The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

A Novel

By: Robert Dugoni

Narrated by: Robert Dugoni

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 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.

©2018 by LaMesa Fiction LLC. (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“This beautiful coming-of-age story is an emotional read. Its episodic nature really lets you grow with Sam, weaving in anecdotes that hit home the importance of family, friends, values and, for some, faith. The audiobook, narrated by the author, adds a personal touch, as his brother helped inspire Sam. This story really makes you think about life and people’s resilience. It had me crying both happy and sad tears.”—Newsweek

“Dugoni has produced a novel that, if it doesn’t cross entirely over into John Irving territory, certainly nestles in close to the border…Told in two separate time lines (Sam as a boy, and Sam as a man) that eventually come together, and written in a gentle, introspective yet dramatic style that is very different from that of Dugoni’s crime fiction, this is an inspirational story of a man who spends a lifetime getting to know himself.”—Booklist

“Sam Hell is inspiring and aglow with the promise of redemption.”—Kirkus Reviews

Sometimes the best stories are the quietest

This is a quiet little story that charmed the heck (or should I say hell...) out of me. It's read by the author, something that I often find annoying, but for some reason, it works for this quiet book. The story is lovely, makes you wonder, and just feels good to be a part of. I am still annoyed that so often people writing reviews set silly expectations and think they're being clever by warning of plot twists or surprise endings, so please skip those &^#@@ reviewers and just lower your expectations and go on a quiet life journey with Sam Hell.

Extraordinary Indeed!

4.5/5: I loved this book (minus a couple of spots that were sex scenes). It was a like a PG-13 Wonder Years (TV show in late 80's-early 90's), that is to say very wholesome while still managing to be reflective of real life and the intricacies it holds for all of us. Sam Hill is born with ocular albinism which makes his eyes appear red. Couple this with being born into a devout Catholic family in the 1950's, attending Catholic school, and having the only black boy in the school as a best friend and you begin to understand the very difficult path Sam often walked. Still, he has amazing parents, two true and steady friends, talent and drive, and his mom's incredible faith that he was born to have an extraordinary life. As Sam faces difficulties, discrimination, heartbreak, loss, and grapples to accept himself, he eventually realizes that his life has been extraordinary (as are most of our lives). I loved the character development in this book, the very diverse personalities, the subtle (and sometimes overt) humor, the grappling with real topics in a way that didn't make the book feel heavy or predominantly sad, and the investment I felt in seeing how it would all end. There are some great twists and nothing is tidied up for the sake of the story line but allowed to be messy and hard (as is life). One of the most enjoyable books I have read this year!

Charming tale

I am a hard to please listener. I want a better than good story, an exceptional narrator and something I can relate to. The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell has it all. Touched my heart. Robert Dugoni is a wonderful narrator.

Loved This Story!

Inspiring, heartwarming, wise and wonderful-this is a great story and clearly close to the author’s heart. As a narrator he was perfect!
If you’ve ever met a bully, went to catholic school, grew up in the 60’s, or live a life searching for meaning, listen to this beautiful book!

Amazing!

This was the best book!
I had this book in my wish list for a long time but kept passing over it, thinking it probably wouldn’t be very good. I was wrong! Loved the story and the author did a wonderful job narrating!