Saturday Spotlight: The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood

Introducing Saturday Nite Reader’s weekly meme: Saturday Spotlight! Each Saturday I will spotlight a book I have read or am currently reading; and, of course what I think is special about it. I invite you to participate as well! Just link back to my weekly post and don’t forget to add your spotlight link in the comment section for all to see. Happy Sharing! XO, Nikki

img_2513This Week:
The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood

Published: April 5, 2016 by Headline Review
Category: Fiction, Contemporary
Nautilus Book Award for Fiction: Large Publisher (2016)

I came across this gem through a widget on the sidebar of my Goodreads homepage one day. Not sure exactly why it popped up, but I was so glad it did!

After reading the synopsis (below), I was certainly intrigued. It was my turn to pick our next book club read and after seeing its Goodreads stats my decision was easily made. I enjoyed this book immensely: I laughed, I cried, I needed a hug. The book brings you on a journey: one that I recommend all experience. You will adore the characters and also need a hug in the end. (All these hugs, as someone who isn’t a huge fan of them who am I becoming?!) If it also helps: when my book club discussed our favorite read of the year this one came up several times.

Goodreads Stats:
4.11 average rating   *   17,986 Ratings   *   2,875 Reviews
Saturday Nite Reader rating: 5 disco balls

Goodreads Synopsis:
The incandescent story of a 104-year-old woman and the sweet, strange young boy assigned to help her around the house — a friendship that touches each member of the boy’s unmoored family.

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.


Have you read this book? Do tell! Have a book to spotlight: remember to share your links in the comments below.

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Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Paperback  Hardcover  Audible
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Paperback  Hardcover  Audio

The Author, Monica Wood, discusses The One-in-a-Million Boy:

You may also find me here:
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Please note: this post contains Amazon and B&N affiliate links. If you purchase this book through the links above I will earn a small fee; at no additional cost to you. This will help me purchase more books to read and recommend to you all!

 

 

Book Review: Us Against You by Fredrik Backman

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Another brilliant novel by Fredrik Backman!

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5 disco balls

Publish date: June 5, 2018 by Atria Books
Category: Fiction, Contemporary, Sports, Sequel

Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Hardcover  Audible
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Hardcover  Audio

I can’t get enough of the people from Beartown. Although I don’t think I could live in a place where winter was three-quarters of the year…brrr.

Us Against You is bestselling author Fredrick Backman’s sequel to his novel Beartown. Both are MUST reads. That is all my review really needs to say: just listen to me, they do not disappoint. (read my Beartown review here)

For those who need more convincing, well here goes:Read More »

Saturday Spotlight: The Little Book of Feminist Saints by Julia Pierpont

Introducing Saturday Nite Reader’s weekly meme: Saturday Spotlight! Each Saturday I will spotlight a book I have read or am currently reading; and, of course what I think is special about it. I invite you to participate as well! Just link back to my weekly post and don’t forget to add your spotlight link in the comment section for all to see. Happy Sharing! XO, Nikki

img_2172First Up:
The Little Book of Feminist Saints by Julia Pierpont and beautifully illustrated by Manjit Thapp

Published: March 6, 2018 by Random House
Category: Nonfiction, History, Feminism, Biography
A Stylist Must-read Book of 2018

The collection highlights 100 women throughout history, and around the world, who have been inspirations, trailblazers, and fighters for women. 

Goodreads Synopsis:
In this luminous volume, New York Times bestselling writer Julia Pierpont and artist Manjit Thapp match short, vibrant, and surprising biographies with stunning full-color portraits of secular female “saints” champions of strength and progress. These women broke ground, broke ceilings, and broke molds. Open to any page and find daily inspiration and lasting delight.

img_2335.jpgSome of the 100 women showcased include authors Anne Frank, Maya Angelou, The Bronte Sisters, Eleanor Roosevelt, Louisa May Alcott, Emily Dickinson and Jane Austen.

img_2334.jpgI have committed to reading one profile each day and on the last day I will write a post on my own feminist saint (the 100th chapter in the book is just that).

