Title: The Extraordinary Life of Same Hell
Author: Robert Dugoni
Genre: Literary Fiction; Coming of Age
Book Length: Novel
Book Type: Ebook (purchased)
Year Published: April 24, 2018
Date Started: November 11, 2023
Date finished: November 16, 2023
This is a coming-of-age story about a boy named Sam Hill. He grew up in a loving family. His mother was supportive of him and was a strong person in his life. He was bullied a lot and was given the name Sam Hell by his classmates, but he didn’t seem to be too bothered by that. He had other issues to deal with like the physical bullying from another boy who just wouldn’t leave him alone. Sam goes through grammar school and high school dealing with all things teenagers go through. He made two close friends who remained his friends into adulthood. He experienced the good and bad of life in his own life as well as with his friends and his parents. It felt like I was listening to a friend catching me up on the important things in his life.
I found this story pretty sad. I don’t think there was anything about this story that had me smiling. It just kept getting sadder and sadder. I mean, even the happy parts were not very happy. It made me reflect on my own childhood and how it too was pretty sad, but I smile about it now because life is about learning and growing so I don’t have any bitter feelings (like Sam). I enjoyed the story because I felt like I could relate to Sam. However, my overall feel about him was that he was too calm during his younger years. I’ve always felt that for someone like him, going through so much, he’d have some type of outlet to let whatever he was holding in, out. I wanted a scene where he’d punch a wall or scream in a forest or something.
Who should read this book: If you’re looking for a read about growing up with issues or just want to read a book that could make you cry, give this one a go. There are lots of morals, themes, and meaningful words to keep you thinking, and reflecting.
From My Corner of the Universe 
Leave a comment