Book Review: Since You've Been Gone

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Category/Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

My Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★  (5 out of 5 stars)

Synopsis:  

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? Okay, easy enough.
Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not?
Kiss a Stranger? Um... 
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? Wait ... what?

My Thoughts:

I was on a huge reading slump for quite a while and this book got me out of it. I'm so glad I finally picked this up! I was just really waiting for the right mood to read this. The book lives up the hype. I honestly thought that I wouldn't like this book, but it turned out differently. I loved it!

The characters are just so likable. 

The book is about finding oneself and being your self without being too much dependent with others. Emily (main protagonist) put a stand on herself as not just being "Sloane's best friend" but "Emily Hughes". Everyone knows her as being the girl who's always with Sloane. She didn't have her own identity or even a lot of friends. But everything changed when Sloane left. 

This is definitely one of the best summer contemporary reads!

After reading this book, give your best friend a hug!

I recommend this:

To everyone who loves contemporary and looking for a feel-good read

Where Flowers Bloom

Flowers

Roses are red, violets are blue
Whenever I see them I don't feel so blue

Waterlilies, Daffodils and Marigold

See all the wonders untold

Oh flowers, flowers so hard to be

For you are all so lovely to see

Save the flowers to brighten the land

And each lend a helping hand 

Photos taken at Calaruega, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

Last April 9, 2015

Such a beautiful place. A paradise.

March Playlist

It's been a while since I last posted a blog. I've been quite occupied and busy the past week/s. But I'm back with my March Playlist. Time flies really fast. I couldn't believe that one month has already passed since I started this blog.

Anyway, here are the top songs I listened to during March:

1. Birdy - Wings

'Wings' the first single from Birdy's new album 'Fire Within' released September 2013.

This song gives me nostalgia. 

I heard it once played on MTV then I kept on playing it on my phone since then.

I'm still hoping that Birdy would release a new album.

2. The Script - No Good in Goodbye

No Good in Goodbye is taken from their new album "No Sound Without Silence".

The Script is one of my favorite bands of all time!

I love their songs. For the First Time is my favorite!

The meaning of this song is just so heartbreaking.

This music video is kinda cool too.

3. Sam Smith - I'm Not The Only One

I'm Not The Only One is taken from his debut album "In the Lonely Hour".

It was just recently when I started listening to Sam Smith's music.

Yes, I've known him and have heard Stay With Me several times before. 

And I was like, "Nah, not my kind of music."

But I didn't know his songs were really good until I listened to this!

He's like a male version of Adele for me.

4. Imagine Dragons - It's Time

It's Time is an EP by Imagine Dragons, released on March 12, 2011.

Probably the best song of Imagine Dragons aside from Demons.

I just love the beat of this music!

5. James Blunt - You're Beautiful

You're Beautiful is taken from the album "Moon Landing".

Now, this song is kinda personal for me.

This makes me sad really. What a beautiful song it is.

It really reminds me a lot of some of my personal experiences. 

So, I think that what makes me love this song.