If you have this book and/or would like to participate in my 100 day challenge that would be lovely. Start anytime, there is no set day. Happy Reading!

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Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Hardcover
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Hardcover

Meet the Author & Illustrator:


You may also find me here:

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Please note: this post contains Amazon and B&N affiliate links. If you purchase this book through the links above I will earn a small fee; at no additional cost to you. This will help me purchase more books to read and recommend to you all!

 

 

Book Review: The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian

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3.5 disco balls

Publish date: March 13, 2018 by Doubleday Books
Category: Fiction, Thriller, Suspense

I am a super fan of thriller/suspense reads and enjoy trying to be a super sleuth at the turn of each chapter. I especially enjoy those bombshells that I do not see coming: the start of this ending did just that! Why the 3.5? I can’t fully explain without giving it away, but the end of the ending – versus the start of it – left me perplexed. I do think this is still worth a read, so that we can discuss your thoughts!Read More »

Audiobook Review: My Mrs. Brown by William Norwich

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4 disco balls

Publish date: April 12, 2016 by Simon & Schuster
Audiobook by Tantor Media, 7 hours 29 minutes, narrator Angela Brazil
Category: Fiction

Looking for a quick, lighthearted audiobook just in time for your weekend drives to the beach?

While I certainly don’t wish for anyone to get stuck in beach traffic, it may be inevitable…so get your audiobooks ready!

My Mrs. Brown, by William Norwich, was a charming story of a hardworking, simple woman who comes across an Oscar de la Renta dress and is determined to buy one of her own. She wants to work for it, earn it: it/this is very important to her.

The people in her life do not understand how this one frivolous, extravagant purchase could be so important, but support Emilia Brown in her quest to save for it. When you finally find out the reason you will not be able to hold back the tears. Read More »

Book Review: The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

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5 disco balls

Publish date: July 3, 2018 by Dutton Books
Category: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense

Two Truths and a Lie. 1) Emma is guilty. 2) Emma is innocent. 3) Emma is going crazy.

I just couldn’t wait until July to share my review: because if you still can try to snag an eBook from Penguin Random House’s First to Read program (free!), well then you must! And, then we can discuss the book’s ending…like whoa!

The ending is what makes a thriller/suspense read; it can certainly save a story (i.e. The Woman in the Window IMO). I was not disappointed with what author, Riley Sager, cooked up for me in his latest The Last Time I LiedRead More »

Book Review: The High Season by Judy Blundell

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3 disco balls

Publish date: May 22, 2018 by Random House
Category: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary, Summer, Beach Read

A quiet, family oriented town – Orient Point, Long Island – was slowly being infiltrated by frequent visitors of the more glamorous Hamptons. “Was” being the choice word because this summer season the town will be overrun by outsiders looking to take stock in the quiet beach town. They will bring along their “new” ideas for how the town should run and are not quiet about it at all.Read More »

Book Review: Beartown by Fredrik Backman

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5_DiscoBalls

5 disco balls

Publish date: April 25, 2017 by Atria Books
Category: Fiction, Contemporary, Sports

Purchase Links
Amazon:  Kindle  Paperback  Hardcover  Audible
Barnes & Noble:  Nook  Paperback  Hardcover  Audio 

I could not put this book down, and when I found out there is a sequel set to be released in early June I was ecstatic. I was certainly tardy to the party in reading this and wish I hadn’t waited so long. So, if you were like me and haven’t read it yet – well, you know what I will say next: what are you waiting for?!Read More »

Reading Is…

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Book of the Month is asking its readers what reading is to them. Subscribers are filling out BOTM provided bookmarks and uploading their pictures on instagram. If you are interested in checking a few out search the hashtag: readingis

I would love to hear from followers, friends, book lovers what reading is to you. Include your “reading is” in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you all.  XO

Thank you BOTM for the inspiration, what a lovely idea!


Have you heard about Book of the Month? It’s a great way to discover new books you wouldn’t have found on your own. I love being a member, and I think you will too.

Get a free book when you join using my referral link. Happy reading!

 

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