Since You've Been Gone

I really enjoy what I've come to refer to as the scavenger hunt genre of YA. Books along the lines of Papertowns, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, and I am the Messenger, where one person sends another on a journey to do seemingly random things that have hidden meaning. It is sort of an emotional/coming of age National Treasure if you will (with less Nick Cage). This book is both a prime example and a wonderful addition to this genre. I loved it start to finish. It made me laugh, feel a range of emotions, and want to go out and do something new. It is a perfect summer novel!


I listened to the audiobook on my journeys to college, and I will say it is not a great audiobook. There are a lot of random pauses, just moments of dead air for no apparent reason. I kept imagining the page flipping on the audiobook script. The voice acting was pretty great though.

4.25/5 stars

This book was pure adorable. Everything about it.

Frank Porter is such a little bean and if you are looking for a good guy male romantic interest I suggest picking this book up! All the characters had so many little quirks that made them really come to life. I also loved having a male/male friendship shown in depth in a book as well as just a platonic male/female friendship. The activity that the family/parents play in this book is realistic. It shows that parents aren't perfect but they are there when needed. The plot had a very good arc that I truly loved if you are a more plot-driven reader. Just this book was pure joy and a great summer read!

I just finished reading it and .... I really enjoyed this book. At first, I did not think I would, but, as the saying goes, “Never judge a book by its cover.” This group of friends made me nostalgic. I wished I had friends like this in HS.


Great job, Morgan Matson. I am inspired to work on a yearly bucket list.