Since you've been gone by Morgan Matson

Since you've been gone by Morgan Matson

Published by Simon & Schuster

Genre Contemporary

Pages 449

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?

Verdict 

What I thought

First of all I'd like to say that I totally loved this book! The writing was beautiful and the story was interesting. It felt as if I was Emily herself, probably because I can relate to her.

But, who would leave their friend behind without saying anything? I know I wouldn't be able to do so. The book is based on the idea that Sloane leaves Emily behind with this list she needs to complete. Even though I found this super interesting and I really wanted to complete the list myself. I kept thinking about Sloane, who'd left Emily behind without saying a word. If you're such close friends, why would you want to give that up? As Emily works her way through the list, she finds growth both socially and mentally.  

I have never connected so well with a character. Sometimes I felt as if I was Emily, as if I have known her all along. She is very passive, doesn't like to make small talk with strangers or do things out of her comfort zone. Contrary to her friend Sloane, as Sloane loves to talk and be noticed. Everytime Emily completed a task of the list, I felt so proud. Really seeing her grow was an eye opener for me. Thinking, if Emily could complete this list filled with some crazy things,  I could do it as well.

And Frank Porter! Do I need to say more? The over-achiever and good guy who helps Emily along the way with completing the list. Frank was such a sweet, caring and supportive guy. When Emily and Frank went for a run, I totally wish I was running next to him. 

Talking about running. Running was the activity that brought Frank and Emily together. Flipping through the book I saw these lists, and I was super excited to find out what they were. The book contains a lot of playlists filled with awesome songs! 

I loved this book so much, it was a real eye opener for me. It make me feel powerfull and energetic. It made me want to begin with stepping out of my comfort zone, making new friends and having wonderful,new experiences. I'm already making lists for what my friends and I can do this summer. One of them is definitely re-reading this book. It's such a light hearted, summer read, which yet contains a serious message. For me this message was: try to live your life to the fullest. 

I definitely recommend this book to everyone. Pick this book up as soon as you can. It was delightfull!

Morgan Matson did a great job once again! Thank you!