The Program by Suzanne Young book review (spoiler free)

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.

Rate:
 4.5 out of 5 stars

★★★★

Review:

This book sounded  intriguing as soon as i read the synopsis. In this novel, suicide is a worldwide epidemic. The main character, Sloane and her boyfriend James must deal with loss and a decrease in hope around them in order not to be sent to the program. They know what happens once you are deemed as depressed, or suicidal. You are sent to a facility and everything that you once knew is erased. You come back with a mind free of those who caused you pain. But for Sloane and her friends going to the program is a death sentence in itself. Her only hope is in her boyfriend James. He has promised to protect her from the program, and any other dangers out there. Their relationship was one of the high points of this book. They were such a sweet couple, and their romance was so real feeling. The things that happen to the people in the program are so evil, that I doubt any society would take such drastic measures to get rid of suicide. Apart from the realism issues in the concept, this book is truly a heart-pounding story of sacrifice, love, and hope. I related and felt so much for the characters that I broke down crying at points in this novel. The writing and pacing of the story really helps you to get totally enveloped in the plot, story, and characters. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat to anyone wanting to read a different kind of YA fiction novel.

Reviewer:
Aviva