The Miraculous Rescue of Sam Goodwin

Liz Lantigua reviews Saving Sam, a book that tells the true story of a dramatic rescue and the power of prayer.

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

Published by Center Street Press

What began as a simple phone call to his mother while walking turned into a nightmare no traveler could imagine. In Saving Sam, Sam Goodwin recounts the horrifying experience of being captured and wrongfully imprisoned while walking the streets of Syria.

The book not only tells Sam’s story but also shares the perspectives of those who worked tirelessly to secure his release. It is well written and fast-paced. I had a hard time putting it down. Sam and his family, Catholics from St. Louis, Missouri, relied heavily on their faith during this unimaginable trial. Those involved in his rescue came from many parts of the world, including a priest from my hometown in Florida.

But how did a young man from St. Louis end up imprisoned in Syria?

Sam loved hockey growing up, but his athletic plans were derailed after he suffered a serious concussion. Still driven by his competitive spirit and deep curiosity about the world, he set a bold goal: to visit all 193 recognized U.N. sovereign states.

That ambition led him into dangerous territory. During his travels, he was captured and held hostage by the Assad regime. His family and friends immediately began to pray and mobilize efforts for his release. Remarkably, Sam is believed to be the first American civilian ever released from captivity by that regime.

A Testament to Prayer During a Crisis

For those who believe prayer during a crisis is passive, read this book and think again. The story includes a miraculous intervention involving a Catholic saint-an intervention that also touched the life of one of Sam’s rescuers.

“I couldn’t be more grateful that my situation ended peacefully and for all of the people who worked to make that possible,” Sam said. “I don’t feel as much ‘survivor’s guilt’ as I feel ‘survivor’s responsibility.’ I emerged from this experience with a conviction to turn adversity into service and to live each day as a witness to hope, faith, and endurance.”

We had the opportunity to meet Sam at the Legatus Summit 2026 in Santa Barbara, California, where we were selected to serve as the event’s bookstore. Sam was a featured speaker and signed books for the attendees. Meeting him in person made his story even more powerful.

After his release, Sam returned to his studies with newfound hope and purpose. Today, his professional life is centered around speaking, writing, and advancing work that strengthens resilience, mental health, and human connection across cultures.

“There is so much uncertainty in our world today, yet my experience revealed that purpose is often born in the moments that attempt to break us,” Sam said.

Saving Sam is ultimately a testament to resilience, faith, and the powerful friendships rooted in Christ that carried one young man through captivity and back home again.

Ask for Saving Sam at your local Catholic bookseller or order online from GoodNewsBookFair.com.

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Copyright 2026 Liz Lantigua
Images: (top) detail from cover; (center) copyright 2026 Liz Lantigua, all rights reserved.