The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell: A Novel

In terms of enjoyable fiction, and the reading of the Audible book, I really enjoyed this novel.HOWEVER, as an ophthalmologist I am having to maintain a rather significant suspension of disbelief. There is no indication that Sam's ocular albinism affects his vision in any way - he apparently sees well enough to be an ophthalmologist, which is a highly unlikely event. This means that the novel deals with the social effects of someone who has red eyes, but not the reality of living with a disease which would certainly affect the patient's light sensitivity, vision and visual experiences.To add insult to injury, the description of leaving a patient with a retinal detachment for a couple of weeks, when she should have surgery the same day, again demonstrates the lack of a knowledgeable medical advisor.These factual errors don't ruin the story, but they did make it less believable and enjoyable for me.

I felt tricked by the lack of declaration of religious theme, after reading this book. I have no interest organized religion, other than a sorrow for the horrible things done in the name of it , and an appreciation for those who do believe (in whatever they believe), yet don't try to drag me or others into it. I wish this had billed as a 'believe' push, so that I could have saved myself some money and time.

I'm 83 and because poor eyesight I listen to books. I have 2 kindles always loaded. I have read all of Mr. Dugoni',s books. This was the most charming and best of them all. Please don't stop writing. You have a great imagination. Joyce Enderle

Robert Dugoni is known for writing thrillers. I didn't expect he would ever publish a book like this, but I'm so glad he did.Sam Hell is an inspiring tale about a boy born with ocular albinism, which makes his eyes appear red. His mother enrolls him in a Catholic school, where he quickly earns the nickname "Devil Boy." Sam faces bullies of all sizes and ages, and stands up to them with remarkable strength throughout his adult life. His enduring strength of character guides him through many tough life events near the end of the novel. This story made my own eyes cloud up at times. Sam Hell most definitely lives an extraordinary life.When I encounter the word "literary" I tend to shy away. But knowing Dugoni as a thriller writer made me curious enough to pry into this one. Dugoni uses techniques usually reserved for thrillers to propel this story forward. The short chapters are his biggest improvements to the literary genre. He doesn't keep us in one scene long enough to get bored. Each scene shows a clear purpose and a real obstacle. I found myself saying "just one more," several times during each reading session. Readers know those are the type of books we love to discover.I didn't find this to be an overtly religious book at all. Dugoni doesn't write preachy prose. The Catholic elements in the story appear more like part of Sam's life experience than as any type of religious message.Of all the memorable lines I encountered in this book, the most powerful quote comes from Sam's father, just after Sam makes a particularly dumb decision:"Don't ever think of yourself as being something less than the person you are because of your eyes, Sam. If you do, people will take advantage of it, and you'll find yourself doing things you don't want to do."This is a story about self acceptance, redemption, the honor of family, and dignity in death. Dugoni explores all these themes using deceptively simple language and layered scenes. I've seen this book compared to the works of John Irving. That's high praise, but in this case it is well-deserved. I'm thrilled to have found an early copy of this book. Everyone needs to read Sam Hell.

I have been a reader for over 70 years starting with Nancy Drew. I have enjoyed reading all of Mr. Dugonis books. But I fell in love with Sam Hell and his family. I laughed, I cried, I rejoiced, I replayed my childhood with the nuns in Catholic school, and I wished that I could meet a man like Sam. It made me realize our experiences make us the people we become. Thank you Robert Dugoni for your wonderful masterpiece..

There's a reason why this book has so many 5-star reviews. The story is well told and the characters become more like friends as you begin to read. What kid hasn't been teased for one thing or another while growing up. Sam's problem is worse than most and one he will be forced to deal with all of his life. Fortunately, he has a strong mother who is willing to go to the ends of the earth for her son and his well being as well as a father who always supports him. No one wanted Sam to attend the Catholic School and once he did, no one wanted to be his friend. All the children were afraid of him. The reader is carried along on the difficult journey he must make while dealing with his affliction as well as a school bully who continues to haunt him, even into adulthood. This book carries the reader from Sam's first days in school until he is an adult still trying to find his place in the world. The dilemma he faces at the beginning of the book is finally resolved at the end, but it is a long road. One other thing, read the author's notes when you finish. First, they are obviously not part of the same-old, same-old speech used on most of the e-books I've read, and secondly, I found the message the author leaves as to why he wrote the book almost as endearing as the book itself.

