Saving Sam: The True Story of an American’s Disappearance in Syria and His Family’s Extraordinary Fight to Bring Him Home

by Sam Goodwin

A gripping testament of resilience, family, and faith, this is the incredible and true story of an American traveler who was captured and wrongfully imprisoned in Syria while on a journey to experience every country in the world.

What would you do if your son suddenly disappeared in Syria, and you had no idea what had happened to him? Would you contact the FBI? The State Department? Pray? Would you Google "What to do if your son disappears in Syria"?

When the unthinkable happened, the answer, in the case of Ann Goodwin and her husband Tag, was: all of the above. Their 30-year-old son Sam, who was attempting to become one of the few people in history to travel to every single country on the planet, vanished in a supposed safe-zone run by the Kurds on the Turkish border. At first, they didn't even realize he had been abducted: maybe the phone reception had gone down, they told themselves, as had happened plenty of times before when Sam was in an off-the-beaten-path place. Just wait, he'll call back soon.

But Sam never did call back, and over the coming days, the horror of their situation quickly bore down on the Goodwins, a devout Catholic family of seven living a middle-class suburban lifestyle in St. Louis, Missouri. Frustrated and increasingly terrified, the Goodwin's came to realize that they couldn't rely on their government to save Sam. They were going to have to do it themselves.

This is the extraordinary story of Sam's abduction by the Syrian regime, who threatened to hand him over to ISIS for beheading if he did not confess to being a CIA spy. It's also the story of a Midwestern American family who transformed themselves into their own detective agency, building up a network of journalists, hostage negotiators, Middle East experts, Russian diplomats, Vatican envoys, and shady mercenaries, until eventually - by nothing short of a miracle - they found a secret backdoor into the heart of the Syrian intelligence service itself.

Through multiple first-person narrators, Saving Sam recounts an inspiring and unforgettable saga that includes a travel journey to every country in the world, famous celebrities, heads of state, high-stakes diplomacy and critical life lessons around curiosity, uncertainty, prayer and what it ultimately means to be free. In a genuine, straightforward and sometimes humorous style, Sam draws on his experience as a hostage to demonstrate how we can all turn our own adversities into assets, whether it be in our personal, professional or spiritual lives.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m overwhelmed with emotion after reading this. This is probably one of my top reads this year, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves an edge-of-your-seat, emotional, heart-wrenching, but ultimately awesome story. Not many books make me cry - this one did more than once.

[Mindy Tharnish · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a mission to visit every country in the world, a young American man is wrongfully imprisoned in Incredible story of faith, family, and tenacity.

[Breck Pappas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story, told really well through shifting first-person narratives. It’s a gripping read, a powerful story of faith, and a peek behind the curtain of the realities of the Syrian regime. I would recommend to everyone!

[Lynn Sandman-Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book on Thursday, started reading yesterday and finished it today. A true story of resilience and the determination of family to bring their son home. It makes you think about how small the world really is, think 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon. His terrifying ordeal at the hands of the Syrian regime, Sam’s story shows how people around the world are inherently good and willing to help each other. His ability to survive, be resourceful and try to remain positive and keep his wits about him will leave you wondering what you would do in the same situation. On the flip side, as a parent, how would you handle the uncertainty, the fear of feeling like you will never know what happened to your son, would you crack under the pressure and stress? Sam’s story has me thinking about these questions and more.

[Peggy Abeln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, the author writing about how he was held captive in a Syrian prison, and the events that led to his remarkable release. The author is from my hometown and Catholic, so many of his references were so familiar to me. Impressive young man with a determination to forge his own way, very humble and faith filled, level headed, and a contagious spirit that endeared him to all that encountered him through his release as well as many of those who were imprisoned with him and whom he maintains friendships with today. The lessons he learned while in prison he passes on to others around the world as a guest speaker. Would highly recommend this book.

[Lauren Vondette · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUCH AN INSANE STORY

Saw this guy on a podcast and wanted to hear more about this story and I wasn’t disappointed. It got a little confusing/boring since I’m not well versed in world history but it didn’t take away much from the book for me. The story switching POV’s was a great way to keep the timeline but you can see it from every angle. What a remarkable story, my jaw was wide open more than once, and tears at the end forsure 😂

4/5 would 1000% recommend

[Michael Kickham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a high school English teacher and decided to assign this book as reading for my students. It's hard to get high school students to read these days; not necessarily because they lack interest in reading, but because there are so many other distractions competing with their interests. Our theme for English class this year was "Home & Travel" and I could not have picked a better book that hits on both of those themes. In all my years teaching, this might be the first book I have ever assigned where I had students that couldn't wait to read the next few pages or even read ahead, outside of the assigned reading.

The book highlights the importance of faith and human connection in the wake of tremendous adversity. What is really unique and compelling about this memoir is not only Sam's experiences, but the added perspectives of family members, friends, and even complete strangers who worked tirelessly to free Sam. It really humanizes the story and shows how captivity affects far more than just those that are imprisoned. Sam Goodwin is a remarkably talented author and storyteller. The book weaves through multiple perspectives and timelines, but in a way that is still cohesive and adds suspense to the book.

I highly recommend this for any high school English teacher looking for a compelling book to add to their list that will entice students into reading. If you're an avid or even casual reader, this is a great book to pick up and will be hard to put down.

[Carol D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a memoir written by a thirty year old young man who loved to travel and decided to visit all of the countries in the world and get to know their people.

