Since you've been gone by Morgan Matson

Author: Morgan Matson
Rating: 4.75/5 stars.
Genre: YA Contemporary
Published May 6th 2014
by Simon & Schuster

 Goodreads synopsis: 

"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?"

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This is my second Morgan Matson read and I've come to realize that her books are in some form a sort of addiction; you just can't get enough. Since You've been Gone was a read that made me feel like I've been injected with sunshine mixed with a dose of cheerful thoughts and bright smiles. 

The synopsis grabbed my attention and I loved seeing how it got to be developed into a light and fun read. The characters are so realistic, same goes to the story and that's what I enjoy the most about Matson's books; they're extremely close to reality. There's nothing in her stories that would seem impossible to accomplish or have. It's a quite the positive thought in this world. 

I loved all characters, Emily and Frank were my favorites. I could see where Emily is coming from, I understood her social awkwardness and her lack of capacity to make small talks, friends or even to go out of her comfort zone. She was a girl who was quite comfortable in her small, safe life with her one friend, a girl who didn't even know that she's capable of lots of adventures. 

I loved seeing her how growing into herself with every item - more like dare - on the list, giving up at first then going and giving herself another chance. I love love loved her character development. 

As for Frank, the A+ boy, dedicated worker ... I loved how daring he became how he figured out step by step that life has more to it. With him change started with a will to run, to learn something new. And oh boy I loved how a dedicated fan to The Beatles he was. 

I loved Emily's brother, a perfect tiny example for bravery and boldness. I love to think that this little guy had something to do with her readiness to take on a challenge. 

I loved Collins, he cracked me up.

The down side for me was Sloane and Dawn. 

If you really think about it, we didn't actually meet Sloane, she was this ghost of a character that got revealed in the last 5 pages; I would've loved to know more about her.

Dawn on the other hand, I didn't like how she jumped into Emily's life when she needed to and gave up on her the minute things got tough a bit. 

Overall, this was an amazing read. I'd totally recommend it; it put me in such a good, happy mood.