The Great Gatsby

Title: The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Pages: 180

Publisher: Scribner 

Source: Bought

Rating: 3/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 

A portrait of the Jazz Age in all of its decadence and excess, The Great Gatsby captured the spirit of the author's generation and earned itself a permanent place in American mythology. Self-made, self-invented millionaire Jay Gatsby embodies some of Fitzgerald's--and his country's--most abiding obsessions: money, ambition, greed, and the promise of new beginnings. "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther.... And one fine morning--"Gatsby's rise to glory and eventual fall from grace becomes a kind of cautionary tale about the American Dream.

The Great Gatsby is one of those classic books that is on every ‘books you must read’ list. I’ve personally had it on my shelf since the movie came out, but knew about it before I bought it. I’ll admit I’m not a big classic reader, but I decided I’d try this one out. The problem is, I have mixed feelings towards this book.

I won’t lie I did struggle with this book a bit. It took me about a month to read it, but I was not giving up on it. I was so determined to finish it that no matter how much I struggled, I carried on with it anyway just so I could finally say I’ve read it. I have to say, I think I struggled with how formal it was, but I did also struggle slightly with the story. It wasn’t as interesting to me as I thought it would be. I felt that it lacked something, and I found that the narrator, Nick, seemed to have confused feelings towards Gatsby. I was also expecting there to be more of a glitz and glam lifestyle in the book, but I felt that this was emphasised a bit too much as I didn’t find that there was much. I felt that this book mainly just focused on the rich characters.

The parts I most enjoyed of The Great Gatsby were the dialogue. I felt that all the wording in between was a bit waffly at times. My liking of the dialogue in this book was probably why I significantly enjoyed the second part of this book as there was a lot more speech. The fact that the first part of the book was full of hardly any dialogue is more than likely why I struggled with the book as it demotivated me to continue reading it, hence why it took me a month to get through it. 

I did think the book was interesting, and I do see why it is a classic but personally I don’t think it’s for me, or at least the first read wasn’t. I’m not sure if I’ll ever re-read it again, although I do think I will have to revisit the ending soon as I am not entirely sure what really happened to Gatsby, other than the obvious (if you’ve read it, you’ll know what I mean). I won’t deny, this book is a classic but personally for me, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I’m not sure if that’s because there’s such a big hype surrounding the book that it didn’t live up to expectations for me or just because me and classic books have a complicated relationship. This doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it if someone asked me for a classic book to read though!

Fangirl

Title: Fangirl
Author: Rainbow Rowell

Pages: 461

Publisher: Macmillan

Source: Bought

Rating: 4/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 
Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan...

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to. Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

I have been putting off reading Fangirl for such a long time, despite the glowing reviews for this book. Fangirl is the second book I have read by Rainbow Rowell with the first being Eleanor and Park, which I enjoyed. I've found that I thought I do enjoy Rowell's book, I have the same kind of relationship with her books that I do with John Green's, and I know that a lot of people compare the two, but both of their books feel kind of the same to me, although I can't quite put my finger on why.

I felt that Cath was an interesting character and I enjoyed getting to know her and the way she thought and I loved her determination for what she wanted to do. For me, it was interesting to see how Cath was without her sister. Cath and I are kind of different in the way that I think for Cath, being out of her comfort zone was difficult and a bit scary, whereas for me I don't mind it so much, but I think it was good with the way that she dealt with things. 

Something that I thought was cool was the relationship that Cath had with her Dad. I haven't really read many books where the only parental figure in the characters life is the Dad, and to see that Cath had such a positive relationship with her father was really nice to read. The relationship between Cath and her sister Wren wasn't too overdone as Wren wasn't in the book all the time, but it was interesting to read how both of them coped with moving to University and not always being together. 

To me, Fangirl was quite a light read with a topic that wasn't too heavy. I didn't love it like a lot of people have but I did enjoy it and like it, plus I thought it was a good read. 

Would you Recommend?
If someone asked me for a light read, something that involved being at University, new experiences or family relationships then I would definitely recommend this.

All the Bright Places

Title: All the Bright Places
Author: Jennifer Niven

Pages: 378

Publisher: Penguin

Source: Bought

Rating: 4/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.
 
Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.
 
When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.

