The Treatment (Program, #2)

by Suzanne Young

[bookishzelda]

Let me tell you about Suzanne Young, she has this magical way of gut punching you. She can write an absolute beautiful love story but is also not afraid to use that to break your heart. Every book I’ve read of hers really draws out the feels. I absolutely love her writing there is something unique about it that I can’t describe. I like when an author can evoke emotion from a reader, where you really invest in the story. That being said let’s talk about The Treatment.

We left off with Sloane and James, not having their memories of one another but feel connected in their hearts. The Program considers that a failure and it’s out to get them, so they go on the run. With intentions of taking down The Program. This a tough job for some teenagers when you are going against adults you feel like they are doing the right thing to save their children.

I like this story a lot because there are many different versions of villains in it. We have The Program who is erasing peoples memories as a form of treatment but you know there is more behind it. You have the parents like Sloane’s mom, who you kind of hate because look what she did to Sloane. There was pivotal moment in book 1 where Sloane declares she wants to live, so for us she’s not sick. Her mother puts her in anyway but she’s doing it because she’s thinking she’s saving her daughter. It’s the type of villain where you wonder does the outcome justify the means. You have the people implanted into The Program and the handlers. Sloane and James can only trust each other and what happens when that breaks down.

What I also like about the story is the unique take it has on depression. That perhaps people are over medicated and that sometimes we freak out and look for the quick fix. Which is how something like The Program starts. I could see this as a reality just from working in a school, it feels like there is a lot more pressure on kids these days. So I could see how there could be a mass breakdown.

I love Sloane and James. Sloane the most out of the two. She is such a tough girl. I loved that even The Program could not strip that away from her. I make Realm a villain but there are choices Sloane makes that contribute but I believed if The Program hadn’t gotten her she would have never ever made those choices. Sloane is a different person after she goes through The Program but the basics of what makes her Sloane are still there. James is a hot blooded feisty boy but he is most certainly a fighter. Just as tough as he is, he also has a sensitive side that only comes out for Sloane. Which makes their relationship so swoon worthy. They are not perfect and have flaws but they work out things together and have endured quite a bit to find their way back to each other. I love them together and apart. My favorite kind of couple.

I despise Michael Realm. There were so many times in both books that I wanted to yell at him, I don’t like you Realm go away. I don’t like how he plays Sloane or tries to break her and James up. I don’t feel sorry for him for his side in the love triangle that really isn’t a love triangle. I think he is a little psychotic and obsessive too. Remember Sloane does not have her memories so what was erased in The Program is still erased. We find out things about Realm in this book that might help someone soften towards him. Not me though, not at all. Remember I said Suzanne is good at evoking feelings. Well I really want to punch him.

There are many side characters that sift through. Lacey, Dallas, Cas and some medical personnel. Even scuzzball Roger. I don’t want to delve into them too much because I don’t want to give anything away.

I think I have equal love for The Program and The Treatment. I was really satisfied with the story and the ending. The plot was interesting and suspenseful. The second half of the book I was so sucked in I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen. So if you liked The Program then definitely get out and get The Treatment.