The Program

By: Suzanne Young

Narrated by: Joy Osmanski

Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Includes a bonus interview with the author.

©2013 Suzanne Young (P)2013 Simon & Schuster

Interesting Premise! It left me thinking...

Would you listen to The Program again? Why?

I really liked the book, it was thought provoking and left you pondering the question, is it better to know or not to know, is better to remember or to completely forget. There are arguments for both sides and I liked the way that it freed you to ponder questions and provoke debate.
This book didn't whisk me away and it had dark undertones, it was not the kind of book that I would read over and over, I really believe that once was enough. I would, however recommend this book to friends and family!

Who was your favorite character and why?

The book was centered around Slone, it was interesting to see how she evolved before, during, and after the Program.

What about Joy Osmanski’s performance did you like?

Joy Osmanski had a rather monotone voice, but for this type of novel I really believe that it worked. She was pleasant and I would listen to her again.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I feel an ache in my heart, but I can't remember why...

Any additional comments?

This book had a garden of Eden like premise, only backward.
Slone knows everything, she feels the pain of the past and that pain fills her with desperation.
When she enters the Program she forgets herself and her pain... is she better or worse for it? It is a hard question to answer.
I was conflicted by the feelings that I had for Slone's mother, who believed she was doing her daughter justice by sending her to the program, but in the process she was not allowing her daughter to grieve or grow as a person.
I enjoyed the twist at the end... without giving to much away, I wondered if all of these individuals were in on it... it was interesting and unexpected.

I loved it so much!

I totally fell in love with Sloan and James love.. to me there was no love triangle between Sloan, James and Realm. Those two kids are the definition soul mates!

Steadily Seducitive Suicidaly

I loved the characters, they're different. the premisis of the story is something not found in your typical YA and it was a steady moving.

Hang in there!

The beginning of this story is pretty slow going and I was getting annoyed with the lovey dovey characters...however, once the story finally evolves into them going into treatment the story gets interesting. I really liked all the characters and felt for each of them. I love how new and refreshing this kind of story is and I kept wondering how it would end, which I wasn't really able to predict, yay! I hate predictable endings. There are a few twists and turns throughout the story which kept it super interesting. I can't wait to start book 2!

Very Heavy Book, but really good read.

This book brings to light some very heavy topics and very serious issues. It's not something you need to read if you are not in a good place with your depression or suicide.

OMG

It's really a good book , you have to give it a look and I hope you enjoy it
With love

Wow just WOW!!

I read this before I went on vacation and then I could NOT think about anything else. I even had difficulties reading my next book. I can’t wait for the next book I get my hands on!!!

Such An amazing book

I loved this book so much. I started reading it for a dystopian unit in my ELA class and now I’m reading the whole entire series.

Fantastic series!

I loved this entire series! read all 6 plus the extra novella about realm. Bummed I'm done with them now

I enjoyed it

The subject can seem quite dark but it really is just normal, real life with an extreme solution. I loved the characters. They were well developed and familiar feeling and I found myself caring about them.