Is 'Extraordinary Means' Worth Reading?

2026-03-19 16:38:48
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3 Answers

Grace
Grace
Library Roamer Pharmacist
Honestly, I debated DNF’ing 'Extraordinary Means' early on—the opening chapters felt tropey, with the brooding male lead and manic pixie dream girl vibes. But around page 80, something clicked. The characters started challenging each other, and the sanitarium’s surreal rules (like the 'no outside news' policy) added a dystopian twist I wasn’t expecting. The book’s strength lies in its quieter moments: kids stealing microwaved snacks, debates about whether they’re 'patients' or 'prisoners,' and the way Schneider captures the surrealism of being young and trapped by your own body.

It won’t redefine the genre, but it’s a solid 3.5-star read. Borrow it from the library rather than buying, though—I don’t see myself rereading it, but I don’t regret the time spent.
2026-03-21 15:14:44
8
Flynn
Flynn
Novel Fan Worker
If you’re into contemporary YA with a side of existential dread, 'Extraordinary Means' might hit the spot. Schneider’s writing is accessible but sharp, and she doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of her premise. What stood out to me was how the story reframed illness—not as a tragedy to overcome, but as a backdrop for exploring how people find joy despite limitations. The group dynamics reminded me of 'Looking for Alaska', though with less pretentious philosophical tangents.

Critics might call it melodramatic, but I cried twice, so mission accomplished? The ending avoids neat resolutions, which felt brave. It’s not my favorite sick-lit novel (that crown stays with 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl'), but it’s worth a weekend read if you’re in the mood for something bittersweet.
2026-03-21 16:28:55
3
Abigail
Abigail
Helpful Reader Pharmacist
I picked up 'Extraordinary Means' on a whim, drawn by the premise of teens grappling with a fictional illness in a sanitarium. At first, I worried it might feel like another 'The Fault in Our Stars' clone, but it surprised me. The way Robyn Schneider balances dark humor with raw emotion kept me glued to the pages. The friendships felt genuine—messy, awkward, and full of inside jokes that made me nostalgic for my own high school days. The romance subplot didn’t overshadow the larger themes of mortality and resilience, which I appreciated.

That said, the pacing stumbles a bit in the middle. Some scenes drag, and the secondary characters could’ve been fleshed out more. But the final act? Gut-wrenching in the best way. It’s not a perfect book, but it lingers. I still catch myself thinking about Lane and Sadie’s banter or the eerie beauty of the sanitarium setting months later.
2026-03-21 19:58:20
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