Seeing Red: A Heartfelt Journey

This week we take a look at The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. I read this book in February 2024 and it would not have been on my radar had it not been put on the reading list for my online book club. This book was published in 2018 and is still sitting at 4.4 on Good Reads which I think is a sign of a good book – usually these ratings drop over time.

This book is an inspiring coming of age story about overcoming adversity. It follows Sam Hill, who faces challenges from an early age due to his ocular albinism, which gives him red eyes. These distinct eyes earn him the nickname "Sam Hell."

There is so much to love about this book – beautiful storytelling, humour (I laughed out loud a few times), and heartache. I cried while reading this one at two different points in the novel. This one was also about the characters for me – Sam’s two best friends who are very different, Mickie and Ernie, are both well developed. Both have adversity of their own to overcome which is very different to Sam but unites the trio nonetheless.

This is one of those books which goes back and forward between the present day and Sam’s past to weave a story of Sam’s experiences as his past and present collide.  We can see how his past experiences shape his adulthood. I also really enjoyed the mother character – she is fiercely protective of Sam and he grows up with the message that he can do anything, and that he is born to lead an extraordinary life. We see how his mother’s teaching is sometimes a blessing and sometimes a curse.

There is a relatively significant mention of religion in this book – usually I find books about religion hard to read if they come across as preachy but this book doesn’t do that at all. Although there is lots of religious symbolism and commentary around religion (Sam’s mother has a very strong faith), it isn’t overdone or in your face.

Dugoni's writing style is engaging and emotive, making it easy to empathise with Sam's journey. The way he overcomes life's challenges is genuinely uplifting.

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell is a touching, thought-provoking read. It's a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of being true to oneself. It has received positive reviews from everyone in our online book club who has read it. Add this to your TBR because life is too short to read bad books.