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The One-in-a-Million Boy

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The One-in-a-Million Boy

By: Monica Wood
Narrated by: Chris Andrew Ciulla
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About this listen

A one-in-a-million story for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and think about how extraordinary ordinary life can be. Not to be missed by those who loved The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Elizabeth Is Missing or The Shock of the Fall.

Miss Ona Vitkus has - aside from three months in the summer of 1914 - lived unobtrusively, her secrets fiercely protected. The boy, with his passion for world records, changes all that. He is 11. She is 104 years, 133 days old (they are counting). And he makes her feel like she might be really special after all.

Better late than never...only it's been two weeks now since he last visited, and she's starting to think he's not so different from all the rest. Then the boy's father comes, for some reason determined to finish his son's good deed. And Ona must show this new stranger that not only are there odd jobs to be done but a life's ambition to complete....

©2016 Monica Wood (P)2016 Dreamscape Media, LLC. Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

"I loved it! The boy is one of my favourite literary characters ever! I thought it was a gem of a novel, heart breaking and heart-warming. Beautifully written, with characters that you want to keep by your side." (Adele Parks)
"Loved it! Oh, that ending.... Ona is such a brilliant heroine and Quinn surpasses all expectations. Such a life-affirming read - love the way Monica's story brings out the best in people." (Hannah Beckerman)
"Wood writes beautifully." ( Washingtonian)
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A lovely read, this is a skilfully constructed narrative weaving together the stories of Miss Vitkus and 'the boy' and Quinn Porter the boy's father. We are taken on a journey through the centenarian's life and as we learn more about her, we also find out more about the other characters and the one in a million boy. Funny in parts and tragic in others I found this a great listen :)

Brilliant book

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Provoked a lot of internal thinking for me and i am determined not to leave it as late as Quin to get a handle on the type of adult i wish to be or heaven help me...Ona. Touching and realistic story

Poingnant...thought provoking...stunning

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Really enjoyed this audio book. Style put me in the mind of a man called Ove... but ultimately very much it's own story. Initially the narration was a bit off beat for me, but a chapter or two in I settled into the story and really looked forward to my commute and the next installment. Also think characters were well fleshed out, and likeable. Would recommend.

Compelling listen, lovely story

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An amazing read that focus on death and sorrow . I was working truly moved to by this story.

Simply amazing

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This was hard work to begin with. The narrator drones on like he's bored. But actually, he's setting the mood for the story. It's a melancholy start, and a slightly predictable ending, but in between, I was talking the dog out for extra walks just to keep listening. One of those books where I wanted to get to the end, to know what happens, but I never wanted it to end. There could be a whole series of these stories, and if listen to them all.
I am so glad I picked this.

A slow start, but stick with it

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Where does The One-in-a-Million Boy rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book was made for audio and especially Chris Ciulla who was spectacular at creating a mood and changing his voices which were very evocative. I think it was perfect in the audio genre to the point that I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much as a book. I loved the recordings Ona made with 'the boy' and they were beautifully read by CC. A very uplifting story despite the sad undertones. It took a good few chapters to start unfolding but it was certainly worth it to understand what makes each character tick. What a splendid book!

Have you listened to any of Chris Andrew Ciulla’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No, but I'll certainly look out for them now, he was excellent in this audiobook!

Beautiful

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A story of human frailty and love, of many depths. Well read with humour and accent.

A beautiful story

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This is wonderful story of several unlikely friendships: between an 11 year old boy who I think is aitistic; a 104 year old very independent lady; and the boy's parents, and the complex relationships of all of them.
Beautifully written and excellently narrated.
A truly one in a million story which I will certainly listen to again.
Just beautiful.

An amazing story of friendships

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When the book started I wasn't sure that it was for me but as I listened I was drawn in by this unusual, sad & funny story. It was excellently read, the voices painting pictures. Loved it & recommend it to anyone wanting something different.

Unexpectedly brilliant

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I really enjoyed this book. It is unique, moving, funny and uplifting. The reader is comforting and engaging. At the beginning the different character voices seemed strange but I found myself warming to it.

Lovely book

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