Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Author: Morgan Matson

Published: May 6th 2014
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genres/age group: Contemporary, romance, young adult
External links: Goodreads • Amazon

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. On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back? Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough. Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a stranger? Um... Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane's list. Who knows what she’ll find? Go skinny-dipping? Wait...what?

This is now my second attempt at writing this review as I had written and scheduled this post but after moving my blog back over to blogspot, I lost the post. Oh well!

A story of everlasting friendships, first loves and finding yourself, Since You've Been Gone is one of my favourite novels of all time. I loved this book the first time I read it, but the second time around I adored it. Emily, the protagonist of the novel, was a character I could honestly relate to. At the beginning of the book, Emily is a wallflower and is dependent on her best friend, Sloane, in almost every social situation. She is reserved and shy (I saw so much of my 16/17 year old self in Emily) and hasn't really found herself, or who she really is. Almost all of her memories prior Sloane going missing consist of her acting as Sloane's counter piece, a shadow in the background.

Throughout the novel, Emily discovers (without her best friend by her side) who she really is, and her journey was an amazing one to be a part of as a reader. Morgan Matson is a pro at pacing and of character development and this book highlights just how talented Morgan is as an author. I could never fault how Morgan's characters transition throughout the novels as it always just seems right (plus, how awesome is it that Morgan brings back old characters into her books?!). By the end of the novel, Emily has faced both awkward and uncomfortable situations I'm sure most of us can relate to, but it's a slow and challenging process and it's just so realistic.

Sloane, on the other hand, is Emily's outgoing counterpart. As a character she is outgoing and laid back, very much different to Emily herself, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading Emily's memories of Sloane. Like chalk and cheese, these two girls were completely different and as characters I really believe they really help in balance each other out. Emily, providing the voice of rationality to Sloane's acts of spontaneity.

I loved Emily's new formed friends (Frank, Collins and Dawn) but I particularly loved the friendship between Emily and Frank. I've swooned over Frank before, he is probably my favourite male character in a novel (next to Roger in Amy and Roger's Epic Detour - also by Morgan Matson!). He is genuinely such a good guy, he always put others before himself and made sure that Emily was okay and comfortable. Plus, I adored how their friendship blossomed into a relationship so gradual and lovely, it was never a "love at first sight" or a "in your face" type of romance and I think that just added a whole lot more to the story.

I also loved how Emily's family life was always present, whether it was through her parents who are theatre fanatics or her adventurous little brother Beckett (whose relationship I also admired, I love how they look out for one another).

In a well ordered universe, there would already be a sequel to Since You've Been Gone. Morgan Matson is an extremely talented story-teller and her novels are so well thought out and have such likeable and relatable characters. Her pacing and character development is perhaps the best I've seen in any young adult novels and until her next book, The Unexpected Everything, is published next year, I will be going through and re-reading all her novels (starting, of course, with Since You've Been Gone).

Since You've Been Gone addresses everything good about summer, friendships and first loves. It is a book that will honestly warm your heart. I loved this novel the first time, and I absolutely adored it the second. I have no doubt I will re-re-read it again in the future. Morgan Matson is an extremely talented story-teller and her novels are so well thought out and have such likeable and relatable characters. Her pacing and character development is perhaps the best I've seen in any young adult novels. Now, I'm going to move onto Amy and Roger's Epic Detour for the second time so that I get my Morgan Matson fix until The Unexpected Everything is published next year.

Team Frank Porter forever.

My rating: ★★★★★

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

My edition: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Paperback
First published: 2012
Pages: 368
Source: Own book

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

Thoughts: Sáenz perfectly crafts a unique and raw story about friendship, identity, and most importantly, self-acceptance. As a 15 year old boy of Mexican heritage, with a brother in prison and an emotionally fractured father, Aristotle was an interesting protagonist to follow. The story, from Aristotle’s point of view, is a refreshing and raw account of coming to terms with self-identity and most importantly, acceptance. From the very first encounter, reader’s discover that Aristotle’s heritage is one of significance to him yet a one he tries to exclude himself from. This element of heritage, and of Mexican stereotypes in particular, is one which Aristotle finds challenging throughout the entire novel and one which I found personally fascinating. Aristotle is a cynical, yet curious, character and his narrative is filled with questions and comparisons to greater perspectives.

Running parallel to Aristotle’s Mexican heritage and family life is his friendship with Dante. Ari and Dante meet when they are fifteen, during a summer of utter boredom, and their friendship is narrated over the course of a couple of years. Their friendship is a balancing act: sweet and tender, playful and serious, full of intellectual interactions and questioning about life, the universe and everything. It is a beautiful story of friendship – although their friendship does eventually develop into an awesome romantic relationship that comes from falling in love with a person you already love so much. I like just-friends story and they are so important but Ari and Dante’s friends-to-lovers story felt so right there is no resentment from this reader.

