The One-in-a-Million Boy

Publisher's Summary

For years, guitarist Quinn Porter has been on the road, chasing gig after gig, largely absent to his twice-ex-wife Belle and their odd, Guinness records-obsessed son. When the boy dies suddenly, Quinn seeks forgiveness for his paternal shortcomings by completing the requirements for one of his son's unfinished Boy Scout badges. For seven Saturdays Quinn does yardwork for Ona Vitkus, the spry 104-year-old Lithuanian immigrant the boy had visited weekly. Quinn soon discovers that the boy had talked Ona into gunning for the world record for oldest licensed driver. Despite himself, Quinn picks up where the boy left off, forging a friendship with Ona that allows him to know the son he never understood.

©2016 Monica Wood (P)2016 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Very moving, thought provoking,

I read true crime. I chose this book on a whim. I am so glad I stepped out of my genre. This book is powerful. It's a thought provoking exploration of relationships between friends, husbands and wives, parents and children, rekindled friendships and loss. The author tells the story from different perspectives, rotating back and forth, past and present in a way that she artfully weaves a tale that draws you in to the point that you don't want to stop listening. I love a book that really delves into how others think and why they behave the way they do and this book is all of that. Don't even get me started on the narrator. How many ways can I say he is INCREDIBLE. I would say that he really "makes" the book but that isn't true because the book is already made. The story and the narrator make a great combination. He did such incredible justice to the voices of each of the characters. Can't think of anything I could say that needs changing about any of this work. I loved it!

23 of 23 people found this review helpful

Why isn't this book getting more attention?

Any additional comments?

This is the first book that I've listened to twice. It is very well written, it is humorous, addresses issues of older age and the feelings of older age people. It is also about loving, about young people who are outside of the norm and about grieving. I think the characters are very well developed and the story line unique. Wonderful book!

17 of 17 people found this review helpful

Beautiful and memorable

Although it was packed with sadness (and hope born of the sadness), the truth it reveals is poignant: we often can't see how we impact others until there's damage or loss. At times, the list reading annoyed me, but I imagine it would be like real life with a boy like this one (that's to say often sweet but sometimes annoying). The way the final chapter was delivered, however, was perfect and I admit I got teary. This story made me want to know someone 104 and actually hear their stories!

49 of 56 people found this review helpful

Wonderful Story

I wish I could have read this in one sitting. It is that good. Such a great find. The story is poignant, sad, happy and quirky. Meaningful. I highly recommend!!!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Rare, riveting & heart-warming w/superb narration

This is a rare story, uniquely told and superbly narrated, about an unusual boy, a centenarian Lithuanian immigrant, and the dreams and friendship they shared. It is an honest, if at times sobering, look at life, love, and what gives us meaning. If i were left on an island with only a few books, i would like this to be one of them. THE ONE-IN-A-MILLION BOY is so special and original, it's nothing short of a miracle. If you love heart-warming stories, you will love this one. Kudos to Chris Ciulla who brings every character fully alive!

56 of 65 people found this review helpful

Loved it

Wow! This book is both powerful and quiet. There is a stillness that runs throughout the text, but small moments culminate in a very powerful theme. The book explores the life of Ona Vitkus through the eyes of her young helper, often just called The Boy. Like real life, the large is made up of the small, both beautiful and tragic. The boy is gone, leaving his semi involved father to "inherit" his responsibilities with Ona. Though reluctant, the father, Quinn, learns much about himself and his son through his relationship with Ona. Like much of literary fiction, the emphasis is on character development and theme, but there is enough plot to keep the reader's attention. Well worth the read.

70 of 82 people found this review helpful

Wow!

After a slow start, The One-in-a-Million Boy took hold of my heart and mind. I escaped into the pages and traveled back into the memories of Ona. The book is a reminder of how much a child can impact the lives of many. I found myself laughing and crying throughout as I felt the passion of the characters that lived through the voice of Chris Ciulla. He did a terrific job narrating the story that Monica Woods authored.

64 of 75 people found this review helpful

Lovely, delightful, touching

This book surprised me. I listen/read a lot of books and rarely feel compelled to write a review. The characters in this book have wiggled their way into my heart. Wood's keen observance of human nature comes through in the way the characters struggle with their various dilemmas. I've found a book I can buy for friends and feel like I am giving them a treasure.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

bittersweet

bittersweet story, fresh turns of phrase, vivid characters. loved every word of this story of how complex and surprising love can be.

18 of 21 people found this review helpful

10 hours of sadness

Sad, lonely, repressed people find each other and feel better about themselves and their world. Too much melancholy for me. Excellent reader, though.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful