Monday 9 March 2015

Review: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Publication Date: July 3rd 2014
My rating: 4.5 stars


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? Go skinny-dipping? Wait...what?

In a well ordered universe I would be sitting here with a huge smile on my face after reading Since You’ve Been Gone.
Since You’ve Been Gone was one of the best contemporary YA books I have read in a long time, it was fun watching Emily attempt to complete a list of things her best friend Sloane left behind. Sloane upped and left without a single explanation, Emily tried ringing her and even tried her house but to no success. It was a daunting time for Emily, as she had relied on Sloane in the past for so much and now the summer they had planned to be the best summer ever is just gone. Emily isn’t the most social person ever, but she could be when Sloane was there.  But now all she’s got is a list of things to do that Sloane has left for her to do, maybe after competing them it will give her some clue to where Sloane is, but maybe it’s the push Emily needs to step out of Sloane’s shadow and experience a greater summer for herself.

In a well ordered universe I would have found some of my favourite characters in a long time.
I really did feel for Emily, I’ve had friendships before where I’ve been fully dependant on my friend to guide me through things and when I’ve been on my own, I’ve been a utter pip squeak. And Emily really didn’t have her parents around to confide in either, once they got ideas about a fantastic play, they would be cooped in their own little world for weeks after. So I was hoping that this would bring Emily out of her shell more. It certainly led to Emily finding friends in the most unexpected places. Collins and Frank Porter were two guys from school that Emily would never have hung out with, but they end up bumping into each other over summer and before you know it Emily is telling Frank about her list from Sloane and Collins and Frank are helping Emily complete it with the most hilarious results. So in a way despite Sloane being described as the best friend ever, I’m kind of glad that she did leave, as Emily would never have found such wonderful friends as Collins and Frank. I loved how Collins and Frank complimented one another, how they could pull each other in line when they went over board and how they were always joking around, they were such cool guys, exactly the sort of fun Emily needed. I’m glad that Collins and Frank and even Dawn were able to shift the whole list from being about Sloane to it not being her. As I liked the growth that Emily was able to go through and as she started to take more of the items on the list in her stride and became more daring.

In a world ordered universe I shall be devouring the next book by Morgan Matson straight away.
I think as the story progressed the less I started to care about what happened to Sloane. I was intrigued in the very beginning, but characters such as Collins, Dawn and Frank and the adventures they went on were easily able to make you forget that. For most of the read I had assumed that Since You’ve Been Gone was going to be a 5 star read for me, but something towards the end kind of made me knock that half star off  (Highlight to view spoiler) why couldn’t Emily just listen to Frank, I know she was scared she was going to lose her friendship with Frank, but if she hadn’t have stormed off maybe things wouldn’t have been as awkward and they may have gotten together sooner?. That’s my only complaint, otherwise Since You’ve Been Gone was an amazing read, it was full with wonderful friendships emerging amongst characters you’ll least expected them to and funny epic adventures. In a well ordered universe this book shouldn’t be missed out on!



17 comments:

Carina Olsen said...

I like this cover a whole lot. <3 So cute. Amazing review Jasprit :D I'm so glad you mostly really loved this book. <3 It seems great :) Though I'm not reading much contemporary, so not for me, not yet :p But one day, I hope, since it do seem pretty awesome :D Thank you for sharing your thoughts sweetie. <3

Danielle said...

Yay! So glad this was a hit for us both. I'm hoping I can get my review written this week but given I haven't been able to review Amy and Roger yet and I read that in January I'm not sure! Too many feels. Matson is definitely an auto-buy author now for sure and I don't have many of those anymore. Fab review, Jasprit! Totally agree with everything you said!

Faye M. said...

This is one of those contemporary YAs that I know is largely about friendship and finding yourself within you and among your friends (or newfound ones ;D). I'm so happy to know that this was an exceptional read for you, Jasprit! I have this on my Kindle and can't wait to get to it when I get the chance. I just love the idea of losing your friend, and by losing your friend, you find yourself and other friends :) I do hope that Sloane does come back, though (DON'T SPOIL ME HAHA)

Faye at The Social Potato

Anonymous said...

I've been hearing only great things about this book but never got around to reading it. :) I love friendship stories and I hope to read SYBG this year. :)

Anonymous said...

Wonderful review, Jasprit! I loved this book so much too and I think it might be my favorite Morgan Matson book. I loved the friendships and the dynamics between the characters. And yes, I was glad that Sloane left because it really allowed Emily to grow as an individual and be herself.
I need Morgan Matson to write more books!!
Lovely review! :)

Amanda Gray said...

Oooooo, I have this book and I have plans for it in Summer and everything is going to be wonderful and amazing and your review only makes me more excited! Gah, I cannot wait for to read this, thank you Jasprit! :)

Keertana said...

I've yet to read a book by this author and while I've heard mostly positives on this novel, I somehow haven't picked it up yet. Thanks for bringing it back to my attention, Jasprit! Your love for this book is going to have me bumping it waaay up my TBR for sure. Gorgeous review, dear!(:

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

Well I am so glad that this was a winner for you and that it left you smiling. I must check it out.

Teresa Mary Rose said...

I am so picky with my YA contemps which is probably why I haven't gotten to this one yet, but it really does sound good and I know soo many people love it. Hopefully one of these days. Great review!

Bee said...

I just read this book and started writing my review and I'm thinking this is going to be a 2 star review for me! So many people gave it great reviews but for some reason I was bored. Glad you liked it though! <3 Bee @ Bee Reads Books

So many books, so little time said...

Overall it sounds like a great wee read, never read this author before though so maybe keep an eye out for this one.

Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

Reviewing Shelf said...

Uh oh about the end. I love Morgan Matson and going by your review will pick this up soon.

brandileigh2003 said...

Great to hear you've enjoyed the friendships and the story

Leanna Elle said...

You loved this one more than I did, Jasprit. I love Morgan Matson's books but this one was a little slow moving for me and just didn't really work overall. Still looking forward to whatever she writes next, though! :)

Unknown said...

I got this book at BEA last year and still haven't read it! As soon as the weather turns warm I'm going in. :D I've heard so much about Frank and Emily; I can't wait to meet them!
Lovely review, Jasprit!

Joy said...

Whoot! I soo love this book! I'm glad you got the chance to finally read it, Jas. :)

Siiri said...

The story in general intrigues me but I tried getting into it last summer since Nick and I were supposed to do a buddy read, but I didn't really like the very detailed writing style so I felt like the pacing was very slow, but then again I liked it? So I'm not really sure why I stopped after 2 chapters. Need to try again :) I'm so glad you found this book funny and sweet and liked the characters and their growth :) I hope you have such luck with the next one from Matson as well :)

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