Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Pages: 449

Publish date: July 3rd 2014

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

ISBN: 1471122662

Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Since You’ve Been Gone:

I received Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson from, Simon & Schuster Australia in exchange for a review.  This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings on the book.

Since You’ve Been Gone is the second Morgan Matson book that I have read. A couple of years ago I read Second Chance Summer and absolutely treasured it to pieces. Let me tell you, I felt the same way about Since You’ve Been Gone.

I love Matson’s writing style. It draws you in and is entirely stunning – the way that she writes is incredible.

Since You’ve Been Gone shadows the story of Emily as she’s on her journey of completing the to-do list that her best friend, Sloane, left after she disappeared. Before Sloane, Emily was shy, didn’t do crazy things, and she barely talked to boys. Sloane brought her out of that shell though. With Sloane now off the face of the earth she leaves a list in her place, which would see Emily do some of the craziest things she has ever done.

I really do love Emily, and I really did connect with her more than I could have imagined. I found that Emily and I are really alike in characteristics, maybe it was just me and I could be all wrong but that really added to my reading experience.

I loved the whole concept of Since You’ve Been Gone. The idea pulled me in from the start and just kept pulling me further and further in. As soon as I started reading Since You’ve Been Gone, I could not put the damn thing down!

I loved going through Sloane’s list. The reader is able to witness Emily’s highs and lows, watch her as she becomes stronger and more independent. You were also able to see Emily not rely on Sloane like she did before.

I loved that we were able to see glimpses of Emily’s time with Sloane and how their friendship was weird but beautiful. It also showed that they really did rely on each other, Emily more than Sloane. You also get a little insight as to how Sloane transformed Emily and helped her let loose a little.

“I don’t think you have to do something so big to be brave. And it’s the little things that are harder anyway.”

Matson’s writing is incredible and it added so much depth and emotion to Since You’ve Been Gone.

Before Sloane, Emily didn’t really have any friends. Even then it was only Sloane and her, but when Sloane left her the list of things to do Emily made new friends along the way. The reader is able to see the journey that Emily travels, and making new friends is one of those stops.

Two of the people who befriend Emily through the story are Frank and Collins. Collins – oh how I loved him! Collins is a comical character that you just cannot help but laugh at pretty much everything he says. He would brighten up any situation. But one thing: he was very protective of was Frank. I adored the friendship between Frank and Collins.

“Real friends are the ones you can count on no matter what. The ones who go into the forest to find you and bring you home. And real friends never have to tell you that they’re your friends.”

The Romance! Gosh! My heart was pulled, and pulled, and pulled! It was slow and burning but completely adorable and beautiful.

Since You’ve Been Gone is a book about self-discovery, growing, and changing. It’s about taking chances and making new friends. It’s simply a fun summer, cuteness overload read. The friendships are beautiful, with a hint of an adorable romance. It will pull a string in anyone’s heart.

Have you read Since You’ve Been Gone? What did you think of it? If you haven’t read it will you dig your hands into it?