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!

In My Mailbox (April 29, 2012)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

For Review:

Between the Lines by Jodi Picout & Samantha Van Leer | Goodreads

Never Enough by Denise Jaden | Goodreads

Surrender by Elana Johnson | Goodreads 

The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent | Goodreads

Burn For Burn by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian | Goodreads

Envy by Elizabeth Miles | Goodreads

Rotters by Daniel Kraus (not pictured above) | Goodreads

Bought:

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Matched by Ally Condie

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks

Water For Elepants by Sarah Gruen

Gift:



Salmon Fishing in the Yemen by Paul Torday (Not pictured here, because it's upstairs where I read it!)

Thank you so much Simon & Schuster for the lovely package of books, thanks Random House for keeping me on top of my book club, and thanks to my family for my book and letting me spend a bit of money at our favourite used book shops!

In My Mailbox (March 25, 2012)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

 

 

Bought:

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events Books 7-9

 

 

For Review:

BZRK by Michael Grant | Goodreads Synopsis
The Reckoning (The Taker, #2) by Alma Katsu | Goodreads Synopsis

419 by Will Ferguson | Goodreads Synopsis

Thank you Random House and Simon & Schuster once again!

Have a great reading week!

In My Mailbox (January 15, 2012)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

This is a few IMM's, including some Christmas gifts!

Gifts:

The Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy Box Set by Maggie Stiefvater

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by J.K Rowling

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil owls - so pretty!

Harry Potter Golden Snitch - this is so awesome (and my dog really wanted to be in the picture)

Review:

My Beating Teenage Heart by C.K Kelly Martin | Goodreads Synopsis

Black Heart by Holly Black | Goodreads Synopsis

The Summer of Permanent Wants by Jamieson Findlay | Goodreads Synopsis

Won:

Prize Pack from Beth Revis which included bookmarks, a poster, a limited edition Koi print, and a rubber band bracelet! I was so freaking excited to get this, as I had no idea I won. It just poped up in my mailbox one day and I was like, woah!

That is all folks! A pretty awesome mailbox if I do say so myself! Let me know what you got :)

Thank you Simon and Schuster for sending me something once again! A HUGE thank you to my family who knows me all to well and spoiled me. And thank yo Beth Revis, for making my day a little brighter!

In My Mailbox (November 20, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

Bought:

The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - I actually pre-ordered this one, and have had it for a while. just kept forgetting to take a picture of it!

For Review:

Fever (The Chemical Gardens #2) by Lauren Destefano | Goodreads Synopsis

Dead To You by Lisa McMann | Goodreads Synopsis

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel | Goodreads Synopsis

Won:

Signed archival print of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer! And signed bookmarks!! This has to be one of the coolest prizes I've won, EVER!

Once again, a HUGE thank you to Simon & Schuster, and Michelle Hodkin!

What ended up in your mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox (October 2, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

This is the last two weeks, just to let you know! :)

I was so lucky again this year to be able to attend:

It was so much fun, and such a gorgeous day! And we go a great pile of books!

Bought:

Harry Potter series Books 1-7

Whiteout by Ken Follet

A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

Raymond and Hannah by Stephen Marche

Fall On Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald

A few kids book my daughter picked out

*I got all of these books for a donation. It felt great to donate money for a great cause, but I felt like I was stealing ALL 7 HP books! Now my daughter has her own set, and she is so excited about that!*

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Elixir by Hilary Duff

For Review:

Devoted (Elixir #2) by Hilary Duff | Goodreads

Mr Fox by Helen Oyeyemi | Goodreads

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare | Goodreads

Thank you everyone for these awesome books! And let me tell you, when I saw that it was Clockwork Prince in the mail, I was so freaking excited! Clockwork Angel (The first in this series) was the first ARC I got, and the first book I reviewed on this blog, so this means a little something more to me I guess. So thank you again!

Leave a comment and I'll be sure to check your In My Mailbox.

In My Mailbox (August 21, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

It's been a slow for the last few weeks, but I'm ok with that, I have so so many books I need to read, not all of them are for review, but some have been sitting on my shelf for ages now. So I've been reading tons.

For Review:
The Isle of Blood (The Monstrumologist #3) by Rick Yancey | Goodreads Synopsis
Goliath by Scott Westerfeld | Goodreads Synopsis

Won:
Ron Poster, Ron Lego Keychain, and blogger bookmark (not shown) - Thanks to Vamps, Weres and Cassay!

Thanks once again Simon & Schuster!

Make sure to comment and leave a link to your IMM and I`ll be sure to stop by.

And don't forget to enter my 1 year Blogoversary giveaway!

In My Mailbox (July 31, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

For Review:

The Time In Between By Maria Duenas / Goodreads Synopsis 

Bought:

Vampire Academy (Vampire Acadeny #1) by Richelle Mead - I'm reading Bloodlines right now, and really enjoying it so I thought since these were bought at a second hand shop, I could do with them!

