The One-in-a-Million Boy

This is a book of heartbreaking beauty. That an 11-year-old boy could bring together so many people of starkly contrasting interests is, in itself, amazing. But that he could bring them together in such a way as to form deep, lasting bonds is truly remarkable. Monica Wood has accomplished a feat of staggering wonder with The One-in-a-Million Boy. BOOKREPORTER

"The book expands to cover an enormous amount of emotional ground, as Wood treats a large cast of fundamentally decent but struggling characters with a winning mix of sharpness and sympathy...Wood is able to convey the deepest of emotions in a few quietly devastating sentences." READER'S DIGEST, UK

"Intricately woven ... The One-in-a-Million Boy is provocative, and it evokes Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See for its twin story lines and the theme of endless searching for an anchor point. The ending is a deeply affecting surprise. MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM, US

"This is a bittersweet page-turner that celebrates the everyday soul." SUNDAY TIMES, South Africa

'This is a novel about many things: isolation, community, music, language and friendship. Wood's prose sparkles with lyrical descriptions and sharp observations about people and their motivations. But the over-arching theme running through it all concerns second chances. Even when you're older than a century, life still has the capacity to surprise you.' THE HERALD SCOTLAND, UK

"If you're looking for a book that entertains and is thought-provoking at the same time, The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood has that wrapped up in a bright red package. Themes of ageing, regret, love and loss, ambition and unexplored dreams abound in the beautifully written The One-in-a-Million Boy. ... I loved this book." THE BLURB MAGAZINE, Australia

"A novel about a friendship between a 104-year-old woman and a lonely boy obsessed with world records sounds as if it could be somewhat sentimental, but this story remains razor sharp while packing a heart wrenchingly powerful emotional punch. It has big themes - family, bereavement and facing up to mortality - but they are addressed with a light touch, and a beautifully judged acidic wit. As Ona decides to exploit her great age to secure herself a place in the history books with the help of her young assistant, a tragedy means unlikely bonds are forged. Beautifully written, cleverly constructed, at times hilariously funny and ultimately deeply affecting - this should be a smash." SUNDAY MIRROR, UK

"BOOK WARS: The One-in-a-Million Boy wins it. Monica Wood's heartwarming story about a friendship that bridges the generations manages to edge it this week, with its clever, intricate plot, beautifully sketched characters, and life-affirming message of self-discovery....Wood reveals joyousness in the confounding complexity of humanity." STYLIST magazine, UK

"This is a beguiling, heartwrenching and funny book about families, and how they come undone and are re-made in unexpected ways. In this case, there's ornery Miss Ona Vitkus, 104, sharp as a tack and hiding a world of secrets; the sweet, odd little boy of the title, with his record-breaking obsessions; and Quinn, the befuddled father who can't do right for doing wrong. Absolutely gorgeous." --PSYCHOLOGIES Magazine, UK

"A lovely, quirky novel about misfits across the generations...There is humour as well as hope." --DAILY MAIL, UK

"A whimsical and bittersweet novel about finding friendship in the most unlikely places." GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

"A stunner." HEAT Magazine, UK

"Wood dishes out tragedy and charm in equal measure with an intergenerational friendship that retains its beauty despite death. Although rarely seen directly, the titular boy hovers at the edges of every scene, binding Quinn and Belle whether they like it or not, drawing Ona's secrets from her lips. Readers won't be able to resist falling for Ona, whose many years and cultivated cynicism hide a great but vulnerable heart. Wood interweaves the lives of her broken heroes until they cannot disentangle from one another, then gives each the means to become, if not fully healed, at least whole. Although most readers will find tissues often necessary while navigating the layers of this story, the conclusion will leave them smiling through their tears." --SHELF AWARENESS, USA

"One of the most elegant, satisfying endings I've ever read. An extraordinary book." -- Allison Hill, CEO, Vroman's Books, Pasadena, California, USA

"Curl up and enjoy [this]...bewitching novel." WOMAN + HOME, UK

"In The One-in-a-Million Boy, Monica Wood tells a magical, beautifully written story about the healing power of friendship, music, and unexpected, generation-spanning connections. As emotionally resonant as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, this novel hums with energy, warmth, wisdom, humor, and soul." -- Christina Baker Kline, author of the international bestseller Orphan Train

"A simultaneously sad and joyous story of a unique 11-year-old boy and the legacy he leaves behind. Wood's portrait of a fractured, grieving family is peopled by endearing characters." -- Booklist, USA

"[A] bittersweet new novel ... resulting in a devastating story." -- Publishers Weekly, USA