“Being sick is not a crime. It’s just a really inconvenient way to die.”
— Lane's internal thought about the sanatorium and the unfairness of his situation.
Archivist's Choice
Extraordinary Means
Robyn Schneider (2015)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
6-7 hours
Key Themes
See below
Track Your Reading
Sign in to track this book
At a boarding school for the terminally ill, a cynical teen discovers that a group of rebels and an unexpected love might just be the most potent medicine for living, even as they face dying.
Synopsis
Lane DuBois arrives at Latham House, a boarding school for teens with tuberculosis, believing his life is over. He quickly meets Sadie and her friends, who refuse to let their illness dictate their existence. Initially cynical, Lane is drawn into their world of pranks, forbidden adventures, and a shared love for classic literature. He and Sadie develop a deep connection, falling in love amidst their uncertain futures. Lane learns about Sadie's past, including her previous failed experimental treatment and a project she's been working on called 'Extraordinary Means,' which involves writing a book about their experiences at Latham. As their romance deepens, Lane grapples with his own illness, while Sadie's health begins to decline. They share a poignant prom night, a brief moment of normalcy and hope. Eventually, Sadie succumbs to her illness, leaving Lane heartbroken. He finds solace and a path forward in the books she wrote, which are a legacy of their love and the life they shared at Latham. Lane leaves Latham House, changed by Sadie and committed to living a full life in her memory.
Reading time
6-7 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Bittersweet, Romantic, Reflective, Poignant
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy poignant YA romance with a focus on living life to the fullest despite challenging circumstances, and don't mind a bittersweet ending.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer lighthearted stories without significant emotional weight or character death, or find illness-centric plots too depressing.
Plot Summary
Arrival at Latham House
Lane DuBois, a meticulous and ambitious student focused on attending Stanford, finds his life changed when he's diagnosed with a drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis (TB). He is sent to Latham House, a remote boarding school in the mountains of Colorado for teenagers with various chronic illnesses. Upon arrival, Lane is overwhelmed by the reality of the institution, with its strict rules, medical routines, and the constant presence of illness. He feels a loss for his former life and the future he had planned, struggling to adapt to the confined, medically-driven environment that now defines his existence.
Meeting Sadie and Her Friends
Lane observes a group of students led by Sadie, who seems to have energy despite her own illness. Sadie, a charismatic and free-spirited girl, along with her friends Charlie, Marina, and Jeremy, have formed a tight-knit, rebellious clique. They frequently break rules, orchestrate pranks, and find ways to inject joy and defiance into their restrictive lives at Latham. Lane is initially wary and critical of their antics, seeing them as irresponsible, but he is also drawn to their camaraderie and their refusal to be defined solely by their illnesses, sensing a deeper purpose in their rebellion.
The First Prank and Connection
Sadie, noticing Lane's isolation, involves him in one of their pranks: a mission to retrieve a forbidden book from the school library after hours. Lane, despite his initial reluctance and fear of breaking rules, finds himself drawn into the thrill of the escapade. During the prank, he witnesses Sadie's quick wit and charm firsthand. This shared transgression, particularly their attempt to 'steal' a copy of *The Scarlet Pimpernel*, begins to chip away at Lane's rigid adherence to rules and his self-imposed isolation. It marks the beginning of his reluctant integration into their circle and a budding fascination with Sadie.
Uncovering Sadie's Past
As Lane spends more time with Sadie and her friends, he starts to piece together her past. He learns that Sadie has been at Latham House for several years, suffering from cystic fibrosis. He discovers she had a deep relationship with a former Latham student named Michael, who eventually succumbed to his illness. Michael's death left an impact on Sadie, shaping her outlook on life, death, and love. Lane realizes that Sadie's rebellious spirit and her mission to create lasting memories are rooted in her grief and her determination to live fully despite her circumstances, echoing Michael's philosophy.
