One in a Million Boy by Monica Wood

Unlikely friendships, misunderstood emotions, and unexpected relationships were the central core of Monica Wood’s book One in a Million Boy.  Told through flashback,  the story is centered around a socially awkward 11 year old boy and his relationship with 104 year old Ona.  We meet these two eccentric characters when the boy arrives to fulfill his Boy Scout service requirements.  What he finds is a persnickety old woman who is known for finding fault in all the helpers who come to her house to pitch in.  However, this boy with his pention for making lists and counting everything soon becomes her friend.   The story heartbreakingly turns when the boy (whose name we are never told) dies suddenly and unexpectedly.  Once this bright, engaging child is gone,  the redemptive story of the boy’s father, Quinn, whose guilty conscious forces his decision to take over the boy’s weekly treks to Ona’s to fulfill the promise made by his son takes over.  We soon see the father had not been connected to his son emotionally or in many cases physically because he just did not “get” his son and he was selfishly chasing his dream of rock stardom and therefore was on the road.  But because of the son’s death, Quinn begins to reevaluate his life and the life of his son.  Because of the boy and his connection to their lives, the relationship between Quinn and Ona solidifies.  Because of the boy, these people find purpose and fulfillment.  This was a warm, satisfying book that gave us wonderful characters to live with and love.  Enjoy!