Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider | Audiobook Review

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

John Green's The Fault in Our Stars meets Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park in this darkly funny novel from the critically acclaimed author of The Beginning of Everything.
Up until his diagnosis, Lane lived a fairly predictable life. But when he finds himself at a tuberculosis sanatorium called Latham House, he discovers an insular world with paradoxical rules, med sensors, and an eccentric yet utterly compelling confidante named Sadie—and life as Lane knows it will never be the same.
Robyn Schneider's Extraordinary Means is a heart-wrenching yet ultimately hopeful story about the miracles of first love and second chances.

Why Did I Listen To Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider?

Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider has quite the extraordinary cover. Being the magpie that I am, I could only resist this book for so long. Plus, I felt that The Beginning Of Everything was absolutely brilliant. And so, I decided on a whim that I could not rest until I listened to the audiobook of Extraordinary Means. Another key part of my decision was how short the audiobook was. For real, it doesn’t take much to convince me to listen to something. So with decent expectations, I used one of my Hoopla borrows to listen to Schneider’s book and I AM SO GLAD THAT I DID.

What’s The Story Here?

Well, Extraordinary Means is a book told in alternating chapters. It stars two teenagers – Lane and Sadie. The two meet at this school that they’re staying at, Latham House. FYI, Latham House is a convalescent home for teenagers who have an incurable strain of tuberculosis. And yes, those are totally John Green echoes that you’re feeling. Lane is new at Latham House and Sadie has been there awhile, however, the two have a shared history from summer camp. Eventually, they begin to be friends, hang out and fall in love. Sadie shows Lane how to flout the rules and to sneak off campus even though they aren’t supposed to. Of course, things cannot remain perfect and well, that incurable strain of tuberculosis makes another appearance in a big way.

How Did I Like It?

In the interest of full disclosure, I absolutely LOVED Extraordinary Means. It was completely worth my time and my emotions. I felt that it was incredibly well written. It’s unfortunate that Schneider seems to be quite underrated. Her books are so clever. They’re populated with unforgettable characters. Lane and Sadie have this romance, this story that is on par with Augustus and Hazel. I actually found myself getting on google chat after finishing and messaging my sister, Cassie, to tell her she needs to read this book because A) it is sad and B) it is SO well written without being overwrought.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of Extraordinary Means is narrated by Khristine Hvam and James Fouhey. The two alternate between Sadie and Lane’s chapters. It is 7 hours and 41 minutes long. I listened to an portion of it at my normal 1.5 speed, however, the Hoopla update has messed that up. The two narrators were well suited for the story. I did like Hvam’s narration a bit more. She’s got that perfect voice for Sadie. Overall, though, audiobook is a great medium for Schneider’s story. I’d recommend it if you haven’t already read it.

Sum It Up With A GIF:

At least I am now reading a book that is drastically different which is helping with the lingering feelings from this book.

Other reviews of Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider:

• Hooked To Books – “everything in this book clicks“
• Happy Indulgence – “humour and ease of writing is fantastic“
• Pure Imagination – “wasn’t quite what I was expecting“

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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