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 liked everything about this book…to the point that I was sad when it was finished. A very enjoyable read.
A fantastic feel-good book. To the very end.
Interesting how a young child overcomes challenges life has handed him.
I could not put this book down. I love books about kids that overcome circumstances in their lives.
Once I started, I couldn’t put it down!! Highly recommend, it keeps your attention from the very beginning!!
Hands down the best book I’ve read this year – absolutely loved it and had sweet tears at the end.
I was a little apprehensive to read this book because I thought it might be too too sad, intense or even distressing. Once I began I realized that although the story was truthful about the harsh realities of severe bullying, the characters were going to get me through the tough parts and bring me through to a positive place where I could enjoy the intrigue of “what’s next” and the unexpected events in Sam’s life. Very happy I took the risk.
Extraordinary mother for this young life…inspiring
I loved this book and I don’t say that lightly. What a great story with wonderfully alive characters. Highest recommendation!
Loved it. Couldn’t put it down.
What a powerful message at a time when bullying is such a huge issue.
Wonderful!
I will never forget Sam Hell. This is one of my favorite books. But of course, I have hundreds….
Loved this book.
I love Robert Dugoni’s books. When I started reading this one, I didn’t realize it was one of his. Different from his usual. A wonderful story, sweetly told.
This book deserves to be categorized as ‘Inspirational’ because it portrays a boy born with red eyes who ultimately becomes a doctor helping others. The author tells of Sam’s struggles with bullying and the trials of being different his whole life. His friends are misfits themselves and are so beautifully drawn that they seem to leap off the page into real life. Dugoni is an exceptional writer and has done justice to the inspiring life stories that people live every day.
Loved this book!
I wish Everyone would read this book or listen to it on Audible like I did. One of the best books I have ever read and I’ve read a lot of books in the past 7 decades. Try it~see if you agree!
A beautifully written book. This one will touch your heart! One of the best books I have read in a long time.
Extremely engaging characters and heart rending situations.