Since You've Been Gone 7/10

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

7/10 

Morgan Matson's 2014 novel 'Since You've Been Gone' is a contemporary novel that delves into the the importance of friendship and love, especially for seventeen year-old Emily Hughes. When Emily's best friend Sloane disappears with her family, leaving no trace except for  a list of things for Emily to accomplish in the summer, Emily is lost. She resolves that if she completes the list she may be able to find Sloane. However the list is made up of things that are the opposite of Emily's shy, reserved nature, including to go skinny dipping, kiss a stranger, break something and more. The novel follows Emily as she ventures to complete the list over the summer, and the relationships that form as a consequence.

I very much enjoyed reading this book. Morgan Matson makes her books really special as she includes extra things into the book such as music playlists and handwritten letters, almost as if it is a journal. This is really awesome because it is fun when you can recognise some of the songs and feel more deeply involved with the characters. Also, Frank is an awesome, funny and easy-to-love character that is created so well by Matson.
The reason that I am not giving this book a higher rating is simply because it is not the type of book that I love to read. However, this is the type of book that would be perfect to cure a book hangover after a particularly good series or a world-stopping romance as it is an all-round feel-good book with a fantastic storyline and comforting ending. Click here to see Since You've Been Gone on goodreads