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 & LoversNEW 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.