The 'Extraordinary Means' Project
Sadie reveals her most ambitious project: creating a personalized 'Book of Extraordinary Means' for each of her closest friends. This isn't just a scrapbook; it's a curated collection of memories, experiences, and future plans, designed to provide comfort and guidance long after she is gone. Lane, with his meticulous nature and love for organization, is tasked with helping her compile and organize these books, which are filled with photos, letters, and even secret instructions for their friends. This shared endeavor deepens their bond, as they spend countless hours together, sharing stories and fears, and confronting the reality of their illnesses.
Growing Closer and Falling in Love
Through their collaborative work on the 'Book of Extraordinary Means' and their shared experiences within Latham House, Lane and Sadie's initial fascination blossoms into a deep love. They find solace and understanding in each other, sharing their vulnerabilities, hopes, and fears about their illnesses and the limited time they may have. Lane, once solely focused on academic success, discovers a new purpose and joy in their connection, embracing the present moment with Sadie. Their love story is intertwined with the bittersweet reality of their conditions, making every shared moment precious and poignant.
Lane's Reckoning with His Illness
As Lane becomes more deeply involved with Sadie and her friends, he is forced to confront the reality of his own diagnosis. The initial shock and denial begin to give way to a deeper understanding of the progressive nature of his TB. He witnesses the struggles of other students and the limitations imposed by their illnesses, making him aware of his own mortality. This realization, coupled with his growing love for Sadie, intensifies his desire to live fully and make the most of the time he has, shifting his perspective from a future he might never attain to the richness of the present.
The Prom and a Glimmer of Hope
Latham House hosts a prom, a rare opportunity for the students to experience a semblance of normalcy and celebration. Lane and Sadie attend together, sharing a magical night that shows the depth of their feelings. Amidst the festivities, Lane receives unexpected news: his unique strain of TB, while still serious, shows a slight, unexpected improvement, offering a glimmer of hope for a longer, albeit still uncertain, future. This news presents a complex emotional challenge, as it highlights the contrast between his potential future and Sadie's more precarious health.
Sadie's Decline and the Final Book
Following the prom, Sadie's cystic fibrosis worsens. Her health rapidly declines, making it clear that her time is limited. With Lane's unwavering support, she works to complete the final 'Book of Extraordinary Means' — her own book, intended for Lane. This period is marked by intense emotional intimacy and a sense of urgency. Lane helps her gather the last elements, understanding the significance of this final gift and the love it represents, even as he grapples with the impending loss.
Sadie's Death and Lane's Grief
Sadie eventually passes away, leaving Lane and her friends devastated. Lane experiences an overwhelming wave of grief, struggling to reconcile the vibrant girl he loved with her absence. The initial shock gives way to a deep, aching sadness. He finds himself grappling with the unfairness of their situation and the pain of losing someone who had so changed his life and his perspective. The world at Latham House feels empty without her infectious spirit and rebellious energy, and Lane must now navigate his own path forward without her physical presence.
The Legacy of the Books
After Sadie's death, Lane and her friends open their respective 'Books of Extraordinary Means.' These books, meticulously crafted by Sadie and Lane, become conduits for her enduring spirit. They contain not just memories, but also Sadie's wisdom, her hopes for them, and even specific instructions for future adventures or acts of kindness. The books are a testament to Sadie's belief in living fully and a way for her friends to continue their journey with her guidance, providing comfort and a sense of connection even in her absence, fulfilling her wish to leave a lasting legacy.
Lane's Future Beyond Latham
With his health stabilizing, Lane eventually leaves Latham House. Though his Stanford dreams remain, his priorities have shifted. He carries Sadie's memory and the lessons she taught him about living in the present, finding joy in unexpected places, and the power of human connection. He is no longer the rigid, academically driven boy who arrived, but a young man changed by love, loss, and the extraordinary means by which Sadie lived. He resolves to honor her legacy by living a life full of purpose, compassion, and a continued appreciation for every precious moment.
Principal Figures
Lane DuBois
The Protagonist
Lane transforms from a rigid, future-obsessed student into a compassionate, present-focused young man who understands the value of life and love, even in the face of loss.
Sadie
The Love Interest / Catalyst
Sadie maintains her vibrant spirit throughout the story, culminating in her ultimate sacrifice of time to create legacies for her friends, solidifying her role as a beacon of life.
