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mackenzie_reads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
This book is an introspection on one man’s life, with one storyline from elementary through high school, alternated with him as an adult. The writing was easy to read and engaging, and I found Sam to be easy to connect with even though our lives are nothing alike. There was a lot of character growth in this novel, as well as some suspense and a happy ending.
sarahdelaemery's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kbrantmeier24's review against another edition
5.0
Couldn't put it down! Perfect for travel since the chapters are so short. Going in blind, I was pleasantly surprised by all the Catholic references in the book and the relatable struggle Sam has with his faith throughout. Beautiful coming-of-age story.
wbooden's review against another edition
5.0
This is a beautiful, emotional story that can reach anyone. We can all relate to Sam Hill in some way or another. Whether it is through bullying, self-esteem, or religious questioning, we can all understand his plights. This story was so endearing.
amybartoli29's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
thisguybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of my favorite things is when books span an elongated period of time. In this one we follow Sam Hill from childhood through to middle age.
It's engaging right from the first page. There is an immediate spark and connection with the characters and by any definition this is a page-turner.
The story focuses on Sam, born with red eyes, and the difficulties he encounters because of it. It's a heart filled tale about bullying, friendship, persistance, faith and family.
There were difficult scenes to read, especially as a parent with a young boy but it's wonderfully written and the journey is cathartic
It's engaging right from the first page. There is an immediate spark and connection with the characters and by any definition this is a page-turner.
The story focuses on Sam, born with red eyes, and the difficulties he encounters because of it. It's a heart filled tale about bullying, friendship, persistance, faith and family.
There were difficult scenes to read, especially as a parent with a young boy but it's wonderfully written and the journey is cathartic
millhousethecat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The story centers on a boy born with a medical condition resulting in red pupils. Meet Samuel Hill, or Sam Hell, the nickname his classmates gave him. He is unforgettable.
Although there are parts of this story that feel too precious, I fell in love with Sam, his parents and friends, and was fully invested in his journey from Catholic school first grader through middle aged eye doctor.
There are religious overtones to the book, though nothing cloying or distracting. With Sam’s mother a devout Catholic, it felt natural. All is helped by the practicality of his father’s wisdom. I loved the banter between Sam and his parents, their love for their son, and his care for them as time passes.
I also felt the relationships with his misfit lifelong best friends, Mickie and Ernie, were rich and fulfilling. Believable.
The novel jumps back and forth between Sam as a child and Sam as a forty year old man. Where once he believed his mother and her devotion to all things god’s will, when he witnesses an unexpected tragedy, it drives him away from all he loves, leveled by guilt and a lack of faith.
——
Sam Hill is born in 1957 with a rare condition: red pupils. This earns him sideways glances, unkind nicknames, and a seven year old bully who haunts him through adulthood.
Catholic school is hard, but when no one will speak to you, when the class bully singles you out, when the Sister in charge of your class holds a grudge against your mother, well, it won’t get any easier.
Good thing god sent Ernie, the only Black kid in school, to stick up for him, befriend him. The two make it through to junior high where they add lost, free spirited Mickie to the mix.
It’s difficult to summarize books spanning decades with both big and small events, so much emotion.
So, I’ll just say that the book is unexpected, sweet, sad, and tense. The chapters are short and drive you to keep reading “just one more page” before you realize that one more page was twenty, fifty, one hundred pages and it’s well past bedtime.
The best kind of book.
Although there are parts of this story that feel too precious, I fell in love with Sam, his parents and friends, and was fully invested in his journey from Catholic school first grader through middle aged eye doctor.
There are religious overtones to the book, though nothing cloying or distracting. With Sam’s mother a devout Catholic, it felt natural. All is helped by the practicality of his father’s wisdom. I loved the banter between Sam and his parents, their love for their son, and his care for them as time passes.
I also felt the relationships with his misfit lifelong best friends, Mickie and Ernie, were rich and fulfilling. Believable.
The novel jumps back and forth between Sam as a child and Sam as a forty year old man. Where once he believed his mother and her devotion to all things god’s will, when he witnesses an unexpected tragedy, it drives him away from all he loves, leveled by guilt and a lack of faith.
——
Sam Hill is born in 1957 with a rare condition: red pupils. This earns him sideways glances, unkind nicknames, and a seven year old bully who haunts him through adulthood.
Catholic school is hard, but when no one will speak to you, when the class bully singles you out, when the Sister in charge of your class holds a grudge against your mother, well, it won’t get any easier.
Good thing god sent Ernie, the only Black kid in school, to stick up for him, befriend him. The two make it through to junior high where they add lost, free spirited Mickie to the mix.
It’s difficult to summarize books spanning decades with both big and small events, so much emotion.
So, I’ll just say that the book is unexpected, sweet, sad, and tense. The chapters are short and drive you to keep reading “just one more page” before you realize that one more page was twenty, fifty, one hundred pages and it’s well past bedtime.
The best kind of book.
llfoofaye's review against another edition
4.0
I won this ebook through a Goodreads Giveaway. I’m so glad I did! While it was predictable at times, I found it didn’t even bother me because I was enjoying the story so much! I loved the weaving of the past with the present and the relationships between the characters. Great coming of age story.
tashanslone's review against another edition
5.0
A great coming of the age book showing the trials of someone born differently.