Wall Street Journal and New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni’s coming-of-age story is, according to Booklist, “a novel that, if it doesn’t cross entirely over into John Irving territory, certainly nestles in close to the border.”
Sam Hill always saw the world through different eyes. Born with red pupils, he was called “Devil Boy” or Sam “Hell” by his classmates; “God’s will” is what … his classmates; “God’s will” is what his mother called his ocular albinism. Her words were of little comfort, but Sam persevered, buoyed by his mother’s devout faith, his father’s practical wisdom, and his two other misfit friends.
Sam believed it was God who sent Ernie Cantwell, the only African American kid in his class, to be the friend he so desperately needed. And that it was God’s idea for Mickie Kennedy to storm into Our Lady of Mercy like a tornado, uprooting every rule Sam had been taught about boys and girls.
Forty years later, Sam, a small-town eye doctor, is no longer certain anything was by design—especially not the tragedy that caused him to turn his back on his friends, his hometown, and the life he’d always known. Running from the pain, eyes closed, served little purpose. Now, as he looks back on his life, Sam embarks on a journey that will take him halfway around the world. This time, his eyes are wide open—bringing into clear view what changed him, defined him, and made him so afraid, until he can finally see what truly matters.
Winner of Suspense Magazine’s Crimson Scribe Award.
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I love books that the characters remain in your mind and thoughts for years after reading. It’s an unusual book but I loved it and the characters were so dear to me.
This book deals with the unfair treatment of a boy for his eye color and evolves into of a morality tale focusing on the power of friendship and the strength of character that grows out of a mother’s unconditional love. I enjoyed this story a great deal, however, the Catholic messages towards the end of this book came across a bit preachy and almost cringeworthy. Yet, all in all, this is one of the best books by Robert Dugoni that I’ve read thus far!
Wonderful!
I would give this one more *s if possible. I’ve read other books by Mr. Dugoni, but nothing quite like this one. This story had so many facets that you are pulled into each person’s life as they muddle through elementary through high school and beyond. The three friends and their bond is ‘extraordinary’ and so is this book. Be read to laugh, cry and cheer for them all.
I loved that this book spoke of faith, hope and yes, love. People struggle with their unbelief or belief in God every day. It was refreshing to see it so well laid out and meaningful to the author.
I was never bullied to the extent described, but there were ‘mean kids’ in my life throughout school and sometimes it was difficult to NOT feel less worthy of being loved.
I always read acknowledgments, about the author, etc. in the books I read and sometimes they ‘get to me’ as they did here. Thank you for being so real and truthful about your life and how this book came about.
Each person is definitely ‘extraordinary’ in that there is only one you. You make your life different by what you do, who you do with, and why you do it.
Really loved this book!
This one pushed all my emotional buttons and left me teary-eyed . The story makes many references to the Catholic religious beliefs, though there is not any pressure to convert. The mother teaches her faith, acceptance of life , and confidence in himself. Sam was born with a congenital abnormality, red eyes. His early life is marked with others’ negative reactions to him; he did have an extraordinary life. Such a dramatic yet satisfying read.
Absolutely loved the audio version.
This book was a pleasant surprise.
Liked that the main character was based on the authors life.
I absolutely LOVED this book, probably one of my top 10 ever. This is a story of a young man born with a unique condition, and how his family and others treated him as a result. It is a story of love, faith, friendship, kindness, and yes, cruelty.
Sam Hill (Hell) reflects upon his life from his birth to present day. It is a touching, wonderful book. Ernie and Mickie are his best friends from grade school, and continue to be his best friends his entire life. His parents, especially his mother, are his rocks.
I love how the author explores faith in this book, and how we draw on it throughout our lives.
#TheExtraordinaryLifeOfSamHell #RobertDugoni
It was like reading my biography growing up in the city.
It was different for Robert Dugoni, unlike his lawyer/police/detective books which I love. This was a nice read.
I loved this book and have recommended it to several people who have also totally enjoyed it. It is so well written, easy to read and most relatable. It seems to touch everyone who reads it.
I had to look up ocular albinism because I needed to know what it looked like. How bad could it be? And now I know.
Robert Dugoni tells the story of Samuel. A child born with a physical handicap and a mother who considered her child a gift from God.
Sam’s life wasn’t easy, from the taunts and savagery of bullies to a Catholic nun so wrapped up in her own problems, she could find no mercy for Sam. But all of this made Sam stronger and better.
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell is a story of brutality and friendship and love, and I won’t soon forget it.
I especially loved the book’s take on (different forms of) bullying & its repercussions. I’m not Catholic, so I wasn’t familiar with some things that were mentioned but I found it to be a good story of perseverance, determination, acceptance & unconditional love.
I loved this book. The characters and their transformations were wonderful.
Real, frustrating, uplifting and wonderful
December 12, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
I enjoyed this book on so many levels. The rotten kids are in Every school! Feeling like you just can’t win, but fight through it! These characters are very easy to love or despise, depending on who we’re talking about. Great read.
I have read most of Robert Dugoni’s mysteries, but this book about Sam Hell is completely different and wonderful. I finished it and turned around and reread it. Delightful, heart-warming, and charming.
I loved the book. I listened to it on Audible and couldn’t wait to get back to it.
Very heartwarming and nostalgic.
Best book I read this year
Sam Hell is a character greatly to be admired. From his earliest days he is misunderstood, often suffering from young friends who judge him on his physical being. Yet, with his mother’sencouragement and support he moves to adulthood and becomes a wholesome figure in life. Robert Dugoni creates a memorable figure with a strong message for readers of all ages.