The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

The novel begins with the birth of Sam Hill, who is born with red eyes due to a rare genetic condition called ocular albinism. Sam’s parents, Jack and Mary Hill, are devastated by their son’s condition and struggle to come to terms with it. However, they soon realize that Sam is a special child with a unique perspective on the world. Sam’s red eyes make him stand out from the crowd, but they also give him a heightened sense of perception that allows him to see things that others cannot.

As Sam grows up, he faces many challenges and obstacles. He is bullied by his classmates, who call him “Devil Boy” and “Satan.” He is also discriminated against by his teachers, who do not understand his condition and treat him unfairly. However, Sam’s parents are always there for him, supporting him and encouraging him to be himself.

One of the most important relationships in Sam’s life is his friendship with Ernie Cantwell, a boy who is also an outcast at school. Ernie is overweight and has a stutter, but he and Sam bond over their shared experiences of being different. They become inseparable friends, and their friendship sustains them through the ups and downs of adolescence.

Another important relationship in Sam’s life is his relationship with his mother, Mary. Mary is a devout Catholic who believes that Sam’s red eyes are a sign from God. She instills in Sam a strong sense of faith and teaches him to see the world through a spiritual lens. Sam’s faith is tested when he witnesses a tragedy that shakes his belief in God, but he eventually comes to a deeper understanding of his faith and its role in his life.

The novel also explores Sam’s relationship with his father, Jack. Jack is a successful ophthalmologist who is determined to find a cure for Sam’s condition. He is often distant from Sam, but he loves him deeply and wants the best for him. Jack’s relationship with Sam is complicated by his own struggles with alcoholism, which threaten to tear their family apart.

As Sam grows up, he begins to question his identity and his place in the world. He is torn between his desire to fit in and his need to be true to himself. He struggles with his feelings for a girl named Mickie Kennedy, who is popular and beautiful but also shallow and cruel. He also grapples with his own sense of masculinity, which is challenged by his red eyes and his sensitivity.

The novel reaches its climax when Sam and Ernie are kidnapped by a group of men who are seeking revenge against Jack. The men believe that Jack is responsible for the death of their loved ones, and they plan to use Sam and Ernie as leverage to get to him. Sam and Ernie are held captive for several days, during which time they must rely on their wits and their friendship to survive.

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell is a powerful and moving novel that explores the complexities of growing up and finding one’s place in the world. It is a story about the importance of family, friendship, and faith, and the ways in which these things can sustain us through even the darkest of times. The audiobook version of the novel is expertly narrated by Robert Dugoni, who brings the characters and the story to life with his engaging and emotive performance. Overall, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell is a must-read (or must-listen) for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story.