I think Young chose a very important theme to base a science fiction work upon, as the issue (although not the solution) is a realistic/feasible one. Risk factors for attempting suicide include suicidal behavior of a friend or family member, previous suicide attempts, same-sex attraction, school problems, and drug abuse. In the US, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people between 10-14 years of age, compared to the seventeenth among people over the age of 65 ( CDC, 2015). However, this term has also been used to address teen suicides in recent years. When we think of “epidemics”, most people might think about infectious diseases like smallpox or Ebola. THEME: Very important, and I like how The Program highlights youth suicidality as a major theme. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. Because their depression is gone - but so are their memories. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Category: ( Young Adult) Science Fiction / Dystopia / Romance Introduction

The Treatment by Suzanne Young