By Morgan Matson Since You've Been Gone Paperback – 2 July 2014

I’m sure I can’t be the only sexagenarian grandma with a secret passion for young adult fiction. And this delightful book is as good a reason why as any. We were all teenagers once, so it’s very easy to relate to the angst and insecurities of that awkward age. The advantage we oldies have is that we’ve been through it and come out the other side, a little bit bruised perhaps, but certainly wiser, and with some great stories to tell the grandchildren. This means we can read wonderful novels like this from a more relaxed perspective than the targeted teenage audience and, dare I say, enjoy them all the more.‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ bears all the hallmarks of a great YA read. There’s eminently relatable heroine, Emily, who’s shy, insecure and more than a little in awe of her BFF, Sloane, whom she relies on for guidance on absolutely everything. Where Sloane goes, Emily follows, so when Sloane mysteriously disappears at the beginning of the summer - a summer they’d planned down to the last detail - Emily is bereft. Without Sloane, she’s nobody.The story of Emily’s ‘coming-of-age’ summer is charming, funny and real. Every woman over the age of 16 will identify with her angst, fears, confusion and lack of confidence, and loudly cheer her transformation, as she emerges from her shell, discovers and accepts who she is, and blossoms in her new skin. All with a little help from unexpected running buddy and school valedictorian-in-waiting, the lovely Frank.The message, of course, is that we all have to conquer our fears, find ourselves and ultimately be ourselves, without using others as a crutch. You can be best friends and still be individuals, be alike but different. It’s called growing up.I urge all YAs reading this review to share ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ with their mums and grandmas, then ask them to tell you the story of their own coming-of-age summer. We’ve all got one, and theirs might just surprise you!Thanks for reading my review. I hope you found it helpful. You can find more candid book reviews on my Amazon profile page.

Morgan Matson has been one of my favorite authors for a really long time. I first fell in love with her writing when I read Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, then I read Second Chance Summer, which quickly became on of my favorite books, so I was really excited when I heard about this new book.I was so excited when I got my copy and I wanted to start reading it right away. I was definitely not disappointed.One of the things I loved so much about this book, was the use of both the present moment and the flashbacks. I felt like they were definitely needed, because it allowed us to get to know Sloane and understand Emily's friendship with her. I really loved how the flashbacks tied in with things that were happening to Emily in the present moment.Another fantastic aspect of this book was the inclusion of playlists. I loved that in Amy & Rogers and I loved it here.The characters in this novel were also all fantastic. From main to supporting, I loved everyone and everyone played an interesting role.I especially loved the relationship between Emily and Frank. I liked how this was played out subtly, and it didn't overshadow the list and everything connected with that.The list itself was great, there were some interesting things on there, and I really liked that each chapter dealt with a different part of that list.I also loved how by working on the list, and making new friends with Sloane out of the picture, Emily was able to make a lot of really great character growth.All in all this is a fantastic read, and I highly recommend not only this book, but Morgan Matson's other work as well.

I did enjoy this book however, I only started to really get into it in the last third or so where I felt the climax had really been reached. A book need a beginning, rising action, the climax and an end. By the time I was halfway through there still wasn't a big climax happening so I got slightly bored with it. The ending was really great though

I bought this when I first purchased my kindle and as it was 99p, was the only thing I could afford! I have read other novels by this author and found that I enjoyed this more than the others I had read. I found that the characters were well developed and I loved the development of Emily though Frank's intervention and Sloane's list. The only thing I felt about the novel could have been a little bit shorter as I felt it dragged in places, but overall a delightful read that proved 99p books are most definitely worth a go!

I loved this. I loved Emily, I loved THE LIST - I really want someone to do a list for me!And Frank Porter you make me swoon. Frank is sweet, he's funny, he's handsome, he's summer and he makes me giggly all in equal measures.Most of all I LOVED the relationship between Sloane and Emily - I love a book with a REAL friendship in it, and this friendship just spoke to me - I could relate to it SO MUCH.BRILLIANT.

A fabulous novel, built around the not so confident Emily, and a bucket-list sent by Emily's disappeared, perfect, best friend, Sloane. But the novel develops into something more than conquering your fears and searching for a lost friend.The story and characters are very engaging, and the style is easy, yet evocative.I really NEED to read more Morgan Matsen - right now! Hit that download button!

I didn't think I could like this book as much as Morgan Matson's book Amy & Rogers epic detour. But I did, it was far better. I could not put it down. I would have read it in one long session, but had to force myself to put it down, it was ridiculous o/clock in the morning. It's about a girl who's friend leaves at the start of the summer without a word. Emily gets a letter and on it is a list of things her friend leaves for her to do. Emily believes this will some how lead her to find Sloane. Which leads to a very different summer than Emily had foreseen coming without her find. I without doubt we re-read this.