The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

A Novel

By: Robert Dugoni

Narrated by: Robert Dugoni

Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's 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.

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

Critic reviews

"Author Robert Dugoni narrates Sam's life journey in an earnest and steadfast voice. Hearing the story through the author's own voice lends it an intimacy that enhances it wonderfully. Sam's life is filled with love, loss, tragedy, comedy, and everything in between. Sounding mature and dark at times, Dugoni artfully breathes life into every scene of a story about living life on the right terms regardless of its ups and downs." (AudioFile)

I'm mad at you, Mr. Dugoni

Mr. Dugoni,
Someone who can write this well and create a story this engaging, can also take more care in the way characters model some behaviors. In your compelling story, we eventually get around to important instances of domestic violence and child abuse that form, it could be argued, the climax of your story. However, in my opinion the doctors and others in your story seem to seriously misunderstand their responsibilities when it comes to reporting suspected abuse and in protecting victims.

So, I'm mad at you because there are lots of readers coming away with the incorrect impression of what doctors (and many, many other professionals) MUST do when they suspect abuse as well as how women and children can be and are protected during periods of time when restraining orders are being served against abusers, etc. You had a real chance here to educate readers rather than mislead them for the sake of a plot point or 2. As much as I liked your book, I'm docking it rating stars for these reasons.If you care about these issues, get this right the next time!

Laws re: required reporting vary a bit from state to state. Find out what YOUR state law is, if you work with children in ANY capacity - you are probably a REQUIRED reporter if you ever suspect abuse or neglect. I'm most familiar with Missouri law. Note that all child care workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, etc. MUST report SUSPECTED abuse or neglect. The mandate is not about what YOU can PROVE. The mandate is, you report anything suspicious. It's NOT YOUR JOB to prove anything. It IS your job to report, every time. If you are fearful for your own safety you can report anonymously, although later on you will not be able to prove that you fulfilled your obligation to report. Generally speaking, a single report of suspected abuse or neglect results in nothing - a PATTERN of reports can result in action that saves a child's life. That's why everyone should report every time.
There are professional advocates and shelters for victims of domestic violence nearly everywhere now. They KNOW when victims are most vulnerable and take great care to be sure they are safe during these periods of time, if the victims cooperate and want help. This is true even if the abuser is connected to law enforcement. This doesn't mean that it's safe - it's still true that women are regularly attacked by their abusers AFTER restraining orders are in place. But there are much better, much more secure procedures in place and available at no cost to victims than Mr. Dugoni's story implies. Please don't let this story keep you from seeking support and safety if you are a victim.

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!

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!

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!

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.

Inspiring

Not my typical book but could really relate to the story though being brought up Catholic but having a lot of doubts Really enjoyed this story

An Unexpected Surprise

Whether you are a religious person or not, this novel has so much food for thought. In some ways it was predictable but that didn’t have a negative impact on the journey. All characters were thoughtfully and fully developed which enhanced the desire to see them through life.

I’m always intrigued by people and characters who come out of diversity strong and positive. Sam Hell was just such a character. His transition wasn’t simplified which I liked and is true to life.

I arranged my day and evening plus the next morning, to accomplish listening to this in 24 hours—it was that kind of book.

Excellent

Best fiction I have listened to this year. Will definitely check out more from this author.

God's Will

Woven deeply into our lives many believe luck to be the driving factor of goodness in our lives. Sam Hills mother believed differently and the story takes the reader on a journey of luck, sometimes bad, or God's Will- you choose. Great story of a truly extraordinary life.

Slow to start but sizzles the deeper and longer you listen.