The Program | Review

As with every teenager in the world, I have grown to be a great fan of the post-apocalyptic dystopian genre. However, the problem with this genre is that all the books end up being quite similar in terms of plot once you've read enough of them.

Recently, I read The Program by Suzanne Young, and thought I'd do a review for you all.

This book is set in a world where suicide has become an epidemic due to over prescription of anti-depressants in earlier generations, meaning they have become 'immune' to their effects.

The story centres around a girl named Sloane who is afraid she will become depressed and thus be admited to The Program, where it is rumoured that your memories are removed. Sloane has been surrounded by suicides, but cannot show her grief as this is classed as ‘depression’, but she also has to take care of her boyfriend, James, and ensure they are not taken away and changed.

Let's look at the concept. Personally, not a huge fan in this department. In theory it seems okay, but in the context of the book I found it became a little ridiculous. However, I did like the characters (which is high praise from me, as I’m super fussy about good characterization). This is one of the rare cases where I don’t completely hate the female lead (as I do with virtually every other book of this type) and actually like both of the guys she’s choosing from.

Not only that, but the book is also well written and does hold my interest beyond the story line. Her general writing style is one which appeals to me, and this is a rare find.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to fans of this genre. I will warn the concept of suicide being an epidemic does seem ridiculous at the start, but once you're past that initial idea it truly is a good book that I found quite enjoyable and got through really fast.

Have you read it? What did you think?

xx