Since You’ve Been Gone

Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson, was an intriguing story about Emily, a keep to herself kind of girl, who was left behind by her best friend Sloane, a total live in the moment type. At the beginning of the summer, Sloane disappears without a word, but leaves behind a list of things for Emily to do over the summer. The list includes activities like “kiss a stranger” and “go skinny dipping”, things that Emily would never do. . . usually. As the summer progresses, Emily fights her fears and learns a number of things about her friends, her family, herself, and even her relationship with Sloane. Emily starts to believe in herself more and she realizes that she can live a fun, adventurous life by simply being herself. This story truly brings out the fears that a teenager has in a friendship – what do I do and say? What do they really think of me? What do I really think of them? – and puts these questions into perspective. This book was extremely fun to read, I couldn’t put it down. I would totally recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a little humor, a little romance, and a whole lot of intrigue.