Aristotle and Dante is a smart, intelligent, engaging coming-of-age story and a deep, thoughtful exploration of identity and sexuality. This book positively deals with stereotypes, with sexuality, and with bullying. It’s raw, unique, and utterly wonderful. My rating: ★★★★★

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

My edition: 2015 eBook
First published: 2012
Pages: 480, roughly
Source: Own book

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains. Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve. As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.

Thoughts: A beautifully crafted story about everlasting love, friendship, and heartbreak. Matson knows how to connect to her audience and uses it to her advantage, Second Chance Summer is an emotional read – an ultimate tear-jerker.

Over the course of one summer, Taylor, the protagonist, and her family decide to spend the summer at their lake house. After recently finding out her dad is ill, Taylor is determined to make everyday count. Alas, her dad encourages her to do something productive during the summer and thus, Taylor consequently, finds herself running into both her old best friend and ex boyfriend. In a rapid whirlwind of one summer, Taylor is constantly reminded back to what occurred the summer five years prior, before everything had changed.

Dealing with all of this, with her old friendships and her ill Dad respectively, Taylor was a really interesting character to follow, and I think Matson, as an author, finds the perfect balance between family, friends, and love, to share Taylor’s story. Character development is a huge part of this novel and I adored every character in this book, flaws and all. I loved Taylor’s rationality, Lucy’s craziness, Henry’s good nature, and Warren’s social awkwardness.

Although there was the obvious first love and blossoming summer romance, Taylor’s relationship with her family was the main theme of this novel, and Taylor’s bond with her father is an admirable one. As Judith also points out in her review, cancer (and other terminal illnesses) is a subject in books I tend to avoid. However, Matson delicately touches on Taylor’s father’s terminal illness in a way that is (almost) impeccable. Matson portrayed cancer in such a way that indeed it was present but it felt almost natural. For example, there was no sugarcoating in this story, and as Taylor’s dad got progressively worse, you can feel the tension in the family. But I somewhat related to that turbulent relationship Taylor had with her family. Family is not always perfect, nor is life, yet the character’s love for each other was always evident. This story flowed beautifully, from beginning to end, and although I could predict the ending, I was more than satisfied with the way Matson ended it.

I loved this book, and I have adored all Matson’s novels. I’ve read and raved about Since You’ve Been Gone and Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour in the past, and Second Chance Summer didn’t disappoint. This book stayed with me after I’d read it, I cried numerous times, and I guess that’s the kind of response you want as a reader and simultaneously as an author, too. Matson’s writing is outstanding, and I am so happy to have experienced this story. Second Chance Summer was real, raw, it tested my emotions, but I can't wait to read more of Matson’s work – like her next book, The Unexpected Everything.

My rating: ★★★★★

The Real Thing by Cassie Mae

My edition: eBook

First published: 2014

Pages: 235

Source: Random House Publishing Group Loveswept/Flirt via Netgalley, thank you!

In this electrifying novel from Cassie Mae, two close friends surprise themselves by shifting from platonic love to sexual attraction. Eric Matua has one friend—his best friend and childhood sweetheart, who needs a place to stay for the summer. Mia Johnson has thousands of friends—who live in her computer. Along with her email chats and Facebook notifications, Mia also devours romance novels, spending countless hours with fictional characters, dreaming of her own Romeo to sweep her off her feet. When she starts receiving supersweet messages from a stranger who thinks she’s someone else, Mia begins to believe that real love is possible outside her virtual world. When the two friends become roommates, Mia finds herself falling harder than she ever thought she could. But Eric keeps his desires locked away, unsure of himself and his ability to give his best friend what she deserves in a boyfriend. As her advances are continually spurned, Mia splits her time between Eric and her computer. But she soon realizes she’s about to lose the only real thing she’s ever had.

Thoughts: "Today I get to see my best friend after THREE VERY LONG YEARS!” writes one of The Real Thing's protagonists - Emilia - as she and best friend, Eric prepare for a summer of living together. Growing up as childhood best friends, the pair have remained in contact over the years through various social media platforms, but when Eric and Emmy finally meet up they realise there's a possibility for something more, something real.

Gripping, passionate and modern, I adored The Real Thing, so much so I devoured it in a matter of hours. Gorgeous, tan and buff Eric truly made my heart melt. However, regardless of his new muscular physique, there is more to Eric’s character that meets the eye. Eric is unfortunately very self-conscious of his body image and (along with his older brother) is a victim of social anxiety and evidently, panic attacks. As a sufferer of anxiety myself, it was so refreshing to see an author cover this topic in such vast detail, especially in a categorized 'New Adult' book. Not only did I feel that Eric's attacks helped defined his shy, self-conscious personality but it also made Eric's character so 'real' I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything was going to be okay.

