As Emily starts to find her own life away from Sloane, she becomes more confident and sociable and it’s a refreshing change. The list features some pretty quintessential summer activities, like “Sleep under the stars”, “Share some secrets in the dark”, and “Apple picking at night” that makes this feel like the perfect summer novel.

However, as she starts to find her footing, I started enjoying the novel much more. I understand that that was the point – to have her develop throughout the novel – but in the beginning she was a bit exhausting to read about. She seemed a little too dependent on Sloane and a little bit whiny. To be honest, I didn’t like Emily at all at first. So, even though she’s totally not used to not having Sloane around and is the awkward and shy one in their duo, she sets out to complete the list.

If Emily can finish all of these tasks, she’s sure it’ll lead her to Sloane. Then a list from Sloane makes its way to Emily with tasks such as “Hug a Jamie”, “Go apple picking at night”, and even “Go skinny-dipping” on it. She doesn’t answer her phone, she isn’t responding to the many voicemails and text messages Emily sends her, and none of her family members are in the house they lived in. Sloane is her best friend and they are inseparable until one day, when Sloane just disappears with no warning. Since You’ve Been Gone is centered around Emily, who is known as one half of the “Emily and Sloane” package. I picked the perfect weekend to dive in, and dive in I did. When I won a copy from Goodreads, it was like it was meant to be. Agent: Emily Van Beek, Folio Literary Management.Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson was #1 on my tentative summer reading list because I had heard so many great things and I absolutely ADORE the cover/jacket design. It’s a sweet, leisurely read with a title that, thanks to Kelly Clarkson, begs to be shouted out loud. Matson’s characters feel like familiar, comforting friends, even Sloane, who readers glimpse in periodic flashbacks. Despite the novel’s missing-friend hook, Matson ( Second Chance Summer) primarily focuses on Emily’s progress with the list (the resolution of the question “What happened to Sloane?” is the weakest part of an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable story). Then, one of Sloane’s famous “to do” lists mysteriously shows up, with 13 directives for Emily, including “Kiss a stranger,” “Go skinny-dipping,” and “Dance until dawn.” In Sloane’s absence, the list-full of things she knew Emily would find fun, but a challenge, too-defines Emily’s summer, helping her meet new friends (including cute Frank Porter), come out of her shell, and find a way to hang on to Sloane. Emily Hughes’s best friend Sloane has disappeared without a trace-Emily has called, texted, and driven by her house, but it’s as though Sloane and her family have ceased to exist.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson