Review ~ The Program by Suzanne Young

The Program (Program #1) 
by Suzanne Young
YA Dystopia
Published April 30th 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

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.

My Review: 

**1 Star**

MY OVERVIEW: Honestly, I don't even know where to begin. I had so many problems with this book and shouldn't have even picked it up when I read the synopsis. But it got a lot of great reviews, so I decided to give it a shot.

PROS: A huge apology to the author, but there wasn't any for me. Please, please don't take this the wrong way, the book just wasn't for me.

CONS: Ok, so depression and suicide are the main focus of the book - and the society thinks that they can just erase parts of a person's memory to remove these "tendencies." To me, the way it was written was just a slap in the face to anyone who has experienced true clinical depression. You can't just erase memories and make it go away. Also, the main character's whole life revolves around her boyfriend. Without him - she is nothing. What?!??!? Sorry, but that is wrong on so many levels.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: How I wish I hadn't picked up this book so I didn't have to write this review. Please take it for what it is - I didn't enjoy the book - that doesn't mean you won't. HOWEVER... if you are someone who has suffered from depression - you will probably want to avoid this book. It will only make you upset.