Review: The Program by Suzanne Young

Title: The Program (The Program, #1)
Author: Suzanne Young
Publisher: Simon Pulse

Publication date: April 30th, 2013

Genre(s): Young Adult (Dystopia)

Source: Publisher 

Format: ARC

Pages: 408

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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.

Looking at this gorgeous cover, who wouldn't want to pick up The Program? After reading the synopsis, I just had to get my hands on it!! Simon and Schuster CA were kind enough to send a copy, so thank you again! Here, people aren't allowed to show any "sad" emotions whatsoever. If anyone shows sadness or slight depression, they are immediately "flagged" and put in a six week program called "The Program". In there, they are drowned with pills until they completely forget the sad memories and are completely brainwashed. Sound horrifying right? Exactly why Sloane and James know better than to express any emotions in public. Sloane and James and in love, and they are only able to express their true feelings in front of each other. When a tragic event happens with their best friend, James can't take it anymore. Sloane starts worrying for him, and tries to encourage him to look happy, but it just doesn't work. James gets flagged. Before anyone says I'm spoiling anything, it's pretty obvious from the cover that BOTH of them are going to get into The Program, so don't worry. 

Let me tell you, Sloane and James were amazing characters. They weren't like any cliche young couple, but their love really stood out for me, and felt real. I immediately loved both characters. Something about Suzanne Young's writing just makes you want to never stop reading, and that's exactly what happened to me. The plot never gets boring, and every chapter is literally full of pleasant surprises. I honestly don't know how to say anything without ruining the book for you guys, but some very unexpected things happen. What I loved most was that the characters felt whole. Suzanne Young was able to portray the character as a whole, and was able to show us all sides of her characters. It was interesting to see Sloane in her highest and lowest moments, and that just made me connect to her more. Every dystopian book needs great world building, and I'm glad to say that The Program did not disappoint! It totally felt like I was living in this suppressive society where I basically couldn't breathe. There were some points where I really felt chocked up and sometimes depressed. Bravo for Ms.Young for that.

Am I excited to get my hands in the next book? YES! Like all dystopian books, this definitely ends in sort of a resistance group forming or etc, and I AM EXCITED! I just can't say how much I loved this book, because it was great. If any book stirs up so much emotion from me, it will immediately be in my favorites list. Fans of dystopians will enjoy this one very much.