~ Book Review: The Program by Suzanne Young ~

Title: The Program (The Program #1)

Author:  Suzanne Young  

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date:  April 30, 2013

Pages: 405
Format: Hardcover

 Source: Bought
Age Group:  Young Adult
Genre:  Science Fiction 

 

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

Have you ever been told to read a book, over and over again and when you finally do read it, you’re like, why the heck didn’t I read it sooner?!  Well, that’s what happened to me with The Program.  Andy, Doris and Leydy have been bugging me to read it forever and OMG, it’s AMAZING!! This book seriously killed me! It made me ugly cry and it had me on the edge of my seat the WHOLE time.  There were intense moments in every chapter and…..I’m just lost for words.  The Program is simply amazing. That. Is. All.

Slone and James live in a world just like you and I.  It’s not a dystopian so the government isn’t out to get us or kill us off.  Our only fear is ourselves.  Teenage suicide has become an epidemic and scientists and doctors are calling it a disease.  The solution? The Program.  The Program is a “rehab” center where they take teenagers that are showing signs of depression and suicide.  Can you imagine living in a world where you couldn’t even mourn the loss of a friend because people saw crying as a sign of depression? The Program believes that by erasing the memories that made you depressed in the first place, you will be cured.

Slone is one of my favorite female protagonists by far.  I love her for being strong and never giving up.  She believed in something and went for it no matter what. It shows us that love concurs all.  I could feel every emotion, every heartache right along with her.  James stole my heart from the very first moment.  The love between Sloan and him is palpable.  You could tell that Sloane is his life.

Is this book sad? Yes. Is this book worth every heartache and tear? YESSSSS!!! So there you go my dear friends, go out and get The Program.  I promise you will fall in love with it.