Charlie
The Supporting Character
Charlie grapples with his own illness and the impending loss of Sadie, ultimately finding solace and purpose in her legacy.
Marina
The Supporting Character
Marina learns to embrace her own unique contributions to the group and finds a way to honor Sadie's memory through her creative expression.
Jeremy
The Supporting Character
Jeremy continues to find joy and uphold Sadie's spirit of adventure even after her passing.
Michael
The Mentioned Character / Catalyst
Though deceased, Michael's philosophy and legacy continue to shape the lives and actions of the living characters, particularly Sadie and, through her, Lane.
Dr. Varma
The Supporting Character
Dr. Varma consistently provides medical care and emotional support, embodying the compassionate but often helpless role of a caregiver in a terminal care facility.
Nurse Miller
The Supporting Character
Nurse Miller maintains her role as an authority figure, occasionally revealing glimpses of her underlying care for the students.
Themes & Insights
Living in the Present vs. Planning for the Future
This theme is central to the novel, contrasting Lane's initial obsession with his future (Stanford, career) with Sadie's philosophy of embracing the present moment due to her limited time. Latham House itself forces this confrontation, as students' futures are uncertain. Sadie's 'Book of Extraordinary Means' is a powerful manifestation of living in the present, creating memories and meaning now, rather than deferring happiness. Lane's transformation directly reflects this theme, as he learns to value the 'extraordinary means' of the present over a hypothetical future.
““We’re all dying, Lane. You, me, everyone. It’s just that some of us have a better idea of when it’s going to happen.””
Love and Loss
The novel explores the beauty and pain of falling in love when faced with terminal illness. Lane and Sadie's relationship is tender, passionate, and deeply bittersweet, as they are constantly aware of their limited time together. Sadie's past loss of Michael informs her approach to love and her desire to create lasting legacies. The grief experienced by Lane and Sadie's friends after her death highlights the devastating impact of loss, but also the enduring power of the love that preceded it, teaching them how to carry on with cherished memories.
““Maybe falling in love is its own cure.””
Defiance and Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Sadie and her friends embody defiance, refusing to let their illnesses define or defeat them. Their pranks, rule-breaking, and the creation of the 'Book of Extraordinary Means' are acts of rebellion against the confines of Latham House and the limitations of their bodies. This defiance is not reckless but a conscious choice to live with joy, purpose, and dignity. It is a testament to the human spirit's resilience, finding ways to create meaning and happiness even in the most challenging and tragic circumstances, inspiring Lane to find his own resilience.
““We’re not just sick kids. We’re still kids, and we’re still here.””
The Power of Storytelling and Legacy
Sadie's 'Book of Extraordinary Means' project is the ultimate embodiment of this theme. These books are not just collections of memories but carefully crafted narratives designed to guide and comfort her friends after her death. They are a way for Sadie to leave behind a tangible piece of herself, to continue influencing the lives of those she loves, and to ensure that her spirit and lessons endure. Lane's role in helping create these books underscores the power of shared stories and the comfort found in a lasting legacy, even in the face of inevitable loss.
““A book is a collection of words, but it’s also a collection of moments, a collection of lives, a collection of extraordinary means.””
Identity Beyond Illness
A core struggle for the characters is resisting the reduction of their identity to their disease. Lane initially feels defined by his TB, losing his sense of self as a 'Stanford-bound' student. Sadie and her friends actively fight against this, insisting on being seen as individuals with dreams, humor, and relationships, not just 'sick kids.' Their pranks and projects are ways of asserting their full identities. The novel argues that while illness is a part of their lives, it doesn't encompass who they are, encouraging them to find meaning and purpose beyond their medical conditions.
““We were all just kids, some of us with expiration dates, some of us without, but all of us trying to figure out how to live.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The 'Book of Extraordinary Means'
A personalized scrapbook/guide created by Sadie for her friends, acting as her legacy.
This central plot device is a meticulously crafted collection of memories, photos, letters, and instructions that Sadie creates for each of her closest friends, including Lane. It serves as her posthumous guide and comfort, ensuring her presence and influence continue even after her death. It functions as a symbol of her love, her philosophy of living fully, and her desire to leave a lasting legacy. For Lane, helping create these books deepens his understanding of Sadie and forces him to confront his own fears about the future, while for her friends, they become a tangible link to her memory and a source of continued inspiration.
