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  • The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

  • A Novel
  • Written by: Robert Dugoni
  • Narrated by: Robert Dugoni
  • Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,241 ratings)

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The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell cover art

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

Written 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.

What the critics say

"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

Average Customer Ratings
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Amazing!

I loved everything about this audible! The story was super and the author narrated it brilliantly. I was totally captivated. I would highly recommend listening to it or reading the novel itself.

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Captivating

An interesting an touching story that highlights many of societies challenges while touching your heart.

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The Story Plays with All Emotions

You don’t need to have a religion to be a good person and have faith.

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Give it a few minutes

I almost didn’t finish this book. I’m glad I did. The first 30 minutes are a little slow but then story really starts

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LOVED IT

An uplifting, inspiring story. My emotions were all over the place. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.

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Great slice of life

Really brought out the feelings of being different, bullying, inflexibility and lack of knowledge of some educators, Yet, gave hope and perseverance through the love of family and friends.

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"Extraordinary"

Such a fantastic "listen". The story hooked me from the very beginning. Just an incredible journey that I strongly recommend people take.

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Took a chance

I took a chance on the book, as I am just getting into audio books. I really really enjoyed it . I listen in my car while driving, and found I was looking forward to getting into the car so I could listen some more. Thank you for this enjoyable opportunity to learn to love a new version of a book. 😊

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A wonderful story

Loved the epic story of Sam snd the love that existed in his family. What a heart warming tale

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Thought-Provoking!

A read about desperate and trying times (through anguish and pain) results in beautiful consequences. Such a wonderful writer, depicting how we humans all need the same basic comforts of life and why being loved is the most important. sjw

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