Since You’ve Been Gone
Author: Morgan Matson
Series: None
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Summary:
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?
Go skinny-dipping?
Wait…what?
First Sentence: The list arrived after Sloane had been gone two weeks.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
My Review:
Ever since I’ve started blogging, I’ve heard tons of great things about Morgan Matson’s books. I’ve been eyeing her books for awhile, but never had the time to read one of them even though I always wanted to try one. When I heard that Morgan Matson was writing a new book titled Since You’ve Been Gone and heard that the book was about a missing BFF, I automatically knew I had to read the book asap. Okay, I’ll admit it, the gorgeous cover of Since You’ve Been Gone certainly did help convince me to give it a try. Expectations were really high, even though I knew Since You’ve Been Gone would probably disappoint me since most contemporaries I read usually do. To my disbelief, I found myself really enjoying and loving Morgan Matson’s newest book. In fact, Since You’ve Been Gone is one of my favorite 2014 books – it’s the second book I gave a 5-star rating to this year, Split Second being the first one.
I thought about telling him how it sometimes felt like I was only half there, without Sloane to talk to about what I was experiencing. How it felt like someone had chopped off my arm, and then for good measure taken my ID and sense of direction. How it was like I had no idea who I was, or where I was going, coupled with the fact that there was a piece of me missing that never seemed to stop hurting…(193-194)
I do not know how to start to describe my love for this book. Morgan Matson’s writing is simply amazing; there’s no other way to describe it. Morgan Matson manages to capture a teenager’s thoughts perfectly. Get this: while I was reading Since You’ve Been Gone, I just had to stop and think about how perfect and right Emily’s voice was. Her voice is just so real. Basically, Emily’s voice is 89% me (89% because of course we don’t have the exact same personality). I think the way Emily does – I’m insecure like her, want to be a loner unless it’s with my friends like her, and am nervous in crowds like her. Reading about Emily was like reading about me, only I was the one put in her situations. Most times, I just wanted to give Emily a hug.
And the romance! The romance in Since You’ve Been Gone was perfect. (Yes, I know I’m using the word “perfect” too much, but there’s literally no other word I can use to describe it.) I can go on and on and on about the romance. I love that the romance between Emily and Frank started off as just a friendship at first, then slowly built up until it exploded with feels. I was a messy blob of feelings by then because all I wanted was for them to get together already. There were definitely tons of giggles and lots of goofy smiles while I was reading Since You’ve Been Gone, something people riding on the subway with me can attest to. There’s no doubt that I definitely ship Emily and Frank together. In fact, Frank may be one of my new book boyfriends. I’ve always wanted a redhead book boyfriend (-wink wink-).
It seemed that somewhere between the arguments about the merits of ninja movies, he’d stopped being Frank Porter, class president, unknowable person. He’d stopped being a stranger, a guy, someone I didn’t know how to talk to. That night, in the darkness….he’d moved closer to just being Frank – maybe, possibly, even my friend. (196)
Another thing reading Since You’ve Been Gone did to me was it made me want to move away from New York City to Connecticut, the state where Emily and Sloane lives. I’m sure all of you guys are going all “whaaat?!” right now, but yes, I’m being serious here. The way Morgan Matson described Frank’s house made me go all “whoaaaa! I want to live in a house like that!” but of course, New York City don’t have houses like the one Frank lives in because New York City is a city. (I won’t tell you what kind of house Frank lives in – you guys will have to read the book and find out for yourself.) There is also a movie scene in Since You’ve Been Gone where people drive in to a large lot and watch movies in their car – a small-town version of a movie theater. I’ve heard about these kind of movie drive-ins and have seen them in movies, but Since You’ve Been Gone made me actually want to go somewhere where I can experience those kind of drive-in movies. It would be fantastic if I can.
I wasn’t sure what it meant, but it was something. It was from Sloane. Sloane had sent me a list. (28)
Overall, READ SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE. Yes, that had to be in all caps. I am just filled with love for this book. Contemporary lovers will love this book and non-contemporary fans would love this book too. I’m not really a contemporary fan (I dislike most contemporaries) and I absolutely loveeeeed this one. If you’re thinking about borrowing this one, don’t. Since You’ve Been Gone is definitely worth the buy, so hop out of your chair and go buy it! Anyways, BUY THIS BOOK, BUY THIS BOOK, BUY THIS BOOK. (Yes, I am totally trying to brainwash you guys into buying this book.)
