Review: The Program (The Program #1) by Suzanne Young

Book Title: The Program 

Author: Suzanne Young

Published Date: April 30th, 2013 

Published By: Simon and Schuster

Genre: YA/Dystopian

Series: Book 1 in The Program series

Book Link: Goodreads

Purchase Links: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

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.

Disclaimer: This book was purchased by me.

Review:

I really wasn't sure about this one initially. It had gotten a few not so good reviews from people I trust so I was a little iffy. Thank goodness I took a chance on this one. Oh my goodness it was amazing and heartbreaking at the same time.

One would think that a program to help the suicidal would be a good thing right? Well it's not. The program essentially wipes your memory under the guise of removing the infected memories.When the Program releases the participants of the program,the returners are shells of who they used to be. They don't remember their connections to anyone around them.

My heart ached for Sloane. She had gone through so much in such a short time,her brother committed suicide,her best friend doesn't remember her and then her other best friend commits suicide. She had every right to feel depressed. The one thing that seemed to help her was her relationship with James. James had this ability to pull her out of whatever she was feeling, even if it only lasted a moment.I adored James. His sole purpose seemed to be, keeping Sloane safe.

No matter how much they love each other,they can't hide from the program.I just couldn't believe this.It felt like a never-ending circle of sadness and that was so heartbreaking. The idea of being forced to forget everything and everyone who you love was completely uncomphrensible to me.

The second part of the book wasn't as heartbreaking as it focused more on the idea that even if you had your whole life essentially erased, would you still end up in the same place,around the same people. Now you have to rely on what people tell you which is hard as the families and friends who do remember the "old" you cannot tell you the truth about some things. Now you aren't even sure that you can trust the very people you once trusted wholeheartedly.

I know that there were some mixed feelings on Realm. I liked him but he does have an air of mystery around him that I find very compelling. I have a feeling we'll learn more about him as the series goes on.

This series is definitely my new favorite Dystopian series. It's new and fresh. It doesn't recycle the same old formula.I zipped through this book at lightening speed and I cannot wait to find out what happens next in this series. It was a perfect start to what I'm sure is going to be an amazing series. Five stars to this book with its amazing characters and unique plot.