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EXTRAORDINARY MEANS by Robyn Schneider seems at first glance to be just another THE FAULT IN OUR STARS-esque love story; it follows Lane and Sadie, two teens who are sent to Latham House because they’re suffering from a new drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis and need to be separated from the general populace. However, I am glad to say that the similarities to TFIOS end there.
At the start of the book, Sadie is not a fan of Lane because of their experience in summer camp together years before. That is soon cleared up, however, and the two begin to bond because of their shared experiences and ability to understand the way the other thinks.
It was a fun read with interesting and original insight on what living really is and how to find the balance between love and sickness.
The characters are the strongest part of this novel. Lane is a hard worker who has followed the rules his whole life in order to get into the college of his dreams. Sadie is much more relaxed and daring, and has been in Latham House for a longer period of time. Our two main characters are extremely sensible, as well. Their issues are realistic, and when they have a conflict, they solve it by communicating with one another. This was very refreshing, as the main characters in many other young adult novels refuse to talk with each other and work out their issues.
The boarding school feel also adds to the enjoyment of the book. It allows the protagonists to be more free, and it lets readers meet some wonderful side characters, such as Charlie, Nick and Marina. All three were funny and interesting, each with their own story and personality. My favorite scenes were when all five friends went on walks into the woods together. Their humor, references to movies and shows that are popular in their age group and use of contemporary slang made the story more relatable and enjoyable to read.
EXTRAORDINARY MEANS was a fantastic novel about friendship, sickness and what it means to be alive. It is perfect for fans of John Green’s LOOKING FOR ALASKA and THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, with a medley of elements from each book. It was a fun read with interesting and original insight on what living really is and how to find the balance between love and sickness.
Teaser
At seventeen, Lane finds himself at Latham House, a sanatorium for teens suffering from an incurable strain of tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, Latham is a place of endless rules and confusing rituals, where it's easier to fail breakfast than it is to flunk French. There Lane encounters a girl he knew years ago. Instead of the shy loner he remembers, Sadie has become sarcastic, fearless and utterly compelling. Her friends, a group of eccentric troublemakers, fascinate Lane, who has never broken any rules his whole life. And as he gradually becomes one of them, Sadie shows him how to steal internet, sneak into town and how to disable the med sensors they must wear at all times. But there are consequences to having secrets, particularly at Latham House. And as Lane and Sadie begin to fall in love and their group begins to fall sicker, their world threatens to come crashing down.
Promo
At seventeen, Lane finds himself at Latham House, a sanatorium for teens suffering from an incurable strain of tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, Latham is a place of endless rules and confusing rituals, where it's easier to fail breakfast than it is to flunk French. There Lane encounters a girl he knew years ago. Instead of the shy loner he remembers, Sadie has become sarcastic, fearless and utterly compelling. Her friends, a group of eccentric troublemakers, fascinate Lane, who has never broken any rules his whole life. And as he gradually becomes one of them, Sadie shows him how to steal internet, sneak into town and how to disable the med sensors they must wear at all times. But there are consequences to having secrets, particularly at Latham House. And as Lane and Sadie begin to fall in love and their group begins to fall sicker, their world threatens to come crashing down.
About the Book
At seventeen, Lane finds himself at Latham House, a sanatorium for teens suffering from an incurable strain of tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, Latham is a place of endless rules and confusing rituals, where it's easier to fail breakfast than it is to flunk French.
There Lane encounters a girl he knew years ago. Instead of the shy loner he remembers, Sadie has transformed. At Latham, she is sarcastic, fearless and utterly compelling. Her friends, a group of eccentric troublemakers, fascinate Lane, who has never stepped out of bounds his whole life. And as he gradually becomes one of them, Sadie shows him their secrets: how to steal internet, how to sneak into town and how to disable the med sensors they must wear at all times.
But there are consequences to having secrets, particularly at Latham House. And as Lane and Sadie begin to fall in love and their group begins to fall sicker, their insular world threatens to come crashing down.
Extraordinary Means is told from altering points of view, and is a darkly funny story about doomed friendships, first love and the rare miracle of second chances.
