Review: The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

by Robert Dugoni

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Pages: 448

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Sam Hill always saw the world through different eyes. Born with red pupils, he was called “Devil Boy” 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.



Kritters Thoughts:  After reading this book and describing it to another person, my final statement was - "It's just good solid fiction.  A little bit of drama, a little bit of heart and a great story."  And I stand by that.  This book is just a good solid story.  Sam Hill was born with red eyes and they will define him his entire life.  From grade school to adulthood these feature of his will alter his life decisions and make him become the man he does.  

I loved this great family drama.  Two parents and a son who have strong Catholic beliefs and clear moral standards, this family will deal with the normal ups and downs of life and this book is Sam Hill reflecting on those moments.  Clearly edited so the reader knows the time and place, Sam Hill goes back in time to show how his family adapted and evolved to deal with life.  I loved hearing from Sam Hill's point of view and the way some characters went in and out of his life, it felt real and true to life.  I liked the moments that the author highlighted and how they were both positives and negatives.  

I always like to check out the author's Goodreads page after I finish a book I like and check out if there is more to add to my TBR.  Robert Dugoni has a series, but couldn't see any other stand alones like this one, I would love to read another by him.  I just like his realistic portrayal of life.  


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2018 Challenge: 37 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Little Bird Publicity.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.