The Program by Suzanne Young ( Mini Review )

The Program by Suzanne Young

Source: Gifted from a friend
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release date: April 30th 2013
Series: The Program #1
Edition: Ebook, 416 pgs
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction/Dystopia
Rating: 4/5

Description from Goodreads:

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.

The Program is considered a dystopian, but reads like a contemporary.. a really... REALLY messed up contemporary. I was so sucked into this story that I got genuinely depressed at times. Some may not see that as a positive in a review, but when it comes to this story it is. Suzzanne Young created a story so rich with emotion... I wondered if I myself needed " The Program" Of course after finishing  the story, I wouldn't wish the program on anyone. 

I found myself so engrossed in the story, I didn't look up from the pages till I was halfway through. This is NOT something to read when you are already feeling down. It made me FEEL the feels in a way that not many books can. Tears were shed. By the end of the story though I felt more... empowered? Sloane is a strong character. She may have appeared a bit weak in the beginning. But she FIGHTS. 

I wish I had written my thoughts down as soon as I finished this book. Sadly I finished it late in the night, and grabbed another book the next day. But I never stopped thinking about it. This story made me so emotional. It was sad, raw, heartbreaking, but at the same time.. uplifting, cute at times, and empowering. 

Overall I just have to say I highly recommend this story to readers who like to feel the emotion the characters are feeling. The ones who don't always need a happy ending.

Rating: 4/5