I hadn't really head too much about this book, other than reading the summary so I went into this book with a clear mind. When the book started off, I wasn't too sure about how much I'd like it, it was interesting and I'd read that it was a bit of a cross between Rainbow Rowell and John Green, both being authors that I enjoy, but I didn't know if it'd be my thing due to the topic that the book kind of focuses on. I kept on with it anyway and I am so glad I did. It really picked up and became even more interesting. 

I thought that the story was interesting and dealt with the subject of suicide well, particularly as the topic is quite a sensitive and touchy subject. I felt that after reading this I had actually developed a bit more of a better understanding. 

I found the characters to be interesting and compelling. I enjoyed reading about the characters and getting to know them better. I particularly liked the relationship that formed between Finch and Violet and was so rooting for them pretty much the whole way through the book. It was interesting to see them develop, both in different ways, but together. I thought that this added something else to the book as it was plain to see that both characters were each others coping mechanism. This book doesn't just focus on the characters and their relationship. It also focuses on her things, including bits of adventure along the way.

The ending was a bit of a knock in the face. This is where the book kicks it up a notch, but ultimately, it ties up and makes for a 'good' ending to the book. I really enjoyed this book and was taken by surprise by it. Again, I wasn't really sure about it as I hadn't heard much but I found it interesting and a good read and would definitely recommend it!

My Life Next Door

Title: My Life Next Door

Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Pages: 394

Publisher: Speak

Source: Bought

Rating: 3.5/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 
"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

My Life Next Door was a book that I was drawn to mainly because of the book spine..please don't ask me why, but I absolutely loved the stripy spine. Because of that, I obviously looked to see what the book was about and I was sold pretty much straight away. I bought this book back at the end of January (after a good few months of wanting it) and pretty much demolished it within a few days which shows positive things for Huntley Fitzpatrick's writing and stories, both of which I thought were great! I will be sure to visit another book of hers soon.

This book was so fun and so sweet. I absolutely loved the Garrett family, and Jase sounds so swoony! Definitely in the line up for top book boyfriends. Set over the Summer break in Stony Bay (sounds so cute!), this is where our main character Samantha really comes into herself, I think. It was interesting to read about her mother and political campaigns - I basically have no idea when it comes to politics and what goes on behind the scenes in the UK, let alone anywhere else, so this was really interesting to read about.

This book did so well in exploring real, first love. I was excited to see what would happen to Samantha and Jase throughout the story and what would happen to them as the story progressed. It was nice to read a bit of a summer romance, particularly this one as it was so sugar sweet!

I definitely did not see the ending coming at all. You know how pretty much every contemporary typically goes well and then takes a turn for the worst? I really did not see this one coming..at all. But in a way, I think that this makes the book even better as it's not just a typical turn for the worst. Plus I was intrigued to see what would happen! 

Despite the fact that I did love this book, there was one thing that got me and that's just how quick the end was. I felt like it was a little rushed and all these things just happened at once, which is great but I just found that the perhaps 50 pages were a bit rushed!

My Life Next Door seriously made me wish for summer as it's such a perfect book for that season. It also made me wish that I had my own balcony to sit out on and gaze at the starts at night..a girl can dream!

Oh, Pretty Girl..

Title: Pretty Girl Thirteen

Author: Liz Coley
Pages: 344

Publisher: Harper Collins

Source: Borrowed from Library

Rating: 3.5/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 

Angie Chapman is only 13 when she gets lost in the woods in the middle of the night.

The next thing she knows she’s returned home, scars around her wrists and ankles, physically exhausted. Her parents collapse into tears when they see her, but Angie doesn’t understand – until they tell her she has been missing, presumed dead, for three years.

Angie doesn’t remember anything from her missing years. But there are people who do – people who could tell Angie every terrifying detail, if only they weren’t locked inside her mind.

With help, Angie begins to unravel the darkest secrets of her own past.

But does she really want to know the truth?

This book definitely gave me mixed emotions. I really couldn't decide whether to give this book 3 or 4 stars because there are things that made me want to give it 4 stars, but then there were other things that made me question that rating. 

First off, this book had me from the beginning. The book tells the story of a teenage girl that's been held captive for the 3 years but has no recollection of it whatsoever. This book had such an interesting concept to it which I enjoyed. It was really interesting to learn about new concepts, and it actually introduced me to something that I never knew. The book is definitely a chilling and touchy subject. It's not really very graphic, which I think was quite good, as although there are flashbacks, I feel that sometimes too much graphic content in a book can ruin it. This definitely hit the nail on the head with having just the right amount of information so that you felt sympathetic towards Angie, but it wasn't too the point where you felt like the information was a bit overwhelming. I think that Coley did a good job of dealing with such a touchy subject with this book.

