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The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

A Novel

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The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

By: Robert Dugoni
Narrated by: Robert Dugoni
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Summary

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.
Coming of Age Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Tear-jerking
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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

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It was such a great intertwined story about life and love. I Really enjoyed it.

Great story. Easy to listen to

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I never wanted this to end, a beautiful story and such an amazing character. I wish Sam Hill was real and was my friend. Sam’s story is one that will definitely stay with me.

Wish I could just keep listening, but it had to end

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Raised as a Catholic in the 70’s & 80’s , I connected strongly with the context . Robert’s story allowed light to be shone on the negative and positive aspects of this context. The story of Sam, Maddy and Eric’s unique and powerful friendship and Sam’s ability to weather 🌦️ every storm was enlightened.
Thank you Robert for bringing this tale to life.
Loved Robert’s narration as well ❤️🙏

Such a beautiful, poignant story of truth and positive reflection ❤️

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I loved this story, so many lessons in life but warmed by a beautiful family and loyal friends. highly recommend. Absolutely loved the author reading.

inspiring and heartwarming

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Loved it . Really enjoyed Sam and his character and the group of ‘misfits’. A beautiful ending

First Book I have read of Robert’s. Now a fan

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