The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell: A Novel
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.
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Readers say this novel offers a heartfelt and engaging story of Sam, a boy born with ocular albinism, and his enduring friendships and family ties. Ma...
The author draws you in and captivates you with the story line . I didn't want put the book down. A BEAUTIFUL STORY
Ernie was the only black kid at Our Lady of Mercy grade school and he and Sam became fast friends. Then Mickie started attended OLM; she was a tornado, unlike any girl Sam or Ernie had ever known. The three become lifelong friends. The story shifts between growing up through the 60's and 70's through modern day living in California. Sam narrates both timelines which was great; eventually the timelines merge. There were so times I laughed out loud and so many heart wrenching times I had tears rolling down my face.
I could relate to all the Catholic references (all school masses, nuns in habits) having gone to Catholic school for 16 years and having taught in Catholic schools for several years. My grandmother was very devout and said the rosary faithfully every night. My mother is just as devout and also says the rosary daily. Like Sam's mother, my mom also believes in "God's will". Many times I would hear her say she is offering up her suffering for the pour souls in purgatory. Even if you are not Catholic, I think you will enjoy this book. Sam is on a journey; it takes him around the world until he is able to finally see what was matters the most.
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