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  • The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

  • A Novel
  • By: Robert Dugoni
  • Narrated by: Robert Dugoni
  • Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (88 ratings)

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The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

By: Robert Dugoni
Narrated by: Robert Dugoni
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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)

What listeners say about The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

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5 stars

I brought this book at least a year ago and now Im so annoyed at myself that I didn't listen to it straight away! I feel like this is one of those books that will stay with you for life. It was so beautiful and moving, painful and heartbreaking but oooh sooo good!!!
It seems Robert Dugoni can write successfully any genre and that is why he is one of my favourite authors

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

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

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Thankyou Robert Dugoni!

I have never felt moved to write a review and I have ready many many books. This book moved me for so many reasons. Each year I buy my favourite book of the year for my children for Xmas. This will be my son’s gift this year.

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Awesome

Where does one begin. One of the best books I have listened to in years. Thank You Mr Robert Dugoni.

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Great read!

Loved this book! It’s a touching and thought inspiring read. I particularly liked the characters and their ‘take’ on this journey we know as life.

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Great book had to binge to finish it

Great book and a great read. A Must read and will be following this author. Thank you. Had every thing the story line was great. Easy listening.

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Simply brilliant!

Thoroughly enjoyed journeying with Sam Hell through his extraordinary life. So many relatable sub plots and for faith believers a continual thread of trust and hope in our search for meaning and purpose in life. A beautiful audio that will linger for a very longtime.

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Engaging story but religious overload

This was a very enjoyable story with terrific characters. I was thoroughly engaged even though it’s not the most gripping or exciting plot.
For me there was simply far too much religious mumbo-jumbo to which made many of the characters seem a bit ridiculous.
The author narrated well despite being unable to pronounce “ing” at the end of word which is mildly distracting.

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    5 out of 5 stars

One of the best books I've ever come across!

I love the story of Sam from start to finish! I couldn't wait to listen each day! Robert Dugoni is seriously my new favourite author!

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The extraordinary life of Sam Hell

The extraordinary life of Sam Hell.

It's been a long time since I have wanted to binge read a book. I'm so thankful this book was part of the daily deals on Kindle unlimited otherwise I wouldn't have come across it.

I loved the writing style and the short chapters never made the book feel to heavy, in fact it made me not want to put the book down, I just HAD to know what was coming next.

I enjoyed reading the story from the first person view, in saying that, the character development of Sam all the characters in this book were on point for me.

This was another book that made me feel all the emotions.

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