Since You’ve Been Gone: A Celebration of Friendship and Growth
As a devoted fan of Morgan Matson’s work, I approached Since You’ve Been Gone with an eager heart, having been captivated by her debut, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour. That book sparked my own creative pursuits, igniting a passion for storytelling that remains close to my heart, even if my own novel currently gathers digital dust. With that history at play, I couldn’t help but be thrilled at the prospect of Matson’s new contemporary tale.
At its core, Since You’ve Been Gone delves into the unsettling experience of losing a friendship—the kind of bond that wraps itself around your very essence. When we first meet Emily, she’s the timid shadow to her vibrant best friend, Sloane. Their dynamic is palpable; Sloane encourages Emily to embrace wild adventures, and through her, Emily finds glimpses of a life bursting with possibilities. But when Sloane vanishes one summer, the eerie silence left in her absence is akin to mourning, and Emily is left feeling adrift.
It took me a moment to fully connect with Emily’s pain, as I’ve not experienced a friendship that integral to my existence. But Matson brilliantly crafts Emily’s journey, allowing us to see her mourning through beautifully rendered flashbacks. It’s like peeling back layers of an onion; with each memory, you understand how much Sloane was a source of courage and color in Emily’s life. The twists and turns of their friendship, along with the tasks Sloane leaves behind—like “Hug a Jamie” and “Kiss a stranger”—serve as both a challenge and a means for Emily to reclaim herself.
What truly struck me about Matson’s writing is how she manages to slip in humor and warmth amidst deeper themes of self-discovery and growth. Each chapter titled with a task beautifully intertwines past and present, making the reading experience feel rich and fulfilling. The prose is effortlessly engaging. I was captivated by lines like, “But that was my best friend, the kind of girl your eyes went to in a crowd.” Matson gives voice to the often unspoken nature of friendship, the importance of that shared connection that offers both joy and, at times, heartache.
The cast of secondary characters adds depth and charm, from Emily’s spirited brother to the quirky pizza delivery girl, Dawn. They each contribute their unique flair to Emily’s summer, blending humor with poignant moments that keep readers giggling or gasping. Not to mention the dashing Frank Porter, whose relationship with Emily unfolds with such delightful authenticity—refreshingly free from the pitfalls of typical “insta-love” tropes.
In many ways, Since You’ve Been Gone isn’t just a story about friendship; it’s a vibrant exploration of courage, growth, and the complexities of letting go. It showcases how the bonds we create can deeply shape our identity, especially during formative years.
This book is a refreshing gift for anyone who has ever felt caught between their desires for independence and the warmth of companionship. Matson’s storytelling will resonate, particularly with YA fans longing for authentic narratives about friendship. If you’re looking for a heartfelt journey that’s at once fun and reflective, Since You’ve Been Gone will embrace you like a long-lost friend.
Reading this book felt like a gentle reminder to embrace life’s unpredictability, to take brave steps toward self-discovery, and, above all, to treasure the friendships that mold us. I won’t be putting this one down anytime soon—I’ve already found it nestled in my heart, ready for countless re-readings in the future.