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The One-in-a-Million Boy


A richly layered novel of hearts broken seemingly beyond repair and then bound ...
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What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

Created: 04/16/17

Replies: 17

Posted Apr. 16, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

For the first time in her life, Ona gives away her secrets—to a child. What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?


Posted Apr. 30, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Marcia S

Join Date: 02/08/16

Posts: 505

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

With the boy, "what you saw was what you got", meaning he was who he was. There was no deceit, he wasn't able to play that game. Ona saw that the boy was honest and accepting in every way. Thus, trust and friendship were built between them. The boy saw her age, and her, as something special. They each filled a hole in the other's emptiness.


Posted Apr. 30, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Lois Irene

Join Date: 01/20/16

Posts: 76

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

The boy was a pure spirit. He had no ulterior motive in being with Ona. That was incredibly appealing compared to the "put upon" boys who probably often showed up to help her.
I also wondered if Ona herself might have been a bit like the boy in personality. She had so few friends for someone who had lived in one place for so long. I am sure she was very lonely.


Posted Apr. 30, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
smsh

Join Date: 05/03/16

Posts: 12

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

Sometimes I think it's hard to say what makes a connection happen. The boy was sincere and non-judgmental. Both seemed to need a friend and found that in one another.


Posted Apr. 30, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Maggie

Join Date: 01/01/16

Posts: 434

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

He was different from the other boys. He was a good worker. The way he held himself she could tell he was probably bullied and friendless. She wanted to help him as much as he was helping her. Once he started interviewing her they really bonded.


Posted May. 02, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
MarieA

Join Date: 10/12/11

Posts: 256

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

The boy earns her trust because of qualities Ona sees that he possesses-- innocence, integrity, steadfastness, helpfulness, and uniqueness. As a result of their mutual trust, a bond is formed--and a wonderful bond it is.


Posted May. 03, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
susanu

Join Date: 01/21/17

Posts: 14

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

He wasn't put off by who she was. She didn't need to give him much for him to want to give her something. And he was exactly who he was. She didn't need to read between the lines, try to figure him out.


Posted May. 03, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
cathyoc

Join Date: 04/26/17

Posts: 247

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

As someone who works with many senior citizens, I think that what made Ona trust the boy was his ability to take the time to listen. It becomes more and more evident as the book progresses that Ona is very lonely. The fact that the boy can help her resolve so many issues in her life even after his own death is remarkable, and a bit magical.


Posted May. 04, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
deeh

Join Date: 03/03/12

Posts: 239

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

The boy was truly interested in Ona and asked her so many personal questions. He also really listened to her answers and remembered what she said in previous conversations. That kind of interaction engenders trust.


Posted May. 04, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
juliecaton

Join Date: 05/04/17

Posts: 2

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

Both were lonely people and grew to enjoy the companionship. As their trust in each other grew the honesty between them also grew.


Posted May. 04, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
juliecaton

Join Date: 05/04/17

Posts: 2

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

He was so curious and his questions showed a genuine interest in Ona


Posted May. 05, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
susiej

Join Date: 10/15/14

Posts: 363

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

Perhaps it was his innocence - she felt he was not "using" her - and, as juliecaton says, he shows a genuine interest in her and actually took the time to listen - even follow up - on her answers to his questions. At 104 people are pretty isolated I should guess - Ona was open to a little interest in her life and a sweet little boy is pretty undemanding and safe.


Posted May. 05, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kellyo

Join Date: 09/15/16

Posts: 53

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

Ona could see that the boy was different from other kids his age. He was not put offby her age or looks. She stated several of the kids in the neighborhood had tormented her and accused her of being a witch. Even the robber that broke into her house, saw her as being "Ugly." The boy was able to see her and was facinated by her stories. He truly admired her and was interested in what she had to say. They were both lonely and didn't have a lot of friends. They connected to each other and both seemed to look forward to seeing each other on their next visit. Ona saw the passion the boy had for the Guiness Book Of World Records and she herself became excited by this.


Posted May. 07, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
paml

Join Date: 10/25/12

Posts: 83

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

The boy was genuinely curious about Ona and he made her feel valued. He was patient and listened with great interest. He validated her.


Posted May. 08, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Sharlene

Join Date: 04/10/13

Posts: 78

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

Basically this was a good boy, although a little odd. I think Ona was initially attracted to his oddness and then realized that he was different than most other boys of his age. The fact that he showed up faithfully and did what he promised made a lot of points with Ona and his questions made her feel important and she began to trust him.


Posted May. 12, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dianaps

Join Date: 05/29/15

Posts: 460

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

He was quite and observant and interested in Ona and he like birds too.


Posted May. 15, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kimk

Join Date: 10/16/10

Posts: 889

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

I also think that he looked at Ona as an exceptional person, and not just an old person. I think that the old often feel dismissed, pigeon-holed. The boy appreciated her uniqueness and befriended her.


Posted May. 15, 2017 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
debrav

Join Date: 08/16/11

Posts: 30

RE: What do you think it is about the boy that encourages Ona to instinctively trust him?

I think she liked his unfiltered attention to detail. She watched the way he filled the bird feeders and attached the garbage can lids. The other boys were sloppy and he was meticulous. Also, he talked very clearly and she could hear him-- I think that is important to older people!


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