Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

I read this book last summer and I think I'm going to read it again this summer as well. It's one of those books that's just perfect for taking to the beach. It's the story of Emily, a shy introvert who finds a best friend in Sloane, a confident extrovert and gradually comes out of her shell. Then, one day, Sloane disappears, leaving only a letter behind, detailing thirteen tasks that Emily must complete over the summer. Emily hopes that if she completes the tasks, she'll somehow be led to Sloane.

I really liked this book. It's about friendship and seizing life by the horns and making the most of opportunities. It's also about not letting other people define who we are and making our own way in the world, and it gives these messages without being boring or preachy. It was There's a bit of romance, but it's not overpowering or instalovey. It's just a real feel-good story. 

One thing I would say is that it's kind of a long story. I didn't mind too much as a lot of it was backfilling Emily and Sloane's friendship with anecdotes, but it could put off some people, I guess.


4/5