Name: Since you've been gone
Rating: 4.181598062953995 (413 reviews)
ISBN: 9781442435001

Morgan Matson

Quiet Emily's sociable and daring best friend, Sloane, has disappeared leaving nothing but a random list of bizarre tasks for her to complete, but with unexpected help from popular classmate Frank Porter, Emily gives them a try.

Since you've been gone

chloe rae

Damn.
I didn't expect to love this story. I figured I'd like it and it be a nice, easy read. Needless to say, I totally underestimated this book.
It's SO GOOD. I went into this totally forgetting I've previously read a book by Morgan Matson, and just how insanely talented her writing is. I mean, she's just so good!
This story felt effortless. The characters grew and progressed so naturally. I fell in love with them. I loved how the story's main focus was friendship, and all it's different forms. I loved how the main character, Emily, grew and really flourished throughout the story. Everything was so real and I just loved following their stories. It was hard to put this book down at times.
I can't wait to pick up her other novels!

Maui S.

Sofia Bautista 

Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC (advanced reader's copy) from Simon & Schuster Canada after winning a Goodreads giveaway. I was not compensated for this review nor will I receive promotions of any kind. Everything I say in this review is in my own honest opinion.

Please bear with me here; this is my first - proper - book review in ages that isn't a school assignment, so I hope I'm doing the routine right. I can't disclose much without spoiling it for the rest of you, but I'll do my best.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I've been a HUGE fan of Morgan Matson since the first day she released Amy and Roger's Epic Detour. She has become quite a public figure in the YA industry, particularly in the contemporary sub-genre that houses names like John Green, Stephanie Perkins, Rainbow Rowell, Gayle Forman, and of the like. As a teenager myself, I find it very difficult to find YA novels that properly captures the essence of today's generation of young people. Usually what throws off the realness of it all is that:

(1) The characters follow an overly cliché plot that makes their story such a common event. 
(2) The characters follow an eccentric plot that makes their story relatively unbelieveable.

You see my dilemma here? The dystopian/sci-fi side of YA definitely applies to number 2 only, but YA contemporary is a special case, because a typical novel in that sub-genre can not only apply to one of the categories, but to both as well. Authors or writers in general that have the ability to write under both pretenses well are usually the ones that bring those best-seller cult classics.

This brings me to my next point: Morgan Matson's upcoming release, Since You've Been Gone, went under both categories, which is a good thing considering that every aspect of the novel was put together nicely. I read this book in one sitting (starting at 9pm at night to 4am in the early morning) and I had no regrets whatsoever. It was somewhat of a delightful rollercoaster reading Emily's summer adventures and her struggle to cope with Sloane's sudden unexplained disappearance. Her romantic interest, Frank Porter, was like a breath of fresh air; most leading male characters in YA books these days are leather-wearing bad-boys or cute-but-dorky outcasts, but Frank Porter was definitely something else.

Most importantly, the relationship between Sloane and Emily was fabricated really well, and it needed to be since that is what this story revolves around. The only (slightly) negative I have to say are four words that played through my mind in duration of my entire reading of the novel:

Manic. Pixie. Dream. Girl.

Is this term famillar to you? I hope so; if not, you can check out the definition at tvtropes.

All right, now that you know what that (or rather she) is, I can explain a little why the idea played around constantly in my mind in the first place. You see, Sloane is a Manic Pixie Dream Girl, except she isn't the female lead that uses her wiles to bring out her male counterpart out of his shell, and she isn't a real Manic Pixie Dream Girl either.

Catch my drift? Probably not, but those who do: give yourself a pat on the back because you'll have a heads up on a very important plot detail.

To me, it isn't necessarily a bad thing whether or not she is a Manic Pixie Dream Girl, because Matson has shuffled the cards a bit and made Sloane a Manic Pixie Dream Girl to Emily in the form of a completely platonic friendship. Sloane brought Emily out of her shell, and because of that, Sloane is significant to Emily. When she leaves, Emily feels like a huge chunk of her is missing, since Sloane played a key role in finding what is and isn't true about herself. The thing is, Emily's attatchment to her friendship with Sloane blinded her from potential relationships that were right in front of her. Emily kept comparing her potential relationships with what she once had and lost, and after realizing that those potential relationships actually had a good influence and relieved her of her sentimental attatchment to Sloane, she crashed and burned, ruined those relationships, and delt with the conflict quite sloppily. As per usual, she ran away from her problems and shut herself out, ignoring all the possible paths to resolution. The constant reminder of Sloane was what prevented her from resolution in the first place. I know that it's probably a way to show the vunerability and weakness of Emily's character, but it isn't a very appealling flaw to me. Choosing to flight-or-fight from the conflict is a crucial decision for the author in order to show her main character's true colours, but the way Emily reacted to the battles she had to face was disappointing.

