Details
Title: The Program
Author: Suzanne Young
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Year: 2013
Language: English
Genre: Young Adult, Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Romance
Rating: 8.5/10
Continuation: The Program #1 of 6
Pages: 410
Rating: 8.5/10
Continuation: The Program #1 of 6
Pages: 410
Summary
In the future, teen suicide has become an epidemic with teenage mortality rates higher than ever. Even stranger? Adults remain unaffected by this 'disease'. There's only one proven cure, with 100% effectiveness - the Program. Showing any trace of real emotion can get teens flagged as high-risk and involuntarily placed into the program, at their parents' behest. They emerge six weeks later - happy, healthy and completely void of any "infected" memories of their previous life. Sloan and her boyfriend James have always managed to keep each other from falling below deck, but soon the pressure is too much and the Program is coming for them.
Review
Okay dolls - what a book! No, seriously, what a book! Just between us, I'm going to have very few negative things to say about this book, so be warned. I mean, what's not to love!? From the eloquent writing style to the unique futuristic premise to the well-developed, relatable characters, this book had everything going for it and then some.
⚠[BE WARNED: SPOILERS AHEAD]⚠
Let's begin with the premise of the novel. As I began reading this book, I had a nagging sense of familiarity. Further delving into it made me realise exactly why. The society set up in this novel had a lot of things wrong with it, but as a reader, it always feels like maybe it's necessary because the writer is so careful to rationalise every decision the adults make to help the teens. In plain terms, the Program basically lobotomises its patients, so that they forget everything about their recent past and thus, their suicidal tendencies. When laid out this way, it sounds obviously problematic, but this isn't the case in the context of the book. Every argument the therapists, handlers, teachers and parents make simply seems like a misguided attempt at protection, even justifying surveillance of all digital communication. Beginning to sound familiar? Perhaps just like an episode of the Netflix original, Black Mirror? Thought so. Not only is the idea of the Program being a reality entirely conceivable, it also makes sense as to why such a society would develop. This isn't often the case with YA dystopian novels as, often, a suspension of disbelief is necessary for a truly immersive experience, but in my opinion, this wasn't the case here.
Now, let's move on to the characters. Sloane, her brother Brady and his best friend James were a strong trio. That is, until the sickness starts to set into Brady and he jumps 20-feet off a cliff right in front of the two. The two anchor each other from spiralling into depression and catching the contagious "suicide bug". But when one of their best friends takes his own life, James can't be the rock anymore. He finally lets go and Sloane soon follows suit, after seeing James as an empty shell of the person he used to be. So I've raved about how well-developed these characters are, but let me explain why. I genuinely expected this story to go a different way. Sloane and James would rebel against the program and fight to save their memories against all odds. Or at least, that's how a typical YA read with this premise would go. But the writer instead decided to take a more realistic approach.
Both our protagonists are broken down, torn apart and completely wiped of their memories. This characterisation of loss and grief driving them to insanity only serves to humanise them. It's not difficult for the reader to imagine himself in the same state after losing so many close loved ones. Watching our female protagonist slowly lose herself and her memories is surprisingly disturbing, as the entire time, the reader is painfully aware of what it is she's exactly losing. Instead of creating a hero complex, the writer has painted a story of a phoenix rising from the ashes. Our protagonists, despite what should be possible, manage to find their way back to each other and escape the oppressive system, thus building strength of character and gaining the reader's respect.
While I genuinely enjoyed the climax of the book and can't wait to get to the sequel, I'll admit it was a little difficult for me to get into the story in the beginning. While I see it was necessary now, the writer spent a lot of time on world building and exploring our characters' backgrounds, which was quite dull at times. I found myself urging the pace to pick up and get to the crux of the story. However, I would strongly recommend powering through, because the the story becomes not only exciting, but also heart wrenching, in the best way possible.
