Extraordinary Means is a book filled with cliff hangers, plot twists, sadness, and varying point of views. Halfway through the first chapter of the book, being hooked is an understatement. Written by Robyn Schnieder, the main character, Lane, has a drive for success and an academic passion that many students may relate to. In the beginning of the story, the reader learns about how Lane is diagnosed with an incurable strain of tuberculosis and is sent to Latham House, a sanatorium for teenagers. He is a senior when he is sent there, and he is then surrounded by other teenagers with the same condition given that their sickness makes them unfit for regular school.
Schnieder tells the story from the alternating perspectives of two complex characters, Lane and Sadie. Lane, the male protagonist being a charismatic, motivated, new patient at Latham House, meets Sadie, a long-lost friend who shares a past that shaped their relationship at Latham House. Lane focuses on his studies and believes he will be out of there soon, so he does not try to get comfortable. He recognizes Sadie from a past summer long ago and sees how she does not care about adapting to Latham House standards. Lane never gets a proper introduction to the grounds and had to figure it out himself since his tour guide was a casualty of the same disease. Sadie’s friend group consists of people who look like they belong with each other, and that is what Lane sees, especially as he has previously seen them spend time together.
Sadie is known for running a sneaky smuggling operation that uses an outsider to gain access to things like alcohol, internet access, and other forbidden things from the quarantined people of Latham house. Conversation ended the tension between Lane and Sadie after meeting each other in the woods, sparking interest between the two. Lane expresses what has been going on in his personal life and opens Sadie’s eyes, shifting her feelings about him. After a talkative French class, Lane kicks it off with Sadie’s friend group at lunch by eating with them, instead of the religious loners he previously sat with. Schnieder provides the reader with specific insights on how Lane feels throughout his classes, and the pressure of improving for a hopeful admission to Stanford.
A romance eventually sparks between Lane and Sadie, and their growing feelings have the reader yearning for his next interaction. Working late nights on his AP classes and homework prevents Lane from full hours of sleep, and this leads to his condition declining; his chances of improvement are slim as the days go by. After having to go to the Latham House doctor, he promises himself to stop overworking, realizing his health is the top priority. Shortly after, an abrupt death occurs with someone from the friend group, causing disruption and suspicions among the people in Latham. Eventually, Lane is offered an opportunity to be assessed for treatment that can cure his illness, raising his desire and hopes for returning to his life before tuberculosis. The climax of the novel presents Lane with a lesson about whether he wants to participate in the experiment or not.
Overall, the book was a 10/10 and is a necessary read for those who may be looking for a more casual book. Extraordinary Means is a worthy read, leaving readers perplexed and rethinking their lives. The message gained from this book relates to the importance of living in the present rather than focusing on a future that is not promised.
