 | Insightful and heart-opening, The One-in-a-Million Boy explores the nature of love, grief, guilt, and our enduring need for human connection. The book opens with a transcript of a one-sided conversation: 104-year-old Ona Vitkus answering questions posed by an eleven-year-old Boy Scout. These delightful transcripts and amusing lists of world record holders scatter the book. The nameless Boy Scout has been assigned to help Ona with her chores on Saturdays, but also aspires to help Ona become a world record holder. His enthusiasm is contagious. The actual story begins with professional musician Quinn arriving at Ona’s home to continue his son’s commitment to Saturday chores. |
In the next chapter we meet Quinn’s ex-wife Belle, the boy’s mother, and experience the complicated emotions churning within both parents. The boy has died suddenly, exacerbating their long unresolved conflicts and longings. Chapter 3 introduces us to the boy and his first meeting with Ona. He’s a quirky, endearing kid, and it’s lovely to meet him through Ona’s growing fondness.
 | The author’s prose soars in emotion-laden descriptions. Quinn’s first impression of Ona: “She regarded him peevishly, her face a collapsed apple, drained of color but for the small, unsettling, seed-bright eyes. . . . Her voice suggested mashed glass.” "The old woman shivered. Her stockinged legs looked like rake handles jammed into small black shoes. . . . She sized up Quinn as if considering a run at his clothes.” |
An abrupt flash of rage from Quinn later in the story:
“Quinn looked at Gary—reliably sweet-tempered Gary, who owned four dogs . . . All summer Gary had put himself in charge of reminding everybody of their bandmate’s “loss.” . . . he suddenly wanted to yank Gary’s liver up through his throat. Gary, his friend of thirty years.”
“Quinn looked at Gary—reliably sweet-tempered Gary, who owned four dogs . . . All summer Gary had put himself in charge of reminding everybody of their bandmate’s “loss.” . . . he suddenly wanted to yank Gary’s liver up through his throat. Gary, his friend of thirty years.”
 | Perhaps most profound is the description of Juke, a struggling physician’s assistant who feels responsible for the boy’s death and seeks Quinn's forgiveness: “Juke’s soft body pitched forward and back, a stutter-step of unstoppable weeping, his features chewed into mismatched pieces: eyes puckered shut, mouth undulating, forehead harrowed, the entire mess gone maroon with misery.” |
There are surprising twists and turns in the story—some harrowing—but it is ultimately a redemptive tale with an entirely satisfying ending. The closing chapter is especially delightful, celebrating both Ona’s resiliency and the boy’s indelible influence on everyone he met.
The One-in-a-Million Boy is an expansive journey through the human spirit that celebrates the profound power of friendship. Highly recommended.
The One-in-a-Million Boy is an expansive journey through the human spirit that celebrates the profound power of friendship. Highly recommended.
Other tales of resilient older women: The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fischer and Remnant Population
Other heart-warming stories of found friendship: A Snake Falls to Earth and Klara and the Sun
Other heart-warming stories of found friendship: A Snake Falls to Earth and Klara and the Sun
