead of her—and with the unexpected help of the handsome Frank Porter—who knows what she’ll find.
Go Skinny Dipping? Um…
My Thoughts:
Why did I wait so long to read a Morgan Matson book?!?!? I am so in love! I guess it’s kind of a good thing since I now have two more already on deck 🙂
Where do I even start? There were so many things I enjoyed! First, there is the best friend aspect. But it isn’t the typical friendship story! Emily’s best friend Sloane has left without telling Emily where she is going or how to contact her. Doesn’t really sound like much of a best friend! I loved how this made Emily examine their friendship and what it means to be a friend. Emily really looks at the different relationships in her life and her roles in them. I loved that.
My favorite aspect was the ways in which Sloane’s leaving cause Emily to venture out of her safe zone. She begins doing things she never would have done before and really grows as a person. So many experiences and people are brought into her life through this. It was so interesting to see her character evolve.
And of course there is some romance! Always a plus for me 🙂 I really appreciated the way it played out in this story. I don’t want to say too much there!
Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson reminded me of a Sarah Dessen novel in all the ways I love… an enjoyable romance worked into a strong story! In fact, I’m in the middle of a Sarah Dessen re-read and I kept trying to figure out how the characters from Since You’ve Been Gone fit into the world of Dessen’s books! (Important Note: That isn’t to say Matson doesn’t have her own voice! Her writing is excellent and the story well crafted. The combination of romance within a complex story is what reminds me of Dessen’s novels!)
I cannot wait to read the rest of Morgan Matson’s books!
ashley
Since You’ve Been Gone was my first Matson book, too, and I also fell in love with it. Hearts in my eyes for it!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Your review totally got me excited to read this!
Great Review!
Michelle @ Book Briefs