Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE TREATMENT

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THE TREATMENT

Suzanne Young

Two teenagers seek a pill that can restore lost memories.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to mature teens because of suicide-related themes, grief, coercive treatment, violence, deaths, danger, and emotionally intense dystopian situations, with some romance. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Romance3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death and the threat of death are constant themes, often related to suicide and resistance activities.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of injuries or medical procedures but not gratuitous.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild to moderate profanity consistent with teen dialogue.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Secondary characters may represent diverse identities, but it is not the primary focus.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Features a central romantic bond between the protagonists that drives much of their motivation.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The psychological terror of losing one's memory and identity is a central, tense component.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Mild romantic tension; no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

References to medicating teens and occasional illicit substance use within the dystopian society.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes scenes of physical resistance, chases, and threats of violence from authorities.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Young characters repeatedly confront danger, coercion, grief, and oppressive authority while trying to protect others.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Presents a unique, if dark, dystopian concept that encourages imaginative thinking.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Some attempt at character diversity, though it is not a defining feature of the book.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Prompts discussion on mental health, ethics, and government authority.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show empathy and protectiveness towards one another.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes address autonomy, consent, grief, resistance to abuse of power, mental health, loyalty, and the importance of human connection.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show resilience and bravery, though they are deeply flawed due to trauma.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE TREATMENT would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE TREATMENT, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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