I started the book as a sample because I was not sure it was my kind of book. I am glad to say it was. It made me cry, smile, and appreciate some of the times I forgot in my life. As my wife’s grandmother once stated, “you are having the best time of your life you just don’t know it”

I believe I have read every book written by Robert Dugoni and I have loved them all. However, this is my favorite one to date. Engrossing from start to finish, there is so much love, faith and compassion in it, that it brought me to tears. It's obvious that Mr. Dugoni is a quality person. I deeply respect the man as well as his writing. Chris

This is a wonderful book. It's an eloquent story, beautifully written and the surprise is that it is really not an extraordinary life in the way most people would expect, but is extraordinary in the message the story tells us about lifes troubles and joys, friends and foes and the power of a devoted Mother's faith and love. I loved it and would highly recommend it.

When Sam Hill was born his eyes were closed. His troubles started when he opened them to reveal that they were red. Sam's mother loved him for his red eyes and fought for him to be given the opportunities that were open to other children - standing up to the school admissions team and insisting he be allowed to attend, supporting him when the school wanted to expel him for fighting.We're used to tales of prejudice based on race, religion, disability, sexuality etc, but this book takes on unfair treatment of a boy for his eye colour and works as a bit of a morality tale.This book is about the power of friendship between Sam and his best friends Ernie, the only black kid in school, and Mickie, the daughter of an alcoholic mother, and also a story of family love. Sam's mother is a wonderful, powerful, deeply religious woman who just won't take no for an answer.The extraordinary life of the title is a life that's perhaps more extraordinary in its apparent ordinariness. A life made special by the attitude of its protagonist.I enjoyed this a lot. Small town life with big time messages. Though I could have done with a bit less of the slightly preachy Catholic messages towards the end.

I chose this book solely on the basis of having read one of Dugoni's more usual thrillers. So glad I did and what a remarkable change in style for the author. The book is heavily character-driven and from the very beginning I developed a real feel for Sam and his family and friends which grew throughout. The story follows Sam through a lifelong fight against bigotry and persecution resulting from his unusual physical appearance. It's not hard to relate this to anyone who has ever been persecuted or faced adversity for whatever reason. There is true warmth in the way Sam bravely struggles and finally comes to accept himself with the help of love and friendship. I haven't enjoyed a book as much in a long time.

Well, talk about a novel that I couldn't put down! This was a tremendous read. I'd never come across this author's books before, but I saw several very complimentary comments about this novel by reviewers I've come to trust, so duly ordered myself a copy. I understand that this writer usually pens best-selling, highly-rated crime thrillers, so this is possibly a one-off diversion for him.Anyway, I was very moved by this sensitively told tale about an American boy who is born with red eyes. As you would expect, his unusual appearance provokes major issues for him, particularly as a child. The story is actually told by the grown-up Samuel Hill. He starts from when he is a baby, and relates his Mum and Dad's recollections, his Mum's scrap-book diaries, family photographs, home movies, and his own memories to brilliantly flesh out his formative, and then later years. This really is writing of the highest order, and put me through a gamut of emotions as I slowly got to 'know' Sam and 'witness' the trials and tribulations that beset him throughout his life. I rarely succumb to tears when reading a novel, but I couldn't control shedding a few with this book. To redress the balance though, there is a fair degree of humour woven throughout this wonderful story.I loved every moment I spent with this book and, in a way, was sorry to turn that very last page. This is one of those books that once in a while will come your way - and at such times, you need to give it the respect it deserves. So, if possible, find the time, the space, and the solitude to fully savour its contents - a comfy armchair, a large plate of biscuits, and a mug of freshly-brewed tea may also enhance the experience! I can't praise it enough. My advice: get you hands on a copy ASAP, read it, digest in and feel enriched by the experience.I love 'spreading the word' after I've found a 'standout piece of fiction' which this most certainly is. On that note, if you have found my review of use, please feel free to hit that 'Helpful' button below. Such a positive gesture will not only make my day, it'll also remind me that people out there are actually reading what I post! - many thanks & enjoy your reading. 😊📖📚

Best book i have read for a long time, extremely well written, jumps from past to present with ease, i found myself hook very quickly and wanting to know what happened next.. already recommended to friends who are good book lovers