Author: Suzanne Young
Series: The Program #1
Genres: Romance, Dystopian
Publication/Year: Simon Pulse • 2013
Page Numbers: 405
Format: eBook
Synopsis from Goodreads:
In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.My Rating: ★★★★★
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.
Quote(s) I Like:
"The psychologists say that suicide is a behavioral contagion. It's the old adage 'If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you, too?' Apparently the answer is yes." - Sloane
"Since The Program started monitoring our school, I've found that my boyfriend is not only a talented liar but also a master of forgery. A handy skill to have as of late." - Sloane
"You shouldn't have started in the car. That's the problem, Sloane. Once you start, you might not be able to stop. I shouldn't have let you cry." - James
"Fine, but if he kisses you, I'm going to fight. I'm completely immature like that." - James
My Thoughts:
A world where suicide is an epidemic among teens and the only way to get cured is to go into the Program. Suzanne Young has created a world based off of serious endeavors, but kept it fictional and great to read.
Seventeen years old Sloane Jacob has been admitted into the Program. She is burdened with so much pain: her older brother killed himself, her friends Lacey and Kendra were admitted to the Program and her friend Miller killed himself. Sloane is on edge and her mother decides to call the Program and have her admitted. That's when the drama really begins.
As she is taken to the Program she comes across a handler who has been stalker her named Roger. He totally disgusted me throughout the whole book. I mean what he's been doing was just unbelievable. She also meets Realm who helps during her stay. She ends up liking Realm until his secret is revealed to her.
Once Sloane is cured she ends up meeting with James again and even though they can't remember their past together they still feel familiar to each other. In the end the become a couple and truths are revealed about their past leaving them broken again.
This was a book that made me think deep about suicide and depression. It kept me thinking as I turned each page. Even though it was a sad book, the love story entwined with it made it much more enjoyable.
I'm definitely interested to see what happens next for Sloane and James. Especially with how it ended with a cliff hanger.
Have you read this book?