Now here are some of the things that got me a bit. I really felt like the author tried to incorporate too much in this book. How much misfortune can you throw at one person! This really got on my nerves as I felt that the author was just forcing things in to the story to make it more interesting, which yes, I suppose it did but at the same time, I just felt like some things were unnecessary. I also thought that there would be much more of a media presence round the case of missing Angie and her return, but strangely there was not, which was surprising too me. Obviously I realise it's not the main focus of the book at all, but it's just surprising that there was little mention of it until perhaps the middle to end of the book.

Other than those few bits, I did enjoy reading Pretty Girl Thirteen, and it still does make it's way into my mind a few times. I think it's one of those books that's got a gritty, intense story line that can really effect you after you finish reading it. That's definitely the effect that it had on me. 

I would definitely recommend this book, but more so to people that don't mind intense, gritty and chilling books. 

Let's go on a Road Trip

Title: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

Author: Morgan Matson
Pages: 343

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Source: Bought

Rating: 4.5/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 

Amy Curry is not looking forward to her summer. Her mother decided to move across the country and now it's Amy's responsibility to get their car from California to Connecticut. The only problem is, since her father died in a car accident, she isn't ready to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger. An old family friend, he also has to make the cross-country trip - and has plenty of baggage of his own. The road home may be unfamiliar - especially with their friendship venturing into uncharted territory - but together, Amy and Roger will figure out how to map their way.

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is the second book I have read by Morgan Matson, having first experienced her writing with Since You've Been Gone which I loved. Despite this, I let it sit on my shelves a few weeks after buying it, scared that I wouldn't love it as much as Since You've Been Gone. I didn't need to worry much, because I really enjoyed this book! Amy and Roger's Epic Detour was a fun read which I thought was great. I felt it was kind of predictable, but this didn't bother me in the slightest. I thought it was quite interesting and I can already say that the list of stops is already on my list of places to visit!

Matson has a knack for creating realistic characters that you can relate to in some way. Although our main character wasn't necessarily mourning, I thought that it was nice to see the connection that Amy had with her father. I also really enjoyed seeing how Amy dealt with different things throughout the book. The book definitely saw Amy come into her own throughout the duration of the book, and I quite enjoyed having her as a main character.

The one thing that I loved about this book is that it was a bit of a rebellion towards her mother and staying on track, but it also included friendship, which is something I love in books and something that I've noticed Morgan Matson does really well. This book was just a whole load of great and I loved it. For me, it ticked loads of boxes which made it a good read for me.

Oh, and just too add - one thing that I liked about this book was the visuals within it. I would definitely recommend this to anyone as a summer read as it's just perfect for that time of year!

Just A Little Something Different

Title: A Little Something Different

Author: Sandy Hall
Pages: 242

Publisher: Walker

Source: Bought

Rating: 4/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 
The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out. But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship. 

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....

One thing I loved about this book is how different it was to anything else I'd ever read. Yes, it was all romantic and about love and two people getting together, but the one thing that was different about it, is that it was told from several people's perspectives, but never the couples. For example, a teacher, a barista and a delivery guy as well as the couples friends. We even saw the view points of a bench and a squirrel! It is definitely a unique book in that respect, which is something I definitely enjoyed. I think it was particularly refreshing actually, having a story told but never by the main characters in the story. I thought it was an interesting idea that Sandy Hall did really well. 

Other than the unique aspect of the different view points, the book was fairly good but I think it was very predictable, not that this is a problem - it means you don't have to concentrate on it too much at all, making it light read that you can breeze through! It had an adorable but dorky romance which the book was centred around, which was made good by having the different perspectives of it. It is short, but sweet. I got through it fairly quickly so would definitely say that it is a nice, quick read, if that's something that you're looking for. 

Oh, and can we just talk about the cover? I know I don't usually talk about book covers in reviews, but I just love this one. I think it's so pretty and I just love the colours and how well they go together. I also like how different parts of the book are featured on the cover!

