I’ve been trying to wean myself off of reading series because of time constraints. Being a full-time student means that I don’t get a lot of time to read so series are never a good idea. I get into this habit where I read the first book, enjoy it immensely, and then have to wait until I get some free time to read the second book. By the time I get around to it, I’ve forgotten what happened in the first one and have to start all over again. So I try to save all books in a series until I actually have time. Clearly, I broke my own rule with this one.
Sloane can never show her true feelings. During a time where teen suicide is considered an epidemic, everyone is on the watch for the symptoms of depression. No one wants to be turned in to the “Program”, a government initiative that is supposed to be a cure for this problem. It gives teens a blank slate – because it wipes their memories clean. The only person Sloane trusts is her boyfriend, James. He is the only person she can be herself with. But the stress is getting to them. Sooner or later, they will succumb to depression. And when they do … the Program will be waiting.
To be honest, when I read the first few chapters of this book, I hated it. I absolutely hated how weak Sloane was and how desperate she was for James’ love and protection. I almost gave up reading it but I pushed through. And I’m SO glad that I did because this novel really delivered. The concept of using depression as an epidemic is quite brilliant; there are so many things we don’t understand about this mental disorder and this novel addresses that through the treatment method being used. It is disturbing to consider that this could potentially happen in the future and that feeling really sets in as you keep reading. I’m already on the waitlist for the next novel, so definitely read this novel!!
Happy reading ~