Waiting on Wednesday, #15

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on.

Here's my selection for this week...

The Program by Suzanne Young

Expected Publication: April 30th 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone.

With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in.

And The Program is coming for them.

So what caught my attention about this book? Well a couple of things… First being that Jay Asher describes this novel as “Suspenseful and touching… feels frighteningly real.” Now those are some serious words! When a dystopic novel borders on the side of realism, sign me up. Because anytime we consider a world gone so disturbingly wrong yet it's not far off in terms of possibility, my brain jumps into overdrive.  Second, the premise feels neither light or fluffy. I’m getting the sense that The Program tackles some heavy topics that will grab my attention and hold me captive. Despite the somberness of the subject matter, I’m curious about the underlying themes Young plans to deliver in her book.

Lastly, just a fun fact: Did you know that the color yellow is visually the most difficult color for your eyes to focus on because it’s actually brighter than white and stronger in its emotional impact? Also, according to studies, yellow has a stimulating impact on your memory. So I’m wondering, does the color of those banana suits on the cover represent something? Curiouser and curiouser... :D

Sooo, what book are you waiting on?