50 pages • 1 hour read
The Program
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Book Brief
405
Novel • Fiction
Pacific Northwest • Near Future
2013
YA
14-18 years
HL660L
Super Short Summary
In Suzanne Young's The Program, seventeen-year-old Sloane Barstow lives in a dystopian society where the government addresses teenage suicide as an epidemic. A facility called The Program erases memories to supposedly cure depression. Following her boyfriend's memory erasure, Sloane struggles to reunite with him and grapples with themes of love, human connection, and resistance against oppressive systems. This book contains depictions of sexual assault, depression, and psychological abuse.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Emotional
Dark
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
60,257 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Program by Suzanne Young The Program receives praise for its gripping, emotional narrative and thought-provoking exploration of mental health. Readers appreciate the strong character development and dystopian setting. However, some critiques point to repetitive plot elements and a slow pace. Overall, it's a compelling read with impactful themes.
Who Should Read The Program?
The reader who would enjoy The Program by Suzanne Young is a young adult or teenager who appreciates dystopian settings, psychological intrigue, and complex romantic dynamics. Ideal for fans of Delirium by Lauren Oliver and Matched by Ally Condie, this novel will captivate those who relish emotionally charged narratives in futuristic worlds.
60,257 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
James Murphy
James Murphy
Sloane’s love interest, a 17-year-old boy with blond hair and blue eyes, who experiences deep emotional struggles and retains a subconscious connection to Sloane despite memory erasure.
Michael Realm
Michael Realm
A complex character with ties to The Program, he acts as a facilitator within it and has a mysterious connection to the rebels, balancing personal motives with his duties.
Lacey Klamath
Lacey Klamath
Sloane’s childhood best friend, known for her rebellious spirit, who maintains her individuality despite The Program’s attempts to change her and becomes involved with resistance efforts.
405
Novel • Fiction
Pacific Northwest • Near Future
2013
YA
14-18 years
HL660L
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