When Sam Goodwin was visiting Syria his 181 country and walking to a restaurant to meet his guide, he was kidnapped and taken to an underground prison. He was not told what he had done or why he was there.

Back home in Missouri his parents were frantically trying to find him through government channels. This proved to be fruitless and frustrating. Through family and friends they formed a media group to share ideas and contacts to bring Sam home. It was through their efforts that the right people were contacted and his release was put in motion.

This book was good and fast paced. I enjoyed reading about the friendships that were made because of his incarceration. I also believe that God puts us in certain circumstances for His glory. As Sam said in his epilogue, had he not been incarcerated he would not been able to help free Kristian Baxter.

[Laura Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a hard time with this story. A privileged white American, with fairly close connections to important people, wanting to check off something from his bucket list— despite parts of the world in political upheaval, experiencing major human suffering and murdering of its own people, including women and children. I find this to be extremely self righteous no matter how he tried to spin it.

Also, the continued praise to God and religion was too much. I get it, it helped you all through this ordeal, but don’t you question why God decided to save you and your family and couldn’t spare children dying horrible deaths from chemical warfare, or children suffering at the hands of those in charge in your own religion? Enjoy your next dinner at the Missouri Athletic Club.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent recounting of a horrific ordeal. 30 year old Sam, after having traveled extensively in his relatively young life, decided to travel to all 193 (I think) countries on earth. Almost done, he gets abducted in Syria. Goes back & forth between him & his family as the narrators. I highly recommend this book. Have to add a couple points. I really wondered why on earth Sam thought it was a good idea to go to Syria?? I think he was pretty naive. Just because he found good people in most of the other countries he visited, he should have been more up to date on the political situation in Syria & the reality of the dangers. Too bad the hotel people didn't warn him to stay close to the hotel. Also, one of the reviews said her high school students liked the book. It is very easy to read & fast.

[Susan Tramelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just an unbelievable story of a young man and his journey to see the world. In doing so, he finds himself kidnapped by the Syrian government, and put in some incredibly tense situations.
It's not just Sam's story however. His family involvement, and their quiet way of networking to keep him safe and find a way to bring him home is simply extraordinary. With the help of so many, faith, and yes, luck, this young man's trip around the world becomes a powerful must read!

Susan Tramelli

[David Campton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling and moving true story, written from multiple POVs, giving a sense of the mix of emotions involved and the complex network of contacts drawn upon to get Sam home. Well written, though there were a couple of unnecessary repetitions that are a feature of writing in the home computer age, resulting in cut and paste errors where editors are less likely to spot/correct them. But despite that this is a worthwhile, indeed uplifting read that I will be recommending to a number of people.

[Maria Gaviria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling testament to resilience and adaptability under extreme pressure. Sam's story offers profound lessons for leaders on managing uncertainty, high-stakes decision-making, and building effective networks.

Highly recommended for leaders looking to turn adversity into opportunity and lead with purpose in challenging times.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down. Sam’s story of survival, of wanderlust, of the power of faith and family to pull off the nearly impossible is inspiring. Written in a unique documentary first-person style pulling together all of the threads that made his release possible, Saving Sam is fast-paced and thrilling and will leave you crying tears of joy. Read this book.

[Natalie Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional story about Sam Goodwin, who is the only American hostage ever released under the Assad regime in Syria. Unbelievable events lead to his release from prison. It's a page turner! Written from the perspective of Sam and many of the people who helped him, it is an engaging true story.

[Sofia C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was honestly the best book i’ve read this year. I really enjoyed the way Sam Goodwin inserted several perspectives into this book. I really loved how this book gave us an insight on how faith works and plays a role in his life when he is going through the struggles of being imprisoned. I highly recommend this book, 100%.

[Katie Bliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting account, and I appreciated Sam Goodwin's tone throughout, quite graciously explaining his experience without getting overdramatic. His and his family's faith and determination really shone through as well. It held my attention, but my main takeaways were: don't be a tourist in Syria, don't trust the government to save you if you are dumb enough to do that, and pray.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the book yesterday and I couldn't put it down. This true story is inspiring. The book is a crazy combination of a history lesson, a travel guide, an edge-of-your-seat thriller, a fascinating story of faith and miracles, and a heartwarming story of a family's love and grace and tenacity.

[Lori Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story of a family’s love for their children, their adult missing son and their magnificent story of faith. Their determination far exceeded any government agency’s ability to find their son!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an incredible story of resilience and reliance. I often found myself asking "how would I hold up in this situation?"
Sam and his family lean heavily on their faith in God and those in their lives to bring Sam home. A beautiful story of faith and divine intervention

[Elena S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of hope

Sam and his family beautifully express the heartache and triumph of their journey to bring Sam home. Their strong faith and commitment to family overcame all odds.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting account of how Sam Goodwin’s family came together to rescue their son and brother from a Syrian prison cell.

Sam was the first American hostage ever returned from Syria.

[Jacob Nesbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was easy to follow and really grabbed my attention. I learned a lot about how difficult hostage situations can be to resolve. Would recommend!

[Jodi Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

[Debbie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting and inspiring! I really liked it.

[Beth Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great inspirational story.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story! Amazing tale of networking and its benes. You just never know.

[Julie Mabry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually had tears in my eyes at the end of this story.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

[Damien S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, Tremendous book in my opinion, Sam is a great man, the best man.