The Program by Suzanne Young

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.

This book. Woah. I read it in one sitting, and nothing could get me to stop reading. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book by Suzanne Young, but The Program made me remember just how much I love her writing. From the very first page, The Program had me hooked. The world that Young set up is unforgettable. The characters are extremely well written. And the story keeps you on the edge of your seat. Also, I cried SO MUCH.

I felt so bad for Sloane. Not only is she in a society where suicide is trivialized, she has also been dealt a really bad hand in life. Despite this, she stays headstrong and keeps her goal of trying to beat The Program. James was an equally awesome character. Though at times slightly annoying, I still liked him. It was easy to understand why he acted the way he did, even though I didn’t always necessarily agree with him. Because of this, I was able to appreciate the character more. He was kind towards Sloane, despite being a guarded person.

The Program is an amazing book. I couldn’t stop reading it, and even now- weeks after I finished it, Sloane and James are still in my head. Young is an impeccable writer, and I can’t wait to read the second book in the series. You need to read this book.

FTC- Bought