Latham House
A boarding school for chronically ill teens, serving as a microcosm of life and mortality.
Latham House is not just a setting but a crucial plot device. It acts as a contained world, a liminal space where teenagers are forced to confront their mortality away from the 'normal' world. Its strict rules highlight the characters' desire for freedom and normal experiences, fueling their rebellious acts. The isolation of Latham House fosters intense bonds among the students, creating a unique community forged by shared vulnerability. It serves as a crucible for Lane's transformation and a backdrop against which the themes of love, loss, and living are intensely explored, making every moment within its walls more poignant.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
A recurring literary motif symbolizing rebellion, heroism, and hidden identities.
The novel *The Scarlet Pimpernel* is referenced early on when Sadie and Lane attempt to 'steal' a copy from the library. This book, about a hero who secretly rescues aristocrats during the French Revolution, serves as a motif for Sadie and her friends' own acts of rebellion and their hidden strength in the face of their illnesses. Sadie, like the Pimpernel, creates a persona of lighthearted mischief while secretly orchestrating profound acts of care and legacy. It subtly reinforces the idea that true heroism often lies in defying expectations and finding extraordinary means to live and help others, even when facing death.
The Pranks and Rule-Breaking
Acts of defiance orchestrated by Sadie and her friends to reclaim agency and create memories.
The various pranks and instances of rule-breaking (like sneaking out, 'stealing' books) are not merely youthful antics; they are deliberate plot devices that serve multiple functions. They are Sadie's way of asserting agency over her life, creating memorable experiences, and defying the restrictive nature of Latham House and her illness. For Lane, these acts are the initial entry points into Sadie's world, challenging his rigid worldview and forcing him out of his comfort zone. They symbolize the characters' collective resilience and their refusal to be passive victims, instead choosing to actively live and create joy.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Every time I think I've reached the bottom, I find there's another bottom underneath.”
— Lane reflecting on the continuous decline of his health and spirit at Latham House.
“We're all just waiting to die, but at least we can do it together.”
— A common sentiment among the patients at Latham House, highlighting their shared fate.
“Maybe it's not about living longer, but about living more.”
— Sadie's philosophy on making the most of the time they have, despite their prognosis.
“Love is not a cure, but it is a comfort.”
— Lane's realization about the nature of his relationship with Sadie in the face of their illness.
“I used to think the worst thing about having tuberculosis was the coughing. Now I know it's the waiting.”
— Lane reflecting on the psychological toll of his condition.
“We were all extraordinary means, because we were all meant to die.”
— The titular reference, linking the patients to the term 'extraordinary means' in a medical context.
“There are two kinds of people in this world: those who can't live with the truth, and those who can't live without it.”
— A general observation made by one of the characters about human nature.
“Hope is a dangerous thing. It can drive a man insane.”
— Lane's cynical view on hope, given their grim circumstances.
“The only thing worse than being sick is being forgotten.”
— A fear expressed by many patients at Latham House, highlighting their isolation.
“We measure our lives in heartbeats, not in years.”
— Sadie's perspective on valuing moments over longevity.
“Sometimes the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.”
— A more flippant, but honest, remark made by a character about moving on from a past relationship.
“Our lives were like a book, and we were just waiting for someone to turn the page.”
— A metaphor used by Lane to describe their passive existence at the sanatorium.
“You don't get to choose if you live or die, but you do get to choose how you live.”
— A core message of the book, emphasizing agency despite uncontrollable circumstances.
Quiz
Test Your Knowledge
Ready to see how well you understood this book? Take our interactive quiz with 10 questions.
10
Questions
~5
Minutes
?
Best Score
Key Questions (FAQ)
'Extraordinary Means' follows Lane Callaghan, a teenager who is sent to Latham House, a boarding school for adolescents suffering from a new, highly contagious strain of tuberculosis called 'The Great White Plague.' The story explores his journey of coming to terms with his illness and finding connection in an unexpected place.
