Lake Union Publishing The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell: A Novel

Excellent book.

A heartfelt tale of growing up with a difference.

eu adoro o livro !!!!!

Sam Hill was born with a condition. His mother told him from the get go that it was “God’s will” and that he was destined to be an extraordinary boy. Well, tell that to Sister Beatrice who denied Sam’s entry to the local parish school. Tell that to Donald Bateman, the biggest kid in school. Donald and his two sidekicks are the meanest bullies in the school…if you don’t count the Sister. Mom is a devout Catholic. Her rosary beads are well worn. She loves God and Sam and her husband. As we discover throughout this wonderful book, this mother is a force to be reckoned with. The story unfolds as forty year old Sam looks back on his life. He tells the rough parts and the good parts through remembrances. He was the last kid picked for recess games or school projects. He never received a party invitation from a classmate. He got a Valentine once. But. It had a bug in it. He never had a friend. He was in constant fear of Bateman and his toadies. But most of all, he wanted to make his mother happy. So, he lied. About school and friends and popularity. Until one day, a new student enrolls. The kid walks right up to Sam and begins to talk. His name is Ernie. He is the only black student in the school. Sam has his first friend. Later, Mickey joins the two boys. BFF’s for life. But, Bateman zeroes in on Sam. Once again, Sam embarrassed Bateman and Bateman never forgets. Mickey and Ernie are just gravy…you know, extra. This remarkable book continues with Sam’s current life and his reflections on the past that made him the man he is today. The story flows beautifully from the past to the present. This is a story of friendship. Of the love of a determined and devoted mother and a loving husband and father. And of overcoming adversity. I could not put this book down. The story unfolds smoothly, with well developed characters and short chapters. Some reviewers complained about the ending moving into too much of a “religious” experience. But I thought it was very much in character with the devout mother and a son who wanted to make a dream come true for his dying parents. Five well deserved stars for The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell. I am looking forward to reading more of Robert Dugoni’s work.

This was a fun and quick read, I enjoyed the story very much, so did my hubby!

This is such an amazing book. I typically don’t react on the outside when I’m reading .. it’s the inside that’s screaming or crying or mad but this one got me. I gasped out loud, I cried, I smiled.. it was just so wonderfully written and beautiful while also being sad. It’s the cycle of life.. it was so sobering. Your parents will suffer with your leaving and moving out and then you’re called back to care for those parents while you’re making your own family. I can’t recommend this book enough. Even the talk on faith kept me engaged. I bought a copy for my mom to read so she too can cry. 😂 I told another friend about it and she said it was in her reading list so as she drove to a soccer tournament (to it and back) she listened to it on audible and she also loved it. You honestly can’t go wrong with this read. You too will be searching your soul and reflecting on your life.

What a story! Writing at its finest