Publication: April 30th 2013 by Simon Pulse
Source: Library Book
Goodreads 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.
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My Thoughts:
This book really intrigues me. It does have a bit of a different take on dystopian which I appreciated and it definitely has its own style. I was just waiting for the "Why" the entire book.
With the world being based around this "epidemic" of teen suicide, I was expecting to find out WHY all of these teenagers are committing suicide. But it's never explained. The references in the book led me to believe that it doesn't take place very far at all from our current time period so what happened to make teen suicide such an epidemic? You don't get an answer. Perhaps further in the series you may but don't go into this thinking you're going to get a very well-built world because you aren't. However, if you're looking for a dystopian full of romance, this should be your pick.
I liked the main characters. Sloane is a relatable character and she isn't whiny which I really can't endure with protagonists. She feels deeply and strongly but she never becomes a pity-me character which is awesome in my book. James is fun and adventurous. Although not my favorite main male character, he does fit with Sloane and I enjoyed reading their romance. There's also some interesting side characters such as Realm and Lacey, although I'm not sure how I feel about Realm yet.
*SLIGHTLY SPOILERY*
The plot ran pretty well. I liked that it was divided up into three parts and you got to go on the entire journey with Sloane. I loved the third part when Sloane starts to feel so much but doesn't know what she's feeling. I found it incredibly relatable and perfect fitting for this story and premise. It's so incredibly human to still feel a connection with someone, even if you're not sure why. Just like how you fall in love or find that one friend who just understands you so perfectly and you have this unbreakable connection and bond. I thought it was very well-written and a great point in the book.
The epilogue was very interesting as well. A lot of this book felt like a movie in some ways because it would cut away to an old scene in Sloane's head then cut back to her current moment. The epilogue felt just like that with a perfect uneasy, foreboding feeling as Realm acts out the same play with another girl. Perfect closing for a book like this with so much uncertainty and hidden motives.
Likes: Characters. The idea of it. Read very much like a movie. The romance.
Dislikes: The why factor. WHY has teenage suicide become so prevalent? There's also some self-harming and more sensitive material in it which I think should always be mentioned in a preface for people who may have issues with that. Of course, this is a book that talks about teen suicide so I'm sure it's assumable. MANY grammar errors/missing words in sentences, etc.
Overall:
Recommend? Yes.
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