Similarly, Emilia or 'Emmy' as Eric adorably calls her, has her own issues. Although they are minor in comparison to Eric's attacks, Emmy is addicted to her laptop and phone, whether that’s due to social media or reading books on her Kindle app. Obsessively tweeting, emailing and sharing her life online, Emmy's addiction creates an ironic social boundary in her real life whereby she actually compares people and boys she knows to her online friends or fictional and flawless 'book boyfriends'. Some of my favourite quotes in this novel were focused around Emmy's passion for reading, which, when I first read them, I couldn't help obsessively highlighting and re-reading:

• "I just read the ‘I love you’ scene”, she says, scooting over to me when I settle on the bed. she holds the e-reader between us so I can see the spot she highlighted. “It took nearly the whole book for them to get there, so I sort of squealed a little when I read it”.

• She pulls the e-reader back and flicks to her Kindle home screen. I smirk at all the books with shirtless guys on the covers. Even in the dark she catches it. "Yes I’m a romance junkie."

Regardless of Emmy's preference for fictional romance novels, the obvious passion between Eric and Emmy is present the first time they meet. After chatting exclusively online for years, the two have so much sexual attraction; you can almost physically feel it. I loved the way Eric and Emmy acted around each other, so innocent and comfortable yet clearly the two wanted something more. The fact that Eric would read his favourite Dr Suess novels to Emilia at night, I could barely handle the cuteness. Additionally, the way in which Eric views Emmy, especially the minor details of her appearance such as ’the way her freckles speckle over the bridge of her nose, the way her mouth never quite closes, and how her hair always has one piece that refuses to stay in place’ was utterly adorable.

That's another reason why I loved this book, the characters are so realistic due to small details like: Emmy's favourite flavour is actually 'yellow' or that she owns a frog loofah, that Eric finds the ocean calming or that his favourite Dr Suess novel is Oh the Places You’ll Go!. The small details aren't ignored, but highlighted, and consequently, they add so much more depth to the characters. Similarly, the characters family and friends are involved in the story too, they aren’t replaced for a storyline solely focused on sex, which I have witnessed in other new adult novels. 

Quoting Dr Suess and documenting Goodreads status', I truly have nothing but praise for this book. From the first page to the last, I was hooked on The Real Thing's romantic spell. Mae is a New Adult queen, and her steady paced, articulate prose has rekindled my love for the New Adult genre. The Real Thing is a beautiful, sweet and also sensual novel, which I will, no doubt re read again and again. I highly recommend this novel - which I already have, obsessively, on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram and Goodreads - and I'm very excited to discover more of Mae's work.

My rating: ★★★★★

On the Fence by Kasie West

My edition: eBook

First published: 2014

Pages: 304

Source: Own copy

For sixteen-year-old Charlotte Reynolds, aka Charlie, being raised by a single dad and three older brothers has its perks. She can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows—including her longtime neighbor and honorary fourth brother, Braden. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world of makeup, lacy skirts, and BeDazzlers. Even stranger, she's spending time with a boy who has never seen her tear it up in a pickup game. To cope with the stress of faking her way through this new reality, Charlie seeks late-night refuge in her backyard, talking out her problems with Braden by the fence that separates them. But their Fence Chats can't solve Charlie's biggest problem: she's falling for Braden. Hard. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

Thoughts: Tomboy Charlie is accustomed to all things... boy. Charlie is oblivious to how 'girly-girls' act, growing up with no mother figure, three older brothers, and a brother-figure neighbour Braden. Preferring football in the mud to make-up, Charlie is forced to step out of her comfort zone when she receives a speeding ticket she can't afford. On the Fence is a journey of discovering yourself, first love and family. 

Tender and sweet, West's On the Fence was everything I hoped. Charlie was unlike any character I've read before. Always up for a challenge, competitive and carefree, I really loved the development of Charlie as a character. Similarly I loved learning about Braden and his family, and the secret 'fence talks' they participated in at night, which were so endearing. I loved how this novel wasn't rushed nor was it slow, but an even steady pace with new discoveries of characters throughout. I also loved Charlie's family life, her blunt brother, Gage, and how protective the boys were of Charlie. Everything about this novel screamed cute, even Charlie's dad who tried to understand Charlie’s 'girl issues' and problems.

On the Fence is an adorably beautiful novel about finding yourself and first loves. Since devouring this gorgeous novel, I've added all of Kasie West's books to my to read list. 