This one sounds sooo good. Glad you enjoyed it!
Brittany @ Nice Girls Read Books recently posted…Review: “Kiss of Frost,” Jennifer Estep
Since You’ve Been Gone is sooo good! :D<3
You should give it a try sometime yourself. ;D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
i´m so happy about this, morgan matson writes amazing, she is a genius, she understand how we feel and everything, you should totally read second chance summer, this book is THE BOOK yes you are going to cry but everything would be ok, amazing review! cant wait for this one!
YESSSS. Like I said in my review, reading about Emily was like reading about me, myself, and I. Morgan Matson knows about teenagers THAT well!
And AHHH, I’ve heard about Second Chance Summer, but I’m not reading it yet until I’m in a crying mood, which is not now. :P
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
Drive in theaters are so much fun! We have them her in Southern California, but I have to drive a bit to get there. But it’s so fun in summer to get all wrapped in blankets and watch a movie with someone!
I’ve read both of Matson’s other books, and they’re some of my favorite contemporaries as well. I just bought my copy of Since You’ve Been gone, and I’m starting it today. I can’t wait! I highly recommend Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour if you’re looking for more from Matson :)
Kayla @ The Thousand Lives recently posted…ARC Review: Second Star by Alyssa Sheinmel
I can imagine that’ll it’ll be so fun to sit in a car with blankets and everything to watch a movie, which is why I want to go and experience this!
Eep, I hope you’ll love Since You’ve Been Gone as much as I do Kayla!
I have Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour already, but I’m planning on waiting awhile to read it!
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
This review couldn’t have been more timely, since my copy arrived yesterday! I haven’t started it yet, but I’m already impressed by it because of the cover. Not just what you see on the front of the book, either. I do this thing with hardcovers where I like to peek under the dust jacket, just to see what the actual cover looks like. Doing that with this book was such a pleasant surprise – there’s a huge image of the two girls on the INSIDE of the dust jacket! I wanted to whip it off, frame it and put it on my wall. If only I’d had it for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday on book covers I’d like to frame as art! Kelly’s right, you guys, you’re going to want to own this book.
Great review – and I’m really looking forward to reading the book now!
M. recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Books Book Covers I’d Frame as Pieces of Art
Give your copy a hug for me! ;D
Ha ha, yes, I did a post about the entire cover inside a cover concept just yesterday!
YESSS. Everyone would want this book on their shelves!
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
OMG Kelly! You almost never give 5 star ratings, so I take that as a huge asset to the book. I’ve already been drooling over it for weeks (err, months), so I’m glad to hear it will live up to the expectations in my head.
Yay Morgan Matson!
Jess @ Such A Novel Idea recently posted…Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly — A Book Review
Ha ha, this is my 2nd 5-star rating of the year, so yes, this book is special to me. <3
Since You've Been Gone will definitely live up to your expectations Jess, so don't worry!
Definitely yay Morgan Matson! <3
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
Ahhh! Don’t worry Kelly! I’m totally buying this book! I actually gave it my official yes sometime last week. I just need to go to the bookstore and actually get a copy (or try to buy it online). And I love books that make me smile and giggle involuntarily. I haven’t experiences something like that in a long time. Well, not that long but a few months seems long… And whoa! When you said you’re like Emily and described why, I was like ‘I’m like Emily and Kelly too!’ All of those things describe me :D I can’t wait to get ahold of this book! It just sounds simply amazing! (I love the cover too!) ^_^
Yay Hillary, you definitely WON’T regret your choice to buy this book! :D
I haven’t read a book that made me smile and giggle involuntarily for a long time either, but this one definitely accomplished that for me.
High five to us insecure, shy people!
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
Ahhh, I’m so excited about this one! It sounds fantastic. And you’re a very honest reviewer, which adds to my expectations of how good this book must be! :)
Emily recently posted…April Reads + May Preview
Since You’ve Been Gone is fantastic! I hope you’ll love this one too Emily!
