Teenage suicide has become an epidemic. In hopes of stopping this terrible disease, America has created what is called The Program. If you're flagged as a threat to yourself you are forced into the treatment. No one on the outside knows what goes on inside the building. The only thing that is certain, if you go in, you'll never be the same once you come out. Somehow they have figured out a way to completely reset the human mind, erasing all the hurt, that leads to suicide. Sloane is seventeen and so close to having her freedom, no one can force her into The Program once she's eighteen. After her brother commits suicide, Sloane is being watched like a hawk. She keeps losing friend's to The Program, slowly becoming more and more alone. She made a pact with her boyfriend, James, to always look out for each other, to only show emotions to each other. They think they have escaped the watchful eyes of The Program, but no one is immune to their power.
I read this a few years ago and remembered enjoying it. I made plans to continue reading the series but totally forgot. I decided to pick it up and give it another go. It's a beautiful yet heartbreaking story. Young did a great job showing readers how suicide affects loved ones. I think we all, at some point in our lives, wished we could take the hurt away, wishing we could be numb to the pain life causes us. The Program helps you see that without pain you cannot have love, friendship, and family. It is all a part of life. The idea of this treatment may at times seem appealing, but is it worth losing everything you know about yourself, about the ones you love? I don't think so. Three out of five stars.
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