Sam

A Novel

By: Allegra Goodman

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY • “I’ve been an Allegra Goodman fan for years, but Sam is hands down my new favorite. I loved this powerful and endearing portrait of a girl who must summon deep within herself the grit and wisdom to grow up.”—Lily King, New York Times bestselling author of Writers & Lovers

NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS’ CHOICE • What happens to a girl’s sense of joy and belonging—to her belief in herself—as she becomes a woman? This unforgettable portrait of coming-of-age offers subtle yet powerful reflections on class, parenthood, addiction, lust, and the irrepressible power of dreams.

A VOGUE AND REAL SIMPLE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

“There is a girl, and her name is Sam.” So begins Allegra Goodman’s moving and wise new novel.

Sam is seven years old and living in Beverly, Massachusetts. She adores her father, though he isn’t around much. Her mother struggles to make ends meet, and never fails to remind Sam that if she studies hard and acts responsibly, adulthood will be easier—more secure and comfortable. But comfort and security are of little interest to Sam. She doesn’t fit in at school, where the other girls have the right shade of blue jeans and don’t question the rules. She doesn’t care about jeans or rules. All she wants to climb. Hanging from the highest limbs of the tallest trees, scaling the side of a building, Sam feels free.

As a teenager, Sam begins to doubt herself. She yearns to be noticed, even as she wants to disappear. When her climbing coach takes an interest in her, his attention is more complicated than she anticipated. She resents her father’s erratic behavior, but she grieves after he’s gone. And she resists her mother’s attempts to plan for her future, even as that future draws closer.

The simplicity of this tender, emotionally honest novel is what makes it so powerful. Sam by Allegra Goodman will break your heart, but will also leave you full of hope.

©2023 Allegra Goodman (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Allegra Goodman has written a wonderful coming-of-age story. In Sam, the heights our heroine reaches are not so dizzying, but that she ascends at all is a reason to cheer.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Sam is original, full of heart, and makes you think and feel. A coming-of-age tale for all ages.”—Good Morning America

“A sensitive portrait of life lived along the poverty line in modern-day America. Allegra Goodman offers a . . . sympathetic reflection on the struggles of a girl’s life. Anyone who has ever been the focus of a child’s impossibly inflated regard will feel alternately charmed and gutted by [Sam].”—Ron Charles, The Washington Post

Stick with it, then reflect

Good narration. The storyline is easy to follow in an audiobook narration, but also is descriptive and well rounded. It is not an action book, but if you hang in there through it, there is meat to the story. It is a good reminder of how young people think, often not sharing their internal struggles with those that just want to help them. Sometimes our paths are circuitous and painful at times, and the journey may not take us where we thought it would, but it is our own unique, rich story.

Great story!

I listened to this as I walked every day. It kept me so engaged. I could picture the story in my head. It was perfect.

Loved this story

Really enjoyed the storyline and felt for all the characters. Actually felt a little sad when it was all said and done.

I Have Never Wrote a review for a BOOK

Goodman writes about child growing up in a dysfunctional family and how success is achieved with determination. Sam’s life is a reflection of her parents, but she surpasses loss with her desire to succeed. Most of the story, is parallel with her drive to climb rocks. What a metaphor! Even the narrator, reflects her determination in the cadence and rhythm of her speech. I wasn’t addicted at first, but everyday I need to listen to see how Sam was doing. Teachers should read this one.

Loved it!

I wish all my students that didn’t fit in could listen to it. People that don’t relate must have had perfect families, because this exposed what so many single parents and children go through. It reminded me of my own mom busting her ass to provide for her kids.

Coming of age

A lackluster coming of age story. Wish it had a stronger message. Felt like the story was missing a climax.

Great story

This book follows a girl from youth until she grows into adulthood. Great story of a girl figuring life out with lots of complex relationships and emotions along the way.

Great writing but missing

Loved the story and how it followed Sam but the ending didn’t feel fulfilled I loved everything but the way it ended.

Young girl coming of age.

Recommend this book! It was on Laura Bush’s reading list for month of January. Interesting characters.

Easy listen, good reader.

this was my very first audible book, the reader did a wonderful job. easy listen.