I absolutely adored this poignant, heartwarming, beautifully-written story about an unlikely friendship between an 104-year old Lithuanian woman and an 11-year old Boy Scout. As the saying goes: “I laughed, I cried, it became a part of me.” Only it’s all true in this case. The One-in-a-Million Boy is both heart-rending and life-affirming. Unassuming and inspiring. This is a book that will take hold of your heart and if you’re lucky, won’t ever let it go.
From Goodreads: The story of your life never starts at the beginning. Don’t they teach you anything at school?
For years, guitarist Quinn Porter has been on the road, chasing gig after gig, largely absent to his twice-ex-wife Belle and their odd, Guinness records–obsessed son. When the boy dies suddenly, Quinn seeks forgiveness for his paternal shortcomings by completing the requirements for his son’s unfinished Boy Scout badge.
For seven Saturdays, Quinn does yard work for Ona Vitkus, the wily 104-year-old Lithuanian immigrant the boy had visited weekly. Quinn soon discovers that the boy had talked Ona into gunning for the world record for Oldest Licensed Driver — and that’s the least of her secrets. Despite himself, Quinn picks up where the boy left off, forging a friendship with Ona that allows him to know the son he never understood, a boy who was always listening, always learning.
The One-in-a-Million Boy is a richly layered novel of hearts broken seemingly beyond repair and then bound by a stunning act of human devotion. Check it out on Goodreads!