And ha ha, I’m always honest when it comes to reviews. I feel ultra guilty if I’m not.
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
I’d heard so many amazing things about Morgan Matson’s books as well, yet for some reason I have yet to read them! I’m so excited to read Since You’ve Been Gone and I agree the cover is gorgeous! Wonderful review – It really made me want to pick it up and read it now! :)
Emily @ Books & Cleverness recently posted…Waiting on…Blackbird by Anna Carey
Me too, but this one is my first Morgan Matson book and I absolutely LOVED it.
Ha ha, you should definitely pick it up and read it now Emily. I mean, don’t you think it’s a sign that the main character of the book shares your name? ;D
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
Ok you have me on this one again. I think I’ll buy it.
carine verbeke recently posted…The Prisoners Of dreams by Diana Nixon
Yay! My job here is done! ;D<3
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
I feel like I shouldn’t have read this review because now I’m just even MORE excited to read this book if that’s even possible. I’ve hyped this book up so much for myself that I’m almost scared to read it because I’m worried it might not meet my expectations. Ugh, this book sounds so good. I’m going to hold off reading it until the weekend though because I think I’m going to have to read it in one sitting. Lovely review, Kelly! :)
Annie recently posted…14 Covers I’d Frame As Pieces Of Art
You don’t have much to worry about Annie – this book will definitely meet your expectations!
I tried reading it in one sitting myself, but I just had to read this one slowly to cherish all the feels it gave me. Yes, it’s that good.
Thank you Annie!
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
5 star rating for this one! I have yet to read a Matson book, I know Nicole loves them so I feel like I should try it. Not to mention that it has to do with best friends so that sounds different and enjoyable!
Ashley @The Quiet Concert recently posted…The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu
YES, definitely a 5 star rating for this one!
Ha ha, I’m with Nicole, you should definitely read her books! Or, at least, read this one since Since You’ve Been Gone is so far the only one I’ve read by her.
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
I am so excited that you love this one! I love books where the writing really shines!
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
Missie recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Rooms
Morgan Matson’s books REALLY shines! <3
Kelly recently posted…Stacking the Shelves [79]
Aww I’m glad you loved this one, it definitely is giving me that extra push to read the one Morgan Matson book I have, because when someone I know is super picky about contemporaries and ends up LOVING it, I know I need to get on it :)
Eileen @ Singing and Reading in the Rain recently posted…Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally
I didn’t discover her books til last year but they’ve always been fantastic emotional reads for me. I’m looking forward to finding out if this book is the same for me. Glad yo loved it!
Chanpreet recently posted…Review: The Trap by Beverley Kendall
Whoa. I’ve been following you for a while now and I don’t really see 5-star ratings for contemporaries. This must be really good. Well, I already assumed so because I love Morgan Matson. Her book, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour is one of my favorites. I so want to read this more now. But I’m too broke so soon. Hopefully.
Francine Soleil recently posted…The Grief of Cliffhangers
I seriously have to have this book! It’ so freakin’ amazing!
Five stars!! I’m so glad you loved SYBG that much! I was scared because it has all this high expectations all around, and I was fearing that maybe this book would disappoint me -I’ve been dying to read this books since I saw de cover (yeah, I think all of us are in love with that pretty cover)- BUT your review is so convincing I’m sure I’ll love this book so much, maybe even more than Amy and Roger’s. :)
I love Morgan Matson: she’s the cutest and Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour is such an epic -beutifully written- book. Second Chance Summer is already on its way from TBD, and I’m waiting to the paperback of Since you’ve been gone… but I d0n’t know if I will be able to wait THAT MUCH TIME. And the dust jacket is so pretty…
Hannah; recently posted…Reseña: Hyde
omg omg omg I NEED THIS BOOK SO BADLY. I love Morgan Matson!
Sandra @Sandra’s World of Books recently posted…Losing It – Cora Carmack
Most contemporaries disappoint me to, so your review makes clear to me that I’m probably going to love this book too! It’s great when books surprise us :D I like to pick my contemporaries careful and this one definitely made it to my light-mood-list.
Mel@thedailyprophecy recently posted…Fairytale news 36. Upcoming fairytales.