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead

The Vampire Diaries The Return Vol. 2 Shadow Souls by L.J Smith

Goodies Sent:

Solstice postcards, trading cards and a lovely card from P.J Hoover

Losing Faith postcards, stickers, bookmarks, etc from Denise Jaden

Thanks everyone who sent me these lovelies! 

In My Mailbox (July 24, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

For Review:

Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier | Goodreads Synopsis

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer | Goodreads Synopsis

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead | Goodreads Synopsis

Thanks so much Penguin Canada for these! You guys spoil me some :)

Can't wait to read these 3! My daughter is really excited about Peter Nimble, I'm excited for the Bloodlines Blog Tour, and Wolfsbane is hopefully going to answer some questions from before (Though I'm so disappointed that Wolfsbane doesn't match my gorgeous Nightshade book)

What did you guys get this week? Leave links and I'll check it out!

In My Mailbox (July 17, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

For Review:

Mind Gap by Marina Cohen | Goodreads Synopsis

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez | Goodreads Synopsis

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts | Goodreads Synopsis

Thanks Marina Cohen (who is one of the nicest authors! I worked with her for my Great Canadian Blog Bash, and we've chatted here and there, and she is so super nice!) and thanks as always to the greatest people ever over at Simon & Schuster!

Feel free to stop by, I know I haven't been the best blogger lately because of summer vacation, but I'm working on it - and I got some fantastic books last week you should check out in my last IMM post.

In My Mailbox (July 10, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

So, I missed last week but I'm here this week with some pretty awesome books!!

Bought:

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling - I was able to get myself a First American Edition of this lovely book to add to our colloection

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K Rowling - once again, a First American Edition!

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry - bought this since I got an ARC of Dust & Decay

Lego Harry Potter: Building The Magical World - couldn't resit this (since we got it for super cheap!!)

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella - thanks to library book sales!

Empire Magazine - Harry Potter Speical - thanks to the family for this one :)

Won:

Clarity by Kim Harrington - Thanks Terry over at TerryLynnJohnson

For Review:

ARC of The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler | Goodreads Synopsis

ARC of Triangles by Ellen Hopkins | Goodreads Synopsis

Thanks so much McClellandBooks and Simon & Schuster (you know how much I love you guys at S&S!)

What did you guys get? Leave a comment with a link and I'll check it out.

In My Mailbox (June 19, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

Fun, and easy week this week!

Bought:
Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender
Heist Society by Ally Carter
(Last week I got the second book of both these series, so I was able to grab the first book at Chapters to read first!)

Won:
Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens - Signed and personalized copy! Yippee!!

What's in your mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox (June 13, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

A fun mailbox this week!

For Review:

Eden (The Keeper Chronicles) by Michelle Haley | Goodreads Synopsis Signed and personalized copy!!

From Bad To Cursed (Bad Girls Don't Die #2) by Katie Alender | Goodreads Synopsis

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab | Goodreads Synopsis

Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2) by Ally Carter | Goodreads Synopsis

Waterbottle and playing cards for the Disney Hyperion Teen unRequired Reading

Won:

Passion by Lauren Kate - Thanks to my online book club for this one!

Thanks Simon & Schuster and Disney/Hyperion Teen for the books and swag this week!

In My Mailbox (June 5, 2011)

Look at this stack of books!!!

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

Ok, so last week I didn't get any books in my mailbox (or the week before last either!) But I definitely made up for it this week!

Bought:

Dreaming Anistasia by Joy Preble - A few weeks ago I won a signed and personalized copy of Haunted (Dreaming Anistasia #2), so while The Book Depository was having their extra 10% off, I decided I'd use it to get the first book in the series.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks - I love this book!

The Spiderwick Chronicles Book #1

For Review:

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley | Goodreads Synopsis

Dust & Decay (Benny Imura #2) by Jonathan Maberry | Goodreads Synopsis

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin | Goodreads Synopsis

Fury (Fury #1) by Elizabeth Miles | Goodreads Synopsis

A HUGE thanks again to the lovely people at Simon & Schuster! You guys make my day when I get mail from you! (I was expecially happy when I got The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer!!) Thanks again!

What did you guys get in your mailbox? Leave a comment with a link to your post, and I'll make sure to check it out!

In My Mailbox (May 15, 2011)

In my mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

Yeah, I'm going to say it - I got so spoiled this week! TWO signed and personalized books :)! Yippee.

Bought:

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer - I love, love, love this gorgeous cover. I've read this already, and I'm just working on my review, so stay tuned!

The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith - I had told myself not to buy any books this week, and I did pretty good (bought only Nightshade as a Mother's Day present to myself) and I wasn't going to get this one, but when I read this sentence -"The Marbury Lens crawls inside your head and wont leave. Scary, creepy, awful and awesome" -  Micheal Grant author of Gone and Hunger - at the top of the book, I knew I had to get it, plus it was on the bargain shelf of the bookstore.

Free:
Graceling by Kristin Cashore - found this one for free, and I've seen a few decent reviews about it, so why not!?

