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Jennifer's Reviews > The One-in-a-Million Boy
The One-in-a-Million Boy
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4.5 enthusiastic stars
I'm stunned this book isn't receiving more buzz, as it is one of the better books I've read this year.
"The One in a Million Boy" is about a socially-awkward 11 year old boy who is obsessed with The Guinness Book of World Records (known to readers only as "the boy") and a 104 year old woman named Ona Vitkus whom the boy interviews for a school project. Of course, to say that the book is only about Ona, the boy, and the school project, would be like saying that The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is about a man who went out for a walk. "The One in a Million Boy" is filled with love and humanity without at all being saccharine.
I'm not saying anymore, because for me part of the joy was discovering the beauty of this book without any preconceived notions. In fact, DO NOT read the Amazon description, and be very wary of reading other reviews, unless they are from trusted reviewers who do not give spoilers (you may even want to skip the GoodReads blurb).
If you liked The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy, or even Me Before You my prediction is that you'll enjoy this.
I'm stunned this book isn't receiving more buzz, as it is one of the better books I've read this year.
"The One in a Million Boy" is about a socially-awkward 11 year old boy who is obsessed with The Guinness Book of World Records (known to readers only as "the boy") and a 104 year old woman named Ona Vitkus whom the boy interviews for a school project. Of course, to say that the book is only about Ona, the boy, and the school project, would be like saying that The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is about a man who went out for a walk. "The One in a Million Boy" is filled with love and humanity without at all being saccharine.
I'm not saying anymore, because for me part of the joy was discovering the beauty of this book without any preconceived notions. In fact, DO NOT read the Amazon description, and be very wary of reading other reviews, unless they are from trusted reviewers who do not give spoilers (you may even want to skip the GoodReads blurb).
If you liked The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy, or even Me Before You my prediction is that you'll enjoy this.
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Reading Progress
April 24, 2016
–
Started Reading
April 24, 2016
– Shelved
May 3, 2016
– Shelved as:
2016-books
May 3, 2016
– Shelved as:
audiobooks
May 3, 2016
–
Finished Reading
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Elyse
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rated it 4 stars
Apr 24, 2016 04:48PM
It's this good?
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Just a little bit of the way in, but so far very good. I'm really surprised this hasn't received more buzz! Probably because they were stingy with the galleys ;-)
Great review! I honestly haven't seen much on this book but you now have me interested!
Great review, Jennifer. I haven't read the other books you mentioned in your review, but will definitely add this one to my TBR. Thanks.
Wonderful review! I haven't heard of this book! Thanks for putting it on my radar.
Jennifer , great review. I think I was turned down or didn't hear back but I do want to read it , especially after your review!
Awesome review, Jennifer. Reading this one soon.
Great review and thanks for the warning on spoilers!
Great, I won a copy recently but have't gotten around to it yet, must bump it up!
Wonderful review, Jennifer! This really looks great! :)
Wonderful review, Jennifer. Thank you.
Clearly I have to read this one. I loved the Rachel Joyce books. Great review Jennifer.
Kathleen wrote: "Great review, Jennifer. I haven't read the other books you mentioned in your review, but will definitely add this one to my TBR. Thanks."Thanks, Kathleen. Although I'm biased ;-) I loved all the books I mentioned.
Angela M wrote: "Jennifer , great review. I think I was turned down or didn't hear back but I do want to read it , especially after your review!"Angela, I was turned down for a review copy, too. Seems like they were stingy with the galleys because I'm not seeing/hearing about this book much at all. Wondering if they'll end up regretting that. It was SO GOOD!
Mandy wrote: "Great, I won a copy recently but have't gotten around to it yet, must bump it up!"Congrats! Hope you can get to it soon.
Esil wrote: "Clearly I have to read this one. I loved the Rachel Joyce books. Great review Jennifer."Thanks, Esil. Given that you loved the Rachel Joyce books my prediction is that this will be just your type of book.
Thanks, everyone! Although this isn't exactly a fluffy "beach read" it does strike me as the type of book that would be good for the summer. If you're planning your summer reading lists you may wish to add it.
Love your review! You said it so well - it's about so much more than just Ona and the school project. I finished this a couple days ago and haven't been able to stop thinking about it.
I'm also suprised it didn't make more of a bang. I loved this book!
thank you so much -- Monica Wood
They must be regretting limiting the Arcs and now it's $2.99 ! Thanks again for the wonderful review and the heads up on the sale .
Monica wrote: "thank you so much -- Monica Wood"Thanks, Monica. I really loved this book, and those to whom I've recommended it have enjoyed it as well. Looking forward to your next book!
Great review, well said Jennifer. I rated 4. Refreshing wasn't it? I didn't see the Amazon reviews as I don't look there and had no problems with spoilers thankfully. It was a nice experience for me. Lovely story.
Your review hooked me... have read both Rachel Joyce books, adding this to my list, don't mind if I follow your reviews.....
Thanks, Suzanne and Linda. The book is on sale today (6/23/16) for $2.99 on Amazon if you're looking to grab a copy.
Her memoir is amazing too, Jennifer, if you enjoyed her style! "When We Were the Kennedys" is the title!
I love your review, Jennifer. Makes me want to read this even more!
Really did enjoy this book... Reminded me how awesome friendships between generations are...90+ years age gap doesn't stop a close bond from forming. Honest, believable and beautifully told!
I enjoyed your review of this book. I am going to have to read this book very soon.
I loved this story....one of the most beautiful books I've ever read!
I am so glad I knew nothing about this book before i read it. i totally agree with you!!
Your review was the reason I read this book. Thank you! It will always be one of the best books I've ever read.
really enjoyed this. i fell in love with the boy and how he was portrayed throughout. his Dad Quinn bored me but Ona carried this book for me abd her interaction and story telling with this wonderful 11 year old. i cried at times but then I've a wonderful 11 year old too.
This book was a favorite. I loved everything about it, the style of writing, the language & of course the characters. An amazing story of the relationship of an 11 year old boy & a 104 year old woman.
I just finished this book. I didn’t want it to end. I shed a few tears, but I laughed at the spunk Ona had. She was some character and just the right person for our un named boy.
Just added it to my list. I loved Harold fry so I have a feeling this is right up my alley
OK, I won't read any more reviews, I'll just dive right in, can't wait!
