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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

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)
All stars
Most relevant  
It’s one of those meandering stories. There’s not really a beginning, middle and end - more just a window into a period of time within people’s lives. It is a gorgeous read in many ways, but I found myself reluctant to pick it up once I realised the nothing was really going to ‘happen’ in the story when I did, and i couldn’t wait for it to end. Not my cup of tea, but can see how others would love it.

Beautiful, thoughtful, but didn’t compel me

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A lovely piece on human interaction. Chris does an wonderful job, I listen to it twice.

Really enjoyed.

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

This was one of the most wonderful books I have ever read/listened to and I am an extremely prolific reader.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the multi-layered nuances and symbolism in the story. I thought that each word was carefully chosen and at times it felt like poetry.

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

This is the first book I've listened to read by Chris. At first his breathy tone was a bit difficult to get used to but once I got into it, I marvelled at his artistry and skill in bringing all the very different characters to life.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A film about the wisdom of age and the power of love.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book and I will be very surprised if it doesn't win many awards.

A one in a million book.

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Prepare to be sucked in, bawl your eyes out and feel hollowed out by this incredible book. I have never loved any characters so much, the story ends perfectly and the narrator has some serious talent. Listen to this book!!!

The audiobook that will make you love stories

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Very thought provoking and moving.

Good realistic narrating, which really made you feel the emotions of the characters.

Definitely worth reading.

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If there was a point to this tedious book i
I missed it entirely .Brevity can be a virtue.
.

disappointing

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