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

Publish Date: May 6th, 2014
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781442435001
Pages: 448
Series: None 
Source: From publisher for honest review

Goodreads Synopsis:

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...
My Review:

*Cue Kelly Clarkson's Since You've Been Gone - as that is all I can think about when I say the title of this book.*

Sloane is missing from her best friends life. She just vanished one day with nothing, no goodbye note, no phone call. She isn't even answering her phone calls.One day a list shows up in the mail, a list of things for Emily to do, written in Sloanes' usual girlie writing. Only when Emily is certain that her best friend is no where to be found does Emily start the unusual and scary tasks on the list, hoping that it will lead her to Sloane.

Since You've Been Gone is a perfect light summer read. It's entertaining, and it will remind you of lazy summer days hanging out with your friends. The friendships that Emily is able to form over this list are warming and familiar. Dawn, Frank and Collins will fill the void in Emily's summer and help her in so many ways.

What I really liked about this book was though it started out centered around finding Sloane, as the novel progressed it was focused about Emily finding herself first. She realized that she could make friends herself, and talk to strangers -though it took some work. I liked the way the book turned it's focus. Though the hunt for Sloane never ends, Emily comes to some realizations and her self-esteem increases immensely.

Morgan Matson is a brilliant writer. The book was everything - comforting, funny, honest. We read through flashbacks of Sloane and Emily throughout their friendship which was a nice little touch. It really added depth the both Emily and Sloane. Also, the running playlists, while not necessary, was a nice add-on throughout the novel. Not only did it open my eyes up to new music, but it was fun to see the playful banter between Emily and Frank regarding the music.

After reading Since You've Been Gone, I'm really looking forward to reading more summer reads by Matson. On a nice sunny day like today (only a few degrees warmer), you'll want to lounge outside and devour this one!