“Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth.” Mike Tyson
Sam Hill was born with ocular albinism–eyes with red pupils. Mercilessly bullied and taunted with names like ‘devil boy’ by his Catholic school classmates, Sam’s mother believed (against the odds), that Sam’s life would be extraordinary. Though Sam was not as convinced of that, he was influenced by his formidable mother and many other people in his life–characters both recognisable yet not easily forgotten. The incredible journey of Sam’s life is the story here, and I absolutely loved it.
Written with heart and humour and a moving meaningful redemptive perspective, the book had a grip on me from the start and didn’t let go, through all of the many twists and turns. What a ride! Robert Dugoni is a mystery suspense writer who I had never heard of until now. This stand-alone is a sensitive coming-of-age and more personal novel–a fiction loosely based on something in his own life, though his eyes are normal.
This is going right to the top of my top ten for the year, and possibly top ten ever. A big thanks to my neighbour Sarah for putting this book and this author on my radar, it ticked all of the boxes for me! I look forward to trying books from Dugoni’s mystery thriller series as well, of which he has several: click here.
Joanne's Reading Blog 
I have never heard of this book, but your praise means a great deal. On the TBR it goes!
I was curious to know if you had heard of this one and had read it. It slipped my radar too until now. Hope you get a chance to read it.
So glad you enjoyed this book! I found it very compelling. Sarah