Oh, how I'd love to be in Italy

Title: Wish You Were Italian

Author: Kristen Rae
Pages: 320

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Source: Bought

Rating: 4.5/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 
The summer before senior year of high school. It’s supposed to be one of the biggest summers of her life, but Pippa is headed to an art program she has no interest in. The one saving grace is it’s in Italy. And when the opportunity strikes, she decides to ditch the program and travel Italy accomplishing her own list of goals. Things like swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, eating a whole pizza in one sitting…and falling in love with an Italian boy! As she explores the famous cities of Rome and Pompeii, Pippa finds herself falling for two boys: a local guy she knows is nothing but trouble and a cute American archaeology student who keeps disappearing and reappearing at the strangest moments. Will Pippa find her true love before her parents find out the truth about her summer program?

Having been to Italy before and absolutely loving it, I was really looking forward to reading this book and I wasn't disappointed. It was quite a sweet read, particularly for the Summer. I read it way back in August so this review is long overdue but I still remember the story and its details.

The book had an interesting but romantic storyline. First off, there was rebellion, which I thought was a good to start off on and progress from. I enjoyed the travelling in this book - the places featured are all ones that I would love to visit some day. This book did feature a love triangle which I felt took up a lot of the story, however I felt that this didn't mean the book strayed too much away from the setting, as the parts of Italy our main character, Pippa, travelled too was still spoken about in detail. 

I think this book was interesting because Pippa was being forced to attend a program she didn't want to attend. I feel like this book was easy to relate to in that aspect as I'm sure many people feel forced into doing things by their parents, especially in regards to education, and this book shows that you don't always have to do what you feel like you'r being forced to do. You could totally just travel round Italy instead!

This book is, as said earlier, is a perfect summer read. It gives me the urge to go and grab some ice cream, despite the fact that it is January and freezing cold at the moment!

We've got an Open Road Summer

Title: Open Road Summer

Author: Emery Lord
Pages: 342

Publisher: Walker

Source: Bought

Rating: 5/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 
After breaking up with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O’Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind. . . and her best friend, country superstar Lilah Montgomery, is nursing a broken heart of her own. Fortunately, Lilah’s 24-city tour is about to kick off, offering a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. 

But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence. This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking.

Oh my gosh, this book. I loved this book so much. You know there are some books where, when you're not reading it you're thinking about it, and if you're not thinking about it, you're reading it? This book totally made it into that category for me. 

Open Road Summer was literally so full of sass, but I loved it! I thought it was great and there were parts where I just couldn't help but stifle a laugh (especially since I was reading this sat in my car during my lunch break - can you imagine how crazy I must've looked, looking down at my legs laughing!). Reagan was such a sassy character, but she was strong too and as a main character, I loved her!

Other than Reagan's sass, I just enjoyed her as a character. Although she made out that she was a broken person, I felt that she wasn't necessarily that at all. She was actually quite strong, and a great leading lady for this book. I enjoyed seeing how she developed and grew into herself, and how she was focusing on becoming 'new Reagan' as opposed to falling back into 'old Reagan'.

Open Road Summer was full of friendship, which as you know, is something I love in books, so this just boosted my love for this book. I loved the relationship that Reagan and Dee had. Dee was almost like a safe haven for Reagan, but in a way, I think Reagan helped keep Dee grounded. I also enjoyed seeing the friendship between Reagan and Matt develop.

Emery Lord's writing style was so clear and consistent and just great all over. Open Road Summer was just straight to the point with pretty much everything, there wasn't much room for guessing about things, which I liked. Plus oh god, this book had such a good storyline and it was just a perfect setting and everything that happened in it was perfect and I am full of love for this book. If I could give it more than 5/5 then I would.  Honestly, this book was one that I couldn't get over for a few days because I just enjoyed it so, so much and I immediately wanted to reread it again. 

Oh, something that deserves a mention of it's own is the 'new chapter' page design. SO CUTE!


See! I love this little detail - it just looks so pretty! I wish more books did something like this at the beginning of a chapter. I think it adds something fun to a book. Obviously I understand not all books are suited for this!

So to wrap this up, if you haven't read Open Road Summer, why not?! If I could give out copies of this book to everyone, I totally would.

Also, did you hear Emery is bringing out another book next year, I believe! I cannot WAIT!


Have you read Open Road Summer? If so, what did you think? If not, are you hoping to read it soon? Is it sat on your TBR list, or are you currently reading it now? Let me know what you thought of Open Road Summer!

What would you do If I Stay?

Title: If I Stay

Author: Gayle Forman
Pages: 250

Publisher: Black Swan

Source: Bought

Rating: 4.5/5

Good Reads // Amazon

Summary (from Good Reads): 
Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind? 


Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters. 

If I Stay was the first taste I got of Gayle Forman's writing and oh my gosh, it was just delicious. If I Stay was a compelling read for me and it really got me wondering about life. Although I didn't cry, like I heard quite a few people did, it did make me get a little emotional.

If I Stay had a good storyline to it. I really liked how it was set over a 24 hour period, but it featured so many moments from the past. There aren't many books that pan out over 24 hours, so this was something I really liked. Although it was short, this didn't really matter to me as I felt that it was necessary, especially for the situation that our main character was in. Plus, even though the book took place over 24 hours, I grew to know a lot about Mia. Oh, and I just can't get over how beautiful Gayle's writing is. It's wonderful and the whole telling of the events and the thoughts of our main character, Mia, was just amazing. I officially love Gayle's writing style. It's so detailed and it really helps you connect more to the character in the book.

 Family seemed to play a big part in this book, and if you've seen my past reviews, you may have noticed that family and friendships are themes that I really enjoyed seeing and reading about in books. Family as well as friendship plays a big part in this book (as said just a second ago..), and I really loved it. I enjoyed seeing how big a part Mia's best friend played in her life, and her boyfriend also. I also enjoyed seeing that, although Mia didn't feel like she fit in with her family, her relationship with them seemed to be good with them - there wasn't any major fighting, so this made for the book to be a good one! 

I'm hoping to get my hands on a copy of Where She Went soon, as I believe that's the follow up to If I Stay! I did really enjoy If I Stay and am hoping to explore more of Gayle's books, such as Just One Day, which I've heard is very good!

In all honesty, I really enjoyed this book and would most definitely recommend it, especially if you enjoy books that literally grab your heart and don't let go for the duration of the book!


Have you read If I Stay? If so, what did you think? If not, are you hoping to read it soon? Is it sat on your TBR list, or are you currently reading it now? Let me know what you thought of If I Stay!

The View: Since You've Been Gone

Title: Since You've Been Gone 

Author: Morgan Matson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Source: Bought

Rating: Amazing

Good Reads // Amazon 

Summary (Good Reads): 
The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough. Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um..

What I thought of Since You've Been Gone..
This has been hot on my TBR list since I first heard about it, and I couldn't wait for it to be in my hands. I've never actually read anything by Morgan Matson before, so this was a completely new experience, but boy, did I enjoy it!

Since You've Been Gone is a light, funny story and absolutely perfect for the Summer season. The story focuses on Emily and the way she copes with Sloane's disappearance for the most part, but it also focuses on Emily growing as a person and learning not to rely so much on others. At first it bugged me a little, because you can see how much the main character relies on her best friend, but really, Matson portrays best friendship perfectly as they always seem to rely each other, and in some cases, one will rely on the other more. I really enjoyed seeing Emily's self confidence and worth sky rocket upwards as the book progressed. 

I really enjoyed following Emily's journey to completing the tasks on the list that Sloane had left her. There were some on there that actually seemed like good fun, and I almost wished that I could be a part of the story, helping and encouraging Emily with some of the tasks. I also really enjoyed seeing Emily's relationship with others grow. This was a big thing as I love books that involve friendships, so this was great for me! I also thought it was really great of Matson to portray falling in love as it really is. There are so many books out there that show the character falling straight in love, but as we all know, in reality, it's not like that. The love in this book is something that you can predict happening within the first few chapters, but the relationship between the two characters just flows so well.

Also, can I just add, the playlists that Matson included in this book had so many good songs! With the likes of Taylor Swift and The Beatles, I was loving this little feature!

So is there anything I didn't like about this book? Well no, actually. I really can't think of any faults that Since You've Been Gone had. Having now read SYBG, I really would like to check out more of Matson's books, and already have Second Chance Summer on my TBR list!

All I can say is, and this is not really anything to do with the books in terms of it's content, but more to do with myself personally, I think I would've read this in a much shorter time space, had I not been revising for my exams and such, as this really didn't give me a lot of time to read, and made my reading a bit choppy. If/when I read this again, I hope to read it where my pattern isn't so chopped up due to exams or other circumstances as I know that this would make me enjoy it even more than I did, plus it would give me a chance to read more in one sitting!

ps. Me and Frank Porter share the same birthday!

Have you read this book at all? What did you think? Did you enjoy it? If you haven't read it, would you consider it? Let me know what you all think!