Younger people really need to be more exposed to these kinds of complex relationships of friendship, other than simple romantic ones to see that there is more to life than finding love. It also gives us a taste of how much to an extent does the relationships we have with other people affect the decisions we make everyday.

Their relationship actually reminds me of Elsa and Anna from Disney's Frozen. Although the relationship isn't even remotely similar since they aren't sisters, there is still that connection that almost makes it seem like they are.

Going back to my two categories, the summer "bucket list" is something that isn't unheard of both in fiction and reality, especially amongst teenagers. That goes under number 1. However, making it a pact between two best friends with one being absent changes the game a bit, along with stringing along a bunch of strangers-turned-to-friends to complete it with her, makes the novel go under number 2 as well. Together, they make the epicness of a novel called Since You've Been Gone that was written by Morgan Matson herself.

I hope all you eager readers enjoy the book like I did once it is released in May. Happy Reading!

A perfect summertime read for fans of John Green, Stephanie Perkins, and Sarah Dessen: It was Sloane who yanked Emily out of her shell and made life 100% interesting. But right before what should have been the most epic summer, Sloane just…disappears. All she leaves behind is a to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back? Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough. Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a stranger? Um... Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane's list. Who knows what she’ll find? 'Some books leave a very real mark on you and Since You’ve Been Gone is one of those utterly brilliant books' - The Guardian 'A winning blend of touching moments, memorable characters and situational humor takes readers to a surprising revelation at the story’s end.' - Kirkus Reviews 'Morgan Matson is the epitome of YA contemporary.' - Ariel Bissett, Booktuber and blogger

Since You've Been Gone

farrah 

actual rating 2.5 (maybe 2.75?)

this has been on my tbr since i was in high school and i wish that i liked it more but it fell a bit flat for me. for a summer bucket list adventure type book, i was bored for a good chunk of it. while i could relate to emily in some ways, i didn’t really find myself caring about her much despite her growth throughout the summer. i felt like there were a lot of missed opportunities to explore certain relationships and characters more in-depth especially given how long this book is. 

i will say, i did like the development of her + frank’s relationship (for the most part).

This is such a really really good book about friendship! My god all the feels! This inspires me to do a list too and conquer my fears or to take a risk. I love the friendships i hope i have those too and Frank Porter's playlist though. I loveeeee Emily. This is my first Morgan Matson book and I cant wait to read her other books. 

P.S
Try reading this while listening to Perfect by One Direction. It will give you the "feels".

nina 

Actual rating: 3.25 stars

I can't believe everything wasn't tied up. I wanted to know what happened with the other characters!

laia

I decided to read this on a whim--in the midst of my depressive episodes mostly. I would say it was quite a pleasant read. No doubt, it was very light (and white but we all know that) and there's no stake at all. Definitely not catered to my age range (again, we all know that) but it doesn't hurt to read something non-critically every other day. Reminds me how much fun I had all throughout high school. Truly a breath of fresh air.

alexandra

originally posed on twirling pages

in a well-ordered universe, everyone would read this book.

where do i begin to explain the gloriousness of morgan matson’s masterpiece? somewhere between the interesting plot, quirky characters, and beautiful relationships, i transported to, wherever emily was – somewhere four hours away from south carolina – and began experiencing things through emily’s eyes. i heard too many amazing things before beginning this novel and my expectations were surely met. it had a bit of a slow start, but after twenty or so pages, i was completely hooked; i couldn’t put the book down; i couldn’t stop thinking about it.

the characters and relationships in this novel were fantabulous. emily and frank’s interactions were natural from the start. it was as if these two were bound together by fate. emily was so awkward at the beginning; frank was distant and polite. watching these two grow together was beautiful. emily and sloane’s relationship was also lovely to witness. i didn’t expect that to be the case since i knew sloane was gone for the entire novel. however, there are flashbacks to sloane and emily together and i love their friendship. <33

i love how there was a soundtrack to this book. emily and frank often went running together and we would actually see their playlists! the small thing made a huge difference and really improved the ambiance of the novel. i’d be singing along and jamming out to their songs and it made me embarrassingly happy.

this was one of those strange novels that are simultaneously light and inspirational/deep. i don’t think this novel changed me as a person, but it did affect my perspective on some things. overall, i really enjoyed this book and all of the wonders it shared. i loved going on the adventures with emily and i can’t wait to read more of morgan matson’s novels!

A perfect summertime read for fans of John Green, Stephanie Perkins, and Sarah Dessen: It was Sloane who yanked Emily out of her shell and made life 100% interesting. But right before what should have been the most epic summer, Sloane just...disappears. All she leaves behind is a to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back? Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough. Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a stranger? Um... Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane's list. Who knows what she'll find? 'Some books leave a very real mark on you and Since You've Been Gone is one of those utterly brilliant books' - The Guardian 'A winning blend of touching moments, memorable characters and situational humor takes readers to a surprising revelation at the story's end.' - Kirkus Reviews 'Morgan Matson is the epitome of YA contemporary.' - Ariel Bissett, Booktuber and blogger

Victoria

Okay, I admit. I was skeptical at first. I didn’t like Emily and her attitude. Her whole world circled around Sloane (her best friend of two years) and when she somehow vanished from the universe, she just did not know how to function any longer. She’s too scared of everything and the only reason she even did something before was because Sloane was around and Sloane had to push her to come out of whatever shell or rock or shit she’s living under.