I already planned on going to the library tomorrow to pick this book up, but now I’m even more excited to do so! I’ve been wanting to try a Morgan Matson book for a while as well, and I’ve only heard amazing things about this one. I can’t wait to check it out.
This is a great review, and I could definitely tell how much you loved it. I don’t usually like using perfect in a review either, but sometimes it just works. Sounds like it did here.
Stefani @ Caught Read Handed recently posted…Book Review: It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
I loved this book soooooo much :) I love all of Morgan Matson’s books, and I’m so excited to see what she writes next! Although I know I’ll be waiting awhile :/ Great review :)
Jessica recently posted…text: The Chocolate Book Tag
I first read the blurb, and the novel’s already appealing to me; then I saw that you gave this five stars – I instantly knew this is seriously a must-read! I’d definitely hop out of my chair and buy this! Awesome review by the way. :)
Wonderful review. I am planning to read the book, and am looking forward to it, reading this review made me want to read it even more. :) Thanks for the great review! :)
Mehsi recently posted…Bookhaul 8 May 2014
I want to read this so bad!!
Lucy recently posted…Att läsa i maj
I don’y usually like contemporary, but this actually sounds great! Amazing review as well
I’m looking for a new contemporary book to read but don’t know which one to choose…after reading this review I decided to choose this one! x and that cover is so cute I want it on my shelf like right now! :D thanks for the review.
The more I reviews I read, the more I want to read it. Plus the cover art it’s just beautiful.
Thanks for such a lovely review.
<3
Lorena Vega recently posted…Adivina la película TAG
I’m REALLY excited about this one! They have it on PulseIt, but I just have so many to read at the moment I’ve not gotten around to it. Great review Chica!
~Mily
Emily recently posted…WoW #7
Gosh, I really can’t wait to read this book! When I first knew that book was written by Morgan Matson, I was soo excited!! Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour was absolutely beautiful and I have high hopes on this one. Great review! Haven’t read contemporary reads nowadays, I hope this one would be that good :D
This sort of reminds me of Paper Towns minus the travelling so much and the boy perspective. It has this feel in which unless Emily gets all things asked by Sloane, then she’ll never find her, same as if Q cannot solve the clues, he’ll never see Margo. Also, I am a huge fan of Morgan Matson! I have read her two other books, and they are a treat! Second Chance Summer is my favorite!
Jayvee De Castro recently posted…Book Nerd Special RECAP: #VTRinPH
Wow. Another interesting book from Morgan Matson.
And I’m really into hopes of getting a hardcover version because of the dust jacket – poster!!!
Eeks! :D
I really hope the beautiful cover matches a good story.
:D
I’m a sucker for contemporary ya/romance books! Looking forward to reading this one :)
I really want to read this book for a while now but still hadn’t the time to pick it up. I’m glad you liked it. :)
Great review Kelly! Can’t wait to read this book, it sounds so good and I only hear great things about it! =)
Bieke @ Istyria book blog recently posted…Armchair BEA 2014: Introduction
This book has quickly become one of my new favourites. It’s so beautiful and just makes my heart so genuinely happy! It’s so heartwarming to see that others enjoy it just as much as I did! :)
Maddie @ The Girly Geek recently posted…My Bookish Pet Peeves! | #1
Reading this review makes me want to read it more. Great review :)
I wasn’t actually planning on reading this one, but now that I’ve seen your super positive review, I’m hoping to pick up a copy from the library soon!
I loved this book! Such a great premise and it was a lot of fun to read. I seriously need to read her other books now (they’ve been on my shelf too long!) Glad you loved this one too!
I was putting off reading this book for so long but the cover always wanted me to read the book. However I tried not to judge the book by its cover and left it. After reading your review, I am definitely going to read it
This book sound so good! i’ve been dying to read more books by Morgan Matson and this one looks perfect for a summer read, thanks for the review ;)
gaaaahh you gave 5 stars for it! amazing! I have been wanting to have it for months but I just can’t find it on my local bookstores! I should really find a copy ASAP before school starts again! :D
I wasn’t too sure about this one since I found Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour “okay” rather than great but after reading this.. I’ll HAVE to get it! :)
Ahh I’ve been wanting to read this one so bad! It’s all I’ve heard about lately. Can’t wait!