Extra Book: The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

Book: The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
Author: Robert Dugoni
Pages: 434

This is my 33rd read of the year

This quarantine has not sped up my reading.  It has done just the opposite - it has really slowed it down.  With my kids doing schooling at home and my husband working from home,I am finding less time to read - not more.  It is never really quiet in the house, so I just can't seem to get motivated to read.  We have turned to movies and puzzles and games instead, and that is okay.  Once we get out of this, and life goes a bit back to normal, I can return to reading more.

This is the story of Sam Hill.  He was born with occular albinism which makes his eyes red.  His whole life he is teased about his eyes - called "Sam Hell" or "Son of the Devil".  Until one day, an African American boy joins his school and he and Sam become instant friends.  

40 years later, Sam the eye doctor is reflecting on his life and his path and changes he made that made him the man he is now.  These days he hides his red eyes behind brown contacts and it takes another little boy to realize that hiding the most special part about him doesn't change who he is.

This was a good book.  It was recommended to me by my sister in law, and I am so glad I read it.  It is well written and well told.  There is a large religious aspect to it, so if that isn't your cup of tea, you should be aware of that from the start.  I am not very religious, and it didn't take away for me the quality of the story.  I knew it was there and that was that.  

I encourage you to read the story about a little boy who had a hard time because he looked different and who had a mother who fought to the ends of the earth to make sure he was treated fairly.  You won't be disappointed.

Stars: 4