Book Review: Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider

Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider

This book was one of the types that make you think about life and the purpose of everything after it’s over.

Extraordinary Means is about Lane and Sadie, two teens who, having previously met at camp as kids, find themselves at the same sanatorium for Tuberculous, Latham House. Lane sees Sadie’s group of friends there and immediately wants to be their friend but he doesn’t plan on being there long. He has plans for his future and as soon as he gets better, he’s gone from Latham House. Latham House isn't his future, Stanford is. All Lane wants it to keep his grades up and not fall behind in school, but once he gets to know Sadie and her group of friends, that changes. Lane begins to start living in the now as Sadie does, she doesn’t seem to mind that she may not have a future and that makes her embrace the present.

Unavoidably, Lane and Sadie fall in love and with the promise of a new drug to cure them of the awful disease, the chance of a future together comes into view, but TB looms and the possibility that any of them could be taken by TB before they get the drug is always an option.

I’ve never read a John Green book, but I assume this is a lot like one. I liked it a lot, I thought it was realistic and the characters were diverse and likeable. To be totally honest, I bought the book because of the cover. I thought it was super cute and I was drawn to it. But the inside was just as good!

Recommended age:

15+

On to the ratings!

Stars: 0 = None 10 = Tons

THE FEELS:

I found myself wanting them all to live and to be happy. I went into this book knowing characters would die. It’s basically on the cover “Life goes on, until it doesn’t.” I’d really like to know what happened to the ones left in the end though. Did they keep in touch?

5/10

Violence:

There wasn’t much violence at all. One kid hits another, and one person slams another into a tree.  The effect TB has on these kids though, is violent and to think that this happens to people, has happened to people, is just sad.

3/10

Sexual content:

Sex is implied, several kisses.

3/10

Crude language:

There is a ton of crude language. Every “curse” word is used multiple times. Including the F-word, GD and all minor profanities.

10/10

Other elements/comments:

God is mentioned once or twice, implying that one character may have been religious. One character is caught masturbating to gay porn. (lol.)

Overall:

Overall I liked the story. I thought it was thought provoking and just cute, although sad. Again I’d love to know what happened after the story more.

7/10

Xoxo