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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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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Extraordinary?

There is nothing extraordinary about this story, main character or narration. Nothing about Sam Hell’s life was beyond average. I’m mad I used my credits on this. It’s an easy listen but not very interesting or compelling.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Boring and Annoying

I couldn’t listen to more than twenty minutes of this, so maybe it got better. What I heard was boring and self indulgent. Doted on by his parents and not properly appreciated by his girlfriend, wondering if he should get a vasectomy. So what? I don’t have time to listen to more of that nonsense. He is the centre of his own universe for sure but I’m not interested in knowing any more about it.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

This knocked it out of the park!

I like this author anyway... but this book was sensational! Thanks to Robert Dugoni for putting this story to paper and audible. I enjoyed every sound bite! So well written. So well thought out! So poignant! So many spots I found myself laughing out loud. I am going to buy a hard copy for my sister who doesn't listen to audible but who I think would love this book too. Robert Dugoni... well done! better than well done actually!! Home Run... Grand slam!

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4 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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  • A
  • 2022-11-18

Not extraordinary. Very ordinary.

I'm glad this was a free one.
Not particularly interesting in any capacity. Predictable and mundane.
I read mixed reviews before downloading . Half of them were right.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I loved it.

It is a simple story yet touched me. made me want to do better and be a better as a person.

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3 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • Al
  • 2022-11-25

utterly predictable

I struggled to get through this book. It is basically about the oppression and disadvantage Olympics. It's full of platitudes. Enough already 😴

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Does things to your heart.

Cute, funny, heartbreaking, meaningful, a little raunchy at times but mostly this book is extremely wholesome and I felt a warmth throughout it.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

Just a fantastic novel. Give it a listen yourself, you will not be disappointed! Great narration, great story.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely gorgeous

This was an amazing novel. I loved the depth and reality of character and, as a person with multiple disabilities, the truly compassionate exploration of life and love being different. The story was compelling, the characters engaging, and the celebration of diversity was unmistakable.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

it's a love story!

it's a high school love story. I couldn't finish it. his red eyes are a lame attempt to draw sympathy from the reader.

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1 person found this helpful