Plot summary, “The Program” by Suzanne Young in 5 Minutes - Book Review
0"The Program" is a young adult dystopian novel written by Suzanne Young. It was published in 2013 and is the first book in "The Program" series. The story is set in a future where a widespread epidemic of teen suicide has led to the creation of a controversial program designed to "cure" depression and prevent further suicides.
The novel follows the main character, Sloane Barstow, who lives in a world where teenagers are closely monitored for signs of depression. Those deemed at risk are sent to "The Program," a facility where memories and emotions associated with their depression are erased, essentially resetting their minds. However, the process also erases parts of their identity, relationships, and experiences.
Sloane has lost several friends to suicide and is struggling to cope with her own feelings. She tries to hide her emotions to avoid being sent to The Program, but eventually, she and her boyfriend, James, are taken. Inside The Program, they face a controlled environment where their memories are manipulated.
As the story unfolds, Sloane becomes increasingly suspicious of The Program's intentions and begins to question the ethics of erasing memories to eliminate negative emotions. She fights to retain her true self and hold onto her memories, especially those of her relationship with James.
"The Program" explores themes of mental health, identity, loss, love, and the ethical implications of trying to control or manipulate emotions. It presents a thought-provoking portrayal of a future society's response to a mental health crisis and the consequences of attempting to erase or suppress emotions.
Suzanne Young's writing in "The Program" is engaging and emotional, capturing the struggles of the characters and the tension of living in a society where personal emotions are under constant scrutiny. The novel has been well-received by readers for its exploration of relevant and complex themes within a dystopian framework.