SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE

BY

MORGAN MATSON

Before Sloane, Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, and she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend — someone 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 with thirteen bizarre tasks that Emily would never try. But what if they can lead her to Sloane?

Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough.

Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not?

Kiss a stranger? Um…

Go Skinny Dipping? Wait, what?

I’ve wanted to read this book for so long but I had been putting it off, waiting for the right time to read it. When I started reading this book I did not expect to love it so much and honestly I was surprised that I didn’t even want to put it down.

I have to say, the main character Emily, she is one of my favourites. She reminds me a lot of myself when I was her age. In the beginning she seems a little awkward. She can’t even keep conversations with people but as the story continues you can really sense how much confidence she’s gaining and how brave she’s becoming.

Emily’s family are also one of my favourites. The main characters family aren’t usually mentioned in most books which are a little unfortunate. But, in this case I really got to know Emily’s family and how much fun they are. Her little brother, Beckett seems so much fun and crazy.

Emily’s new found friendships are so heart-warming and so interesting. Morgan Matson really keeps you on your toes to the very end to make all you’re hoping for come to life. You end up really rooting for Emily and Frank’s relationship and wanting more. Even though I only read about Sloan in Emily’s flashbacks, I have mixed feelings about her. I don’t love her and I don’t hate her. There are times where I thought how could you do this or that and there are times where I empathise for her.

Everything about this book is beautiful. It also made me want to try and do some of the things on Sloan’s list for Emily. I also want to mention the fact that Morgan Matson included playlists that Emily and Frank listened to during their runs and oh my how happy I was to see so many of my favourite bands and songs on those playlists. Well done Morgan!

This book made me want there to be a sequel just so I know if Emily and Sloan stay friends forever and what happens to Emily and her other friends such as Dawn and Collins. I’d also love there to be a book in Sloan’s point of view because she seems to have a very interesting life also.

Overall, I loved this book and I’m definitely going to re-read this probably soon if I’m honest. I loved the style of writing Morgan Matson used and how every chapter made me more and more excited. 

I would give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

- Bita xo