The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell: A Novel
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Description
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.
Winner of Suspense Magazine’s Crimson Scribe Award.
Book Information
Posts
INSPIRATIONAL, if I had to describe the plot of this novel in one word! ELOQUENCE gushing out of the writing style in this novel embellished with appealing metaphors, I have very much enjoyed accompanying Samuel Hill (a.k.a. Sam Hell) on his ‘extraordinary’ path to find his purpose and love in this world. With twists and turns in the second half of the book, I found it impossible to put it down! I loved the golden thread that kept me on track when changing time slices reflecting Sam’s childhood and the well-developed characters around him. Born with ocular albinism, Sam faces severe harassment by some children and adults crossing his path. Mobbed and bullied, life takes its toll on his emotions, self-worth and confidence. Yet, Sam is able to pull himself together, mainly due to his parents who provide him with endless love & support. However, we will also witness that karma is real: Sociopaths and psychopaths harassing others will experience their shares in life with guilty feelings and a heavy heart. Ultimately, they are cut off by love - entirely! Nevertheless, I felt sad not only for Sam, but also for the sociopaths as they suffer equally from pain that they inflict on others. I find this book so much more relevant in times where we seemingly have access to all data & information to gain insight into delicate topics such as harassment and mobbing. Yet, some people manage to remain ignorant, not opening their hearts to the fact that it’s the differences that unite humanity. Treat others the way you want to be treated
Description
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.
Winner of Suspense Magazine’s Crimson Scribe Award.
Book Information
Posts
INSPIRATIONAL, if I had to describe the plot of this novel in one word! ELOQUENCE gushing out of the writing style in this novel embellished with appealing metaphors, I have very much enjoyed accompanying Samuel Hill (a.k.a. Sam Hell) on his ‘extraordinary’ path to find his purpose and love in this world. With twists and turns in the second half of the book, I found it impossible to put it down! I loved the golden thread that kept me on track when changing time slices reflecting Sam’s childhood and the well-developed characters around him. Born with ocular albinism, Sam faces severe harassment by some children and adults crossing his path. Mobbed and bullied, life takes its toll on his emotions, self-worth and confidence. Yet, Sam is able to pull himself together, mainly due to his parents who provide him with endless love & support. However, we will also witness that karma is real: Sociopaths and psychopaths harassing others will experience their shares in life with guilty feelings and a heavy heart. Ultimately, they are cut off by love - entirely! Nevertheless, I felt sad not only for Sam, but also for the sociopaths as they suffer equally from pain that they inflict on others. I find this book so much more relevant in times where we seemingly have access to all data & information to gain insight into delicate topics such as harassment and mobbing. Yet, some people manage to remain ignorant, not opening their hearts to the fact that it’s the differences that unite humanity. Treat others the way you want to be treated