The Book Nook

Human Connections   “The One in a Million Boy” by Monica Wood is a tale that hinges on heart-breaking loss, but it also provides an uplifting lesson in the power of love and friendship.  Quirky characters feature in this touching tale, which was published in 2016. As I started reading, the impatient side of me had many questions I hoped would be answered by further reading.  They were, but the reveals were slow in coming and I decided to keep this review purposefully vague to avoid spoiling moments of discovery awaiting readers.  For that reason, I recommend not reading the flyleaf or seeking out any plot descriptions. The story revolves around a central character who will be known only as “the boy”.  My theory is that the author did that purposefully so readers wouldn’t make any subconscious associations with a specific name. There’s an obvious lack of details about “the boy”.  The essence of his character remains a mystery for much of the book, but I will say he an impressive knowledge of the Guinness Book of World Records.  With each chapter our knowledge builds until we’re able to form an impression of him, and only one scene will be told from his point of view. A key figure in the story is an ancient woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.  At first glance she’s a cranky old person, but as deeper layers are revealed we find an intelligent, likeable and lively person.  She can be uncomfortably blunt, but her reasoning is sound and heartfelt. As her life story unfolds, so will the understanding that questions she’s being asked are a gift that will reshape her life.  Originally born in Lithuania, she’s lived in the U.S. for most of her life and has few memories of her early years.  She’s amazed when a random act triggers the finding of something she thought was forever lost to her.  There are other surprises awaiting her as well. We also meet Quinn Porter, a guitar player who dreams of making it big.  He’s talented enough to have constant gigs, but the success he seeks is elusive.  Being on the road so much has damaged his relationship with Belle, the woman he loves.  He was able to get his footing back with her once, but now history is repeating itself and he may lose her forever. Quinn is reluctant to call it quits but can offer no defense when Belle points out how he’s repeatedly let her down.  She offers an option he dislikes, but his excuses sound lame, even to him.  He reluctantly agrees out of guilt and regret, hoping for redemption he doesn’t believe he deserves. Belle is also in emotional turmoil, remembering times when and Quinn were happy.  Seeing him now brings only pain and a heightened sense of loss.  While the task she’s asked Quinn to complete is solely his, she’ll also be drawn into an unexpected role.  More than one character will experience a slow and frequently painful transformation that brings unexpected rewards. There’s some symbolism at play here, along with meaningful looks at an unlikely friendship, life secrets and sharing time with strangers.  The plot has two story lines that are carefully interwoven with few seams.  There’s an ironic aspect to a character’s ability to connect with a total stranger while failing to do so with someone they love. The story contains themes of loss and aging.  Friendship is at the core of this story, which covers a lot of emotional ground.  Isolation and family also feature prominently in this book, which is written in a witty and charming manner.  The author understands the healing nature of humor and is able to make us laugh in the midst of sadness. Monica Wood lives in Portland, Maine, where most of the plot takes place.  She’s written several works of fiction, some of which won awards.  She’s also a playwright and memoirist whose works have been featured in magazines and public radio.  Most of her books are character-driven with themes of emotional stories and the life-changing power of relationships. That focus continues in this book, and she’s crafted characters who are flawed yet hopeful.  The beginning contains a shock which the author works to help us through, doing so with clear writing.  “The One in a Million Boy” has been translated into 20 languages and sold in more than 30 countries.  It won two award and was hailed as a thought-provoking book. This is a bittersweet novel and you may need to have tissues handy, but that’s OK as many understand tears also have the power to heal.  The author shows us that life can bring not only seemingly insurmountable challenges but also unexpected and beautiful insights brought by sharing time with others.