I understand being scared of doing things. I understand being scared of things. But what I don’t understand with Emily is that she’s only scared when she’s alone or with someone other than Sloane. Otherwise, it’s like she has all the confidence in the world. Okay, no, not even but at least she has more confidence when she’s with Sloane. 

Despite my feelings toward Emily, I pushed through because I wanted to know what happened with Sloane. I mean, nobody just vanishes like that without a word so I was genuinely curious. (Okay, just so we’re clear, this isn’t a thriller/suspense/mystery novel.) 

I’m so glad that this did not disappoint. 

Although it took a while, I still love that Emily learned how to deal with things even without Sloane. Sad part is, she still held on to a few people to keep her going which just goes to show that she really can’t live all on her own.

I really love the story, though, but I won’t condone the cheating that happened. But kudos to Frank for making things right in the end.

This is a beautiful story about friendship and finding one’s self. I’m happy that I decided to go through with reading it.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a really good read, especially for the summer. I loved the way Emily developed throughout the story. It was great seeing how confident she became. It was a really amazing story overall.

Maggie Hotmer

Beatrix Haase

Such a beautiful and wonderful book. A new favorite

xoxo,
Bebe

Alexa M

I LOVED THIS BOOK I LOVED THIS BOOK I LOVED THIS BOOK. I don't even know what to say other than this was amazing. The best books are the ones that make you cry at the end for no reason in particular.... I loved this book!!!!!!!

Claire Durand

This is a great summer read and I would recommend it to people. I like how your opinion of Sloane kind of changes throughout the book. This might just have been me, but at the beginning you see her as this ray of sunshine who helped her best friend become more outgoing. As the book goes on and you get moments from their past and as Emily grows, you stop idolising her. She just becomes a person who never was that almighty. I love the idea of the list, it’s kind of the “typical” teenage experience. Skinny-dipping, using a fake idea, parties. But out of all of it Emily forms strong friendships. I wish you got to see if everything worked out between her and Dawn. You don’t really get to see that.

Trish

This was a great summer YA read. The cover is A+ and so was the setting and mood of the novel. We’ve all had that summer when somehow all of our best made plans fell through and what was left was three months full of lazy, listless days. What’s worse is that your best friend is out of town. Enter certified nerd and class president Frank Porter. 

Honestly, I didn’t find the protagonist relatable all that much. I was a somewhat introverted teenager but I still managed to try new things and step out of my comfort zone. It seems that without Sloane’s list, Emily might have just been content to spend the whole summer alone. However, the more you venture out on your own, the more new people you’ll meet and unlikely friends you’ll make. I loved that Sloane made Emily go on this solo summer adventure, even if Emily did end up taking the help of some new friends. 

Obviously the star of this story is Frank Porter. I wish I knew a Frank Porter so we could fall in love and be teenagers again (Alas, I’m well into my twenties so that dream’s never coming true). But this book really makes a girl dream. 

Finally, I might have given the book 4 stars if the disappearance of Sloane wasn’t so lamely explained. The whole time I was thinking of cool, creative reasons she might have left without explanation. Maybe her parents were in witness protection and Sloane wasn’t even her real name, maybe she’s a secret military brat and one of her parents is on a secret mission that required relocating... just to name a couple. In the end I feel like her reason for not disclosing the move (Sloane’s parents were reliant on their families and mismanaged money) were really lame and not believable. Considering how much about their parents Frank and Emily shared with each other... obviously they were embarrassed/ashamed but that doesn’t mean you hide your parents realities. Idk it’s rare that a teenager judges her best friend for having sucky parents (unless they’re criminals or something). So that was actually kind of a let down for me. 

3 stars because I liked it, not loved it. But I’m definitely going to read another Morgan Matson book in the future.

Great story (although I can't say the same about our main character) and, of course, what's a Morgan Matson book without the incredible playlists right?

UPDATE: REREAD 6/6/16

Holy Hades. I reread it today and I just realized (because I'm stupid like that) that Amy and Roger and her brother and Mom (see Amy & Roger's Epic Detour) were mentioned in here? I've reread this, like, 3 times and I only just noticed today.

Oh, and a thingy (view spoiler)[Tamsin and the Elder from Clark McAllister's book (hide spoiler)] from The Unexpected Everything which I only just finished was also mentioned in passing, which was really cool. I'm a just too dense to catch on or has Morgan Matson always done this?

Since you've been gone

Reviews

Highlights