A review by withlovenour
Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

5.0

This book is the perfect start of summer read. I am so glad I read it just as summer was begging, setting myself up for the perfect holiday mindset. Another aspect I loved about this story was the extent of the character development. I have never been more satisfied with a character's development and growth in character before. Emily grows from a highly self-conscious and socially anxious person into a strong, independent person capable of forming personal friendships but also of existing as an individual. It was inspiring to see her take her life into her own hand and go about finishing different parts of the list with different people in her life. It was also quite refreshing to read a summer story that centers on the love between two best friends and the struggles and ups and downs that come with friendship, and while there is romance in this story (like any proper teen summer story) it does not take over the plot and rob the story of other aspects, rather enhances them.