Won:

Haunted by Joy Preble (signed!) - I won this from a twitter contest! And the cover is even prettier up close.

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden (signed!) - This was from the "Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop". I was so excited to win this book - I've been meaning to read it for ages now, as it's part of the Contemps Challenge. Very happy about this!

We also had an exciting day yesterday - I heard that there was a "Meet Geronimo Stilton" event happening about a half hour away from us, so we went! Daughter got to meet him, which was fun (though she was a little nervous!) and we picked up a few books, and Geronimo himself signed one for her!  

All in all, it was a great week for bookish fun!

What did you guys get this week in your mailbox?

In My Mailbox (May 8th, 2011)

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mothers out there! I hope you're having a Fantastic day!

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

Won:

Divergent by Veronica Roth - my mom actually won this for me, she knew that I wanted it, and won it on a Twitter Triva game! Thanks Mom :)

For Review:

Wildefire by Karsten Knight | Goodreads Synopsis

Untold Story by Monica Ali | Goodreads Synopsis

Borrowed (From Library):

The Book of Harry Potter Trifles, Trivias and Particularities by Racheline Maltese - we've had fun with this one, that's for sure!

Thanks to Simon & Schuster, Wanda from YMCBookalicious and my mom! You guys are great!

And while you're here, stop by HERE to pick which book I should read next.

In My Mailbox (Sunday May 1st, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

Sorry readers that I haven't been posting lately, and I missed last weeks IMM, but I've had this nasty cold and just haven't felt like doing much!

So here we are, this weeks In My Mailbox!

Bought:

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffengger - Thanks to my library for their awesome book sales!

Won:

Un Amico Italiano: Eat, Pray, Love in Rome by Luca Spaghetti - Thanks Penguin for having the contest for this one!

The Agency: A Spy in the House by Y.S Lee - this one is from a book club I'm in, Thanks Guys!

Review:
The Secret of a Spicy Jalapeno by Charlie Courtland | Goodreads Synopsis

Thanks everyone for a fun week! And I have a ton of good books to read, I may have to get you guys to help me pick! Leave a link to your IMM and I'll go have a look.

Thanks for stopping by -

In My Mailbox (April 10, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

Once again, I've missed a week - so sorry about that!

I've had an exciting 2 weeks that's for sure.

Bought:Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Poster Book

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secret's Poster Book

Harry Potter Hogwarts Through the Years Poster Book - these 3 books were bought a a used book store, my daughter found them, and we love them!

Won:

Get Laid or Die Trying by Jeff Allen

ARC Drought by Pam Bachorz

Review:

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare | Goodreads Synopsis

Up, Up, Up by Julie Booker | Amazon.ca Synopsis

The Taker by Alma Katsu | Goodreads Synopsis (I have the US edition cover, the one on goodreads.com is the UK edition)

I was so excited to get City of Fallen Angels, I was so eager to check the mail each day, and I tweeted about it, and I talked about it. I think I drove everyone nuts - "Has the mail came yet?" "Where's the mail?" "Is that my book?!" but when it finally came (I had to wait for my daughter to come home from school, because she loves to open these packages for me!) she tore it open, and there were City of Fallen Angels buttons with the book! How freaking fun! Then, the next day - ding dong, dogs barking - the mailman came again, but this time with a CoFA POSTER! Yippee! Thank you, thank you Simon & Schuster - you guys rock!

So thanks as always to Simon & Schuster (again)! You guys are awesome. Thanks as well to Nikki Katz, and YMCbookalicious bookclub!

In My Mailbox (March 27, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

I missed last week - sorry!

My family and I have been enjoying cool mornings and sunny afternoons walking through our town, and neighbouring town finding little bookstores that we've been browsing through. We've found some great little stores that we'll be visiting again for sure.

Bought:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K Rowling - This is a First American Edition to add to our collection!

The Vampire Diaries The Fury and Dark Reunion by L.J Smith

The Vampire Diaries The Return: Nightfall by L.J Smith - both TVD books were super cheap, and I cannot pass up a book for just a couple of dollars.

That's it! What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Im My Mailbox (March 13, 2011)

In My Mailbox credit goes to The Story Siren

Won:

ARC The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong - Thanks again to the bookclub I'm part of by celebrating a birthday with these copies! How exciting.

The Mermaid's Mirror and Flash Burnout by L.K Madigan - both of these books I won from Madigans' friends holding a contest, to help spread the word of her work, unfortunately L.K Madigan has recently passed away from cancer. Both these books sound great, and I cannot wait to read them.

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult - Picoult is my favourite author, I have her books, and love her books. She was in Toronto the other day, and I was supposed to be there (I won a ticket to this event from YMCBookalicous, part of The Yummy Mummy Club) But unfortunately I wasn't able to attend, and had to pass up my ticket. So the lovely Wanda (from the Club) was able to send a copy of Sing You Home. I'm "meeting" them on Twitter at the end of the month to discuss this book.

4 great books this week! What did you guys get in your mailbox?