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Hopefully this is the right thread to post in- it seems like a young adult novel, I definitely couldn't imagine my mother or father willingly choosing this to read. Aaaaand this is my first official book review EVER, so I apologize for it's amateurism ahead of time.

So! The Program series by Suzanne Young- this is a fairly new series that came out in August last year (2013). The second book in the series- The Treatment- came out earlier this week. And what an amazing series this is turning out to be. I have to admit, I didn't think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did, but alas, it has become one of my favorites. With similarities to the movies Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Memento, and even a little of the Notebook, the Program is a great story with plenty of action, suspense, and of course, no young adult fiction can be complete without a love story.

Book 1 - The Program
The Program is a story about a suicide epidemic- now before you think, "oh geeze, a series about suicide, why would I want to read that?", just hear me out before making up your mind. The book follows the characters Sloane and James, two teens too afraid to cry or show any extreme emotion for fear of ending up in the program. It seems suicide became so common that it is considered an illness or disease that needs to be eradicated and the program is the only proven "solution", even though it leaves it's subjects empty and stripped of their memories. Both James and Sloane are getting worse every day- the depression is slowly setting in and they can't hide the signs. If they can't take control of their emotions, they may be next! I don't want to say much else in fear of giving up any good secrets! the best part of this book is the not knowing what the hell is going on until it matters most, and I'd like to keep it that way for you

The character development is complex- never giving enough information to really figure any one out and therefore never knowing where the loyalties lie. The story is suspenseful and will keep you at the edge of your seat, so to speak. And even though I'm not very fond of love stories, who can beat a love that always finds its way back, even when its taken from you so completely?

Book # 2 has been great so far! I haven't finished it yet but I'm pretty darn close and let me tell you I didn't think it could top the first but it blew me away not even 5 chapters in. More secrets, more truths, and hopefully an ending that promises a # 3 in the series. If you like dystopian-like stories with a little love mixed in, then this is the series for you! Check it out and share your thoughts! I'd love to hear what you all thought of it! (I've been told I don't rate harsh enough considering I give almost all the books I read 4 or 5 stars so I'd like to see what the rest of the world thinks on this one!)

HAPPY READING!

I've not heard of this series but from your review I may try to find it. Your enthusiasm over the books is encouraging especially with the subject matter of suicide - and I love surprising twists to a good story. Thanks.

This series sounds really great from your review, keep up the good work. Great review. I might go look for the books soon

danniiiilove wrote:Hopefully this is the right thread to post in- it seems like a young adult novel, I definitely couldn't imagine my mother or father willingly choosing this to read. Aaaaand this is my first official book review EVER, so I apologize for it's amateurism ahead of time.

So! The Program series by Suzanne Young- this is a fairly new series that came out in August last year (2013). The second book in the series- The Treatment- came out earlier this week. And what an amazing series this is turning out to be. I have to admit, I didn't think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did, but alas, it has become one of my favorites. With similarities to the movies Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Memento, and even a little of the Notebook, the Program is a great story with plenty of action, suspense, and of course, no young adult fiction can be complete without a love story.

Book 1 - The Program
The Program is a story about a suicide epidemic- now before you think, "oh geeze, a series about suicide, why would I want to read that?", just hear me out before making up your mind. The book follows the characters Sloane and James, two teens too afraid to cry or show any extreme emotion for fear of ending up in the program. It seems suicide became so common that it is considered an illness or disease that needs to be eradicated and the program is the only proven "solution", even though it leaves it's subjects empty and stripped of their memories. Both James and Sloane are getting worse every day- the depression is slowly setting in and they can't hide the signs. If they can't take control of their emotions, they may be next! I don't want to say much else in fear of giving up any good secrets! the best part of this book is the not knowing what the hell is going on until it matters most, and I'd like to keep it that way for you

The character development is complex- never giving enough information to really figure any one out and therefore never knowing where the loyalties lie. The story is suspenseful and will keep you at the edge of your seat, so to speak. And even though I'm not very fond of love stories, who can beat a love that always finds its way back, even when its taken from you so completely?

Book # 2 has been great so far! I haven't finished it yet but I'm pretty darn close and let me tell you I didn't think it could top the first but it blew me away not even 5 chapters in. More secrets, more truths, and hopefully an ending that promises a # 3 in the series. If you like dystopian-like stories with a little love mixed in, then this is the series for you! Check it out and share your thoughts! I'd love to hear what you all thought of it! (I've been told I don't rate harsh enough considering I give almost all the books I read 4 or 5 stars so I'd like to see what the rest of the world thinks on this one!)

HAPPY READING!

Great review..Do you know how I could get a free copy of this book to read? I would love to submit a review of my own if possible. The themes sound a lot like Jay Asher's 13 Reasons Why.

I absolutely loved the program! I haven't read the treatment yet and I literally cannot wait to read it!

I wasn't going to pick this book up, but after reading your review, I think my mind has changed. It sounds like a good series to try. Especially after the downfall of the Divergent series for me.

It sounds interesting indeed. I added it to my reading list.

Thank you for the recommendation.

i feel like i'd heard of these books before but at the time no one had said anything positive or negative about them.Thank you for your input these books do sound like something worth checking out

An informal voice can be very effective when it comes to criticism, and I like the fact that you chose one. Readers need someone to relate to no matter what the material on the table is. Your review was refreshing.

Hey everyone, thanks so much for all your positive comments! I finished the 2nd book and it was really good- though I must say, the ending was a little ambiguous. I'm not sure if there is going to be a 3rd book or not (I know books are usually finish in trilogies so hopefully!) Either way, it was still a very good read! I think its amazing how the author is able to take such a serious issue and twist it into an official epidemic that needs to be interfered with by government programs. It reminds me of a lot of the other dystopian stories I've read.

Don't forget to come back and post after you've read it! I'm really looking forward to hearing what you all thought about it!

-- 08 May 2014, 15:23 --

Nathrad Sheare wrote:An informal voice can be very effective when it comes to criticism, and I like the fact that you chose one. Readers need someone to relate to no matter what the material on the table is. Your review was refreshing.

thank you so much! i'd consider this 1st review a successful one! lol i will admit it was difficult to be impartial because i had so many opinions about everything but this book is like one of those psychological thriller movies with twists and turns and i didn't want to accidentally let something slip that ruined the mystery. thanks again!

No problem, danniiiilove, and I have to say, as an opera man, a classics fan, and a poetry buff... Nice avatar.

I've been seeing this book around and I keep meaning to pick it up.

I have wanted to read this series but I am wondering if it is my type of book? I like clean romance and nothing too gruesome. Also, not a lot of profanity.

I have been wanting to read this for awhile and today I decided to "Bite the Bullet", and bought it. I think I will read this next. Love your review of it, the way you talk about it I feel like it will be worth the money I spent on it.

I really loved both of these books! I also didn't really think that I was going to like the first one that much, but then I ended up loving it. Even though these books could be a little depressing at times, I really enjoyed them.