Side note: totally not a big deal to the plot development, but Realm really bothered me. He's a guy Sloane befriends in the Program, who turns out to be working for the other side - helping returners assimilate and form healthy bonds. Except he actually falls in love with Sloane and tries to help her in every way he can. Like most of the characters in this book, his actions definitely originate from a place of love, but his tendency to take advantage of Sloane at her most vulnerable and his strong belief in the Program, despite being deathly afraid of losing his memories, reeks of hypocrisy. The chemistry, romance or friendship - whatever you want to call it - between the two seems forced and unnatural. I mean, she's admitted to not loving him and chosen James over him multiple times, yet he still keeps coming back for more. 2/10 - would not recommend 😅
Overall, an exciting read with plenty of potential for the books to come. This one will require your focus to really understand and enjoy, so make sure you're in the right headspace, before committing to the series of 6! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this book. Did you enjoy the narrative structure and premise? Or were you turned off by the blatant attempt at capitalising on a controversial issue (hey! no shade here - jus' sayin)? Let me know down in the comments below. As always, happy to encourage intelligent discourse. Peace! 🙌
⚠[BE WARNED: SPOILERS AHEAD]⚠
Let's begin with the premise of the novel. As I began reading this book, I had a nagging sense of familiarity. Further delving into it made me realise exactly why. The society set up in this novel had a lot of things wrong with it, but as a reader, it always feels like maybe it's necessary because the writer is so careful to rationalise every decision the adults make to help the teens. In plain terms, the Program basically lobotomises its patients, so that they forget everything about their recent past and thus, their suicidal tendencies. When laid out this way, it sounds obviously problematic, but this isn't the case in the context of the book. Every argument the therapists, handlers, teachers and parents make simply seems like a misguided attempt at protection, even justifying surveillance of all digital communication. Beginning to sound familiar? Perhaps just like an episode of the Netflix original, Black Mirror? Thought so. Not only is the idea of the Program being a reality entirely conceivable, it also makes sense as to why such a society would develop. This isn't often the case with YA dystopian novels as, often, a suspension of disbelief is necessary for a truly immersive experience, but in my opinion, this wasn't the case here.
Now, let's move on to the characters. Sloane, her brother Brady and his best friend James were a strong trio. That is, until the sickness starts to set into Brady and he jumps 20-feet off a cliff right in front of the two. The two anchor each other from spiralling into depression and catching the contagious "suicide bug". But when one of their best friends takes his own life, James can't be the rock anymore. He finally lets go and Sloane soon follows suit, after seeing James as an empty shell of the person he used to be. So I've raved about how well-developed these characters are, but let me explain why. I genuinely expected this story to go a different way. Sloane and James would rebel against the program and fight to save their memories against all odds. Or at least, that's how a typical YA read with this premise would go. But the writer instead decided to take a more realistic approach.
Both our protagonists are broken down, torn apart and completely wiped of their memories. This characterisation of loss and grief driving them to insanity only serves to humanise them. It's not difficult for the reader to imagine himself in the same state after losing so many close loved ones. Watching our female protagonist slowly lose herself and her memories is surprisingly disturbing, as the entire time, the reader is painfully aware of what it is she's exactly losing. Instead of creating a hero complex, the writer has painted a story of a phoenix rising from the ashes. Our protagonists, despite what should be possible, manage to find their way back to each other and escape the oppressive system, thus building strength of character and gaining the reader's respect.
While I genuinely enjoyed the climax of the book and can't wait to get to the sequel, I'll admit it was a little difficult for me to get into the story in the beginning. While I see it was necessary now, the writer spent a lot of time on world building and exploring our characters' backgrounds, which was quite dull at times. I found myself urging the pace to pick up and get to the crux of the story. However, I would strongly recommend powering through, because the the story becomes not only exciting, but also heart wrenching, in the best way possible.
Side note: totally not a big deal to the plot development, but Realm really bothered me. He's a guy Sloane befriends in the Program, who turns out to be working for the other side - helping returners assimilate and form healthy bonds. Except he actually falls in love with Sloane and tries to help her in every way he can. Like most of the characters in this book, his actions definitely originate from a place of love, but his tendency to take advantage of Sloane at her most vulnerable and his strong belief in the Program, despite being deathly afraid of losing his memories, reeks of hypocrisy. The chemistry, romance or friendship - whatever you want to call it - between the two seems forced and unnatural. I mean, she's admitted to not loving him and chosen James over him multiple times, yet he still keeps coming back for more. 2/10 - would not recommend 😅
Overall, an exciting read with plenty of potential for the books to come. This one will require your focus to really understand and enjoy, so make sure you're in the right headspace, before committing to the series of 6! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this book. Did you enjoy the narrative structure and premise? Or were you turned off by the blatant attempt at capitalising on a controversial issue (hey! no shade here - jus' sayin)? Let me know down in the comments below. As always, happy to encourage intelligent discourse. Peace! 🙌
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