Since You’ve Been Gone

Since You’ve Been Gone cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Technical
  • ID: 2419
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-19
Compelling 4.50

The reviewer found the book to be a compelling exploration of grief and friendship, with well-developed characters and a narrative that balances emotional depth with a suspenseful mystery. They appreciated the author's ability to weave together multiple storylines and themes, creating a story that feels both personal and expansive.

The reviewer thoroughly enjoyed this book, praising its thoughtful portrayal of grief and the complexities of human relationships. They found the characters to be richly drawn and relatable, particularly the protagonist's journey through loss and self-discovery. The narrative is engaging, with a mystery that unfolds gradually, keeping the reader invested. The author's writing is evocative, capturing the nuances of emotion and the passage of time effectively. Overall, it's a moving and satisfying read that lingers in the mind long after finishing.


Quick quotes

    The characters are so well-developed, each one feels like a fully realized person with their own struggles and triumphs.

    The way the author weaves together the past and present is masterful, creating a story that feels both intimate and expansive.

    The emotional depth of the book is remarkable, tackling themes of grief, friendship, and identity with sensitivity and insight.

thecontentedreader.ca · Unknown · 2025-10-19
charming 4.50

The reviewer enjoyed the book, highlighting Emily's journey of self-discovery and growth as she follows Sloane's list with the help of Frank Porter. The story is a charming exploration of friendship and transformation.

Emily's life is turned upside down when her best friend Sloane disappears, leaving behind a list of tasks. With Frank Porter's help, Emily embarks on a summer of self-discovery, checking off each item and learning to embrace new experiences. The story is a heartwarming tale of friendship and finding oneself.


Quick quotes

    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.

    Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane’s list.

sprinkledpages.blogspot.com · Unknown · 2016-08-23
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer found 'Since You’ve Been Gone' to be a touching and relatable novel about self-discovery, highlighting the protagonist's journey and personal growth. They felt a strong connection with the main character and appreciated the well-developed secondary characters.

The reviewer absolutely loved 'Since You’ve Been Gone', considering it their favorite book of 2014. They found the story to be sweet, thoughtful, and poignant, with a strong focus on the protagonist's journey of self-discovery. The reviewer felt a deep connection with the main character, Emily, and appreciated how the novel explored themes of identity and friendship. The secondary characters were also well-developed and added depth to the story. Overall, the reviewer highly recommends this book to anyone looking for a compelling young adult novel.


Quick quotes

    Since You’ve Been Gone was my most highly-anticipated release of 2014 and this novel managed to surpass each and every expectation I had prior to beginning it. Sweet, thoughtful, poignant and a whole lot of fun, Since You’ve Been Gone is the best book I’ve read thus far in 2014 and I have no doubt will remain a favourite for many years to come.

    I’ve allowed anxiety and insecurity to dictate choices in my life and dissuade me from doing something I otherwise might be interested in.

    Her writing is almost too good. I suspect there might be some sort of sorcery involved.

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2015-08-14
enjoyable 3.00

This book is a fun, summery read about friendship and self-discovery, though it falls short with rushed character development and an unsatisfying conclusion. The reviewer enjoyed the creative premise but felt the execution lacked depth.

The reviewer found 'Since You've Been Gone' to be a charming and engaging story centered around friendship, with a unique premise that sets it apart from other books. However, the rushed character development and unresolved plot points left the reviewer feeling unsatisfied. Despite its flaws, the book captures the essence of summer and the beauty of everyday moments with friends.


Quick quotes

    Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson is a fun, summery and cute read about friendship and becoming your own person.

    I don’t feel the character development that was supposed to happen in the middle really did happen, which was disappointing since the book was all about how Emily comes out of her shell.

    The whole pace of the book suddenly sped up and at times got a little clunky and awkward as she transitioned from chapters, which ruined the effect of the book for me.