Cassie: The Program by Suzanne Young | Book Review

In this “gripping tale for lovers of dystopian romance” (Kirkus Reviews), 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.

I’m so sorry for my recent hiatus. It’s been too, too long! Since my last post, I quit my job of 2.5 years, started a new job, moved in with my boyfriend and traveled to Mexico!As such, I haven’t been reading much lately. My Mexico trip changed that! Our flights from Cabo back to NY took around 17 hours if I remember correctly. Layovers = FML.

I had heard a lot of good things about The Program and April had it on her kindle so I powered up the app and started reading.

The basic premise of the book is that suicide is an epidemic for teenagers until they turn 18. If you start to show signs of depression, The Program is contacted and you are taken in by force. Once in The Program, therapists will have sessions with you and one by one delete out any memories that they suspect led to your depression. After you complete the Program, you are magically cured! Why is it so successful? Because you don’t remember your best friend, your boyfriend, or your brother’s death anymore. You are a shell of who you used to be. This is seriously straight up out of my nightmares!

It’s hard for me to review this book without giving anything away, but if the premise of the book sounds interesting, definitely give it a read. I loved the relationship between Sloane and James and I found myself rooting for them constantly. Young tackles a lot of hard subjects, including rape in this novel and she does it thoughtfully. I never felt like what I was reading was over the top or tasteless. Young also approaches sex in relationships and exactly what it feels like to have feelings for multiple people. She did an excellent job of getting into the teenage psyche.

If you’re a fan of Delirium, Divergent, The Giver etc., I highly recommend this book. I read it in its entirety during our flights and I was very pleased. As soon as I finished the Program, I went online and ordered the Treatment. I’m not quite sure what it is about Young, but I fly through her books!

Should you read this book?:

Seriously, I cannot recommend The Program enough!!

What did you think?