Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Robert Dugoni is known for writing thrillers. I didn't expect he would ever publish a book like this, but I'm so glad he did. Sam Hell is an inspiring tale about a boy born with ocular albinism, which makes his eyes appear red. His mother enrolls him in a Catholic school, where he quickly earns the nickname "Devil Boy." Sam faces bullies of all sizes and ages, and stands up to them with remarkable strength throughout his adult life. His enduring strength of character guides him through many tough life events near the end of the novel. This story made my own eyes cloud up at times. Sam Hell most definitely lives an extraordinary life. When I encounter the word "literary" I tend to shy away. But knowing Dugoni as a thriller writer made me curious enough to pry into this one. Dugoni uses techniques usually reserved for thrillers to propel this story forward. The short chapters are his biggest improvements to the literary genre. He doesn't keep us in one scene long enough to get bored. Each scene shows a clear purpose and a real obstacle. I found myself saying "just one more," several times during each reading session. Readers know those are the type of books we love to discover. I didn't find this to be an overtly religious book at all. Dugoni doesn't write preachy prose. The Catholic elements in the story appear more like part of Sam's life experience than as any type of religious message. Of all the memorable lines I encountered in this book, the most powerful quote comes from Sam's father, just after Sam makes a particularly dumb decision: "Don't ever think of yourself as being something less than the person you are because of your eyes, Sam. If you do, people will take advantage of it, and you'll find yourself doing things you don't want to do." This is a story about self acceptance, redemption, the honor of family, and dignity in death. Dugoni explores all these themes using deceptively simple language and layered scenes. I've seen this book compared to the works of John Irving. That's high praise, but in this case it is well-deserved. I'm thrilled to have found an early copy of this book. Everyone needs to read Sam Hell.