Reminiscent of Slated by Teri Terry, Suzanne Young has created a disturbingly realistic dystopian world. The unique method used in the memory removal procedure was particularly alarming… all the more because it didn’t even seem far-fetched.

I became so absorbed in this story that when I finally had to face the real world I brought back a lingering trace of paranoia….

Although it did not distract from the story as a whole, I wish we had been told the underlying cause of the overwhelming depression and suicide rate that triggered the need for a new society – I don’t like unsolved mysteries!

Recommended age: 13+

Title: The Program
Series: The Program – # 1
Author: Suzanne Young
Publication Date:
30 April 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Purchased

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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.        — Extract from Goodreads.com