Since You've Been Gone, by Morgan Matson

Looking for a fun Beach Read to take on vacation? Look no further than Morgan Matson's awesome novel Since You've Been Gone.

Shy girl Emily always depended on her outgoing, free-spirited BFF Sloane to plan all their fun. But now Sloane is gone. Vanished without a trace. She won't even answer her phone or respond to text messages (and Emily has called and texted almost to the point of unhealthy obsession). So much for The Best Summer Ever.

Two weeks after Sloane's disappearance Emily receives a letter (in the mail) from her vanished friend. The letter (no return address) contains a list of tasks for Emily to complete throughout the summer. Tasks like "Kiss A Stranger" and "Go Skinny Dipping." The list is a scavenger hunt of sorts, meant to help Emily break out of her carefully-constructed shell. And does Emily follow the list? Of course she does! Over the next several weeks, thanks to the list, readers will see Emily transform from the shy, reserved girl who is a bit too dependent on her BFF into a confident young woman. Emily's journey is not entirely smooth. There are bumps in the road and detours she must navigate. But the added drama makes for a fun story.

As for Sloane's disappearance? Well...no spoilers. You'll have to read the book for yourself.

Since You've Been Gone is a contender for YALSA Teen Top Ten 2015. For a complete list of nominees or to vote for your favorite book, visit the YALSA Website. Voting is August 15-October 24, 2015.