My rating: ★★★★★

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

My edition: eBook

Pages: 288

First published: 2014

Source: Own book

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

Thoughts: I was first introduced to the work of Jenny Han back in 2008 with her best-selling novel The Summer I Turned Pretty, a key essential in most summer reading lists. I liked The Summer I Turned Pretty, but from what I can remember it wasn't one of my favourites or a book I'd strongly recommend. Nonetheless, it was adorably heartwarming and that's why I turned to Jenny Han again.

To All The Boys I've Loved Before is narrated by teenager Lara Jean, a middle child, hardcore scrapbooker, love note collector, and overall 'good girl'. From afar, she has admired five different boys who were oblivious to her affection; starting with a crush she developed back when she was only a kid.  Unfortunately, Lara Jean's affectionate love letters - wrote with the intention to be kept secret - are posted in the mail and received by nearly every boy she's written to. Starting with Peter.

Peter is an interesting character, a one who I feel I can compare boys I know to. While Peter is a the player and popular guy, a typical guys guy, he's also deeply emotional and affectionate and we definitely see these traits flourish as the novel progresses and when he is placed in difficult circumstances. Similarly, I linked Lara Jean's friendship with Chris, a provocative teen who shows symptoms of HPDS, to a character I knew in real life also. At times, Chris did annoy me, she hardly bothered with Lara Jean because she had great priorities was too busy 'hooking up with guys'. Although Chris remains fairly flat and undeveloped during the novel, I felt that she was a realistic character with flaws.

There were some feelings of ambivalence for me towards the character of Josh. Josh was definitely cute and his character portrayed him as a nice guy, but he was also a confusing one too. Many teenagers go through an awkward period when they're growing up, I understand that, but flirting with your girlfriend's younger sister takes that a little too far in my opinion. I was happy to see that Josh's character eventually calmed down, but I did feel sympathy towards him after Lara Jean shut him out completely from her life. I definitely feel that this method of reverse psychology - on Lara Jean's behalf - backfired. 

While this book initially focuses on boys, and confessing your admiration to them in the form of private letters, the aspect of family life is not neglected. Quickly into the novel we learn that Lara Jean's mom passed away and her eldest sister, Margot has taken over her role. Margot leaves the family quite quickly to study abroad and Lara Jean is now responsible for the family, which includes herself, her dad and her little sister Kitty. The progression from being cared for to being the carer is difficult for Lara Jean and we see this throughout the novel. She helps out as much as she can, but she often shows feeling of anxiety and confusion as she tries to mimic the role of a responsible adult.

To All The Boys I've Loved Before is a quick and exciting read, guaranteed to awaken the feelings of first love, crushes and growing up. You will fall in love, not only with Jenny Han's writing style but with the lives of the character's too. Since completing this book, I have gone on to read Jenny Han's novel Burn for Burn which I also immensely enjoyed and I will probably post a review on it shortly. I would recommend this book to anyone. 

My rating: ★★★★★

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

My edition: 2011 Speak Paperback

Pages: 372

First published: 2010

Source: Own book

Can Anna find love in the City of Light? Anna is happy in Atlanta. She has a loyal best friend and a crush on her coworker at the movie theater, who is just starting to return her affection. So she's less than thrilled when her father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year. But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna meets some cool new people, including the handsome Étienne St. Clair, who quickly becomes her best friend. Unfortunately, he's taken —and Anna might be, too. Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she's waiting for?

Thoughts: I have heard nothing but praise for Anna and the French Kiss, and now I know why. Initially my first impressions of this book were 'another love story' and 'just like the others'. However, I soon found myself in love with the characters of AATFK, and I especially loved the romance between Anna and Etienne. While I wished that I was attending a school in Paris, I really felt I could relate to Anna (regardless of the fact she is in the city of love, and I am in the boring UK). She definitely had ups and downs, but I enjoyed her development of a protagonist nonetheless. Her story, alike many other characters in the novel, is developed well, making her a believable and realistic character. However, there was one ironic development in this novel, while Anna complains her father profits from people's misery and heartbreak (his novels sound much like those of Nicholas Sparks), Anna's story soon revolves around Eteinne's sick mother who is going through chemo treatments. It resulted, nonetheless, in a great ending (trying to keep this spoiler-free), and I was very happy with how all of the character's stories turned out. 

Overall, I'd definitely say that if you want a light and 'girly' read about young love, heartbreak and the troubles of being awkward, read Anna and the French Kiss and you won't be disappointed. I really loved this book, and I will probably re-read it in the near future. I'm feeling the side effects of reading about Paris as now I definitely want to go and experience it for myself. I'm now desperate to get my hands on Lola and the Boy Next Door. 

My rating: ★★★★★