The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Pub Date: September 2011
Pub Deets: Poppy (an imprint of Little, Brown)
Source: Contest from Jess at Gone with the Words
Amazon | Goodreads | Author Blog
In a sentence or so: A girl meets a boy and sweet, swoony, quirky, thoughtful, and simply lovely things happen in the midst of frustration, grief, and delayed flights.
Hadley's late for her flight to her dad's wedding in London to some lady she's never met and doesn't want to meet, thank you very much, because it basically destroyed her family. She's got her angst amped up to 11 when she misses her flight and bumps into this adorable British boy named Oliver who ends up sitting next to her on the plane and being genuinely awesome and a tad silly but also sincerely interested in what Hadley's got going on in her life.
This is a story of life changes and disappointment and unexpected hope. While I thought Hadley was totally justified in her frustration and angst, I loved that Oliver listened to her, respected her, and tried to give her some perspective while being supportive. He ended up voicing a lot of the advice I would have to Hadley. Which of course endeared him to me all the more.
Sure, Hadley and Oliver are what keep the pages turning, but within those pages is depth and insight into families and second chances and life changes we can all relate to. I was expecting an adorable romance (hello - BRITISH BOY) but was pleasantly surprised by the emotional exploration and family plots.
If you're looking for a read that will make you laugh, swoon, think and hope, please read The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. You know, if you're one of the 4 people who hasn't already done so.
Fix er up: More, please!
Pairs well with: Your favorite latte. Because like your favorite latte, this book will make you feel all warm and fuzzy and happy inside. Also, it reads like a friend over a cup of coffee so that is double perfect.
Fave quote: "In the end, it's not the changes that will break your heart; it's that tug of familiarity." (21 ARC)
This review is AWESOMESAUCE!
ReplyDeleteI read TSPOLAFS (mouth full much!) last month, after it sat on my shelf for months and I loved it! It was sweet and whilst still fluffy, had more depth than I had imagined. And Oliver? SWOON.
Yes! I was expecting pure fluff (which is just fine sometimes) but the deeper story was SO GOOD.
DeleteI really enjoyed this one, too. ALL TOO SHORT for my liking. Also, British boy? OBVS. And yes, this book is perfect with your favorite latte, or any sort of delicious warm drink, because this book is a hug, really. And that quote? DIVINE.
ReplyDeleteI could have honestly read 4 more novels of this same story.
DeleteThis book played out fantasy of mine.. meeting a British boy & then having to sit next to him through a 9 hour flight. I would DIE. It's like the best dream come true.
ReplyDeleteI adored this story & wished for more, too. Great review!
SO TRUE. British boys forevah!
DeleteI cannot tell you how much I LOOOOVE this book.
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to! I already know.
DeleteBRITISH BOYS!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good book. That's all there is to it. It started my love affair with everything JES has ever written and I have not been disappointed. I must re read this one before the end of the year. :)
ReplyDeleteI need to get my happy little hands on more of her work.
DeleteI love this book. I love that it's so much more than just love at first sight. That's what really got me. Oh, and Oliver, the ultimate sexy British Boy. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! The depth was such a wonderful surprise.
DeleteI LOVE THIS BOOK. ALWAYS AND FOREVA.
ReplyDeleteAlso? You may be late to the party, but it's worth the wait right? Worth reading eventually. :-D
TOTES.
DeleteI was also quite surprised with the look at families. I was expecting a really light read, and although I wouldn't say this was heavy, it had more depth than I was expecting.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it! I can't wait to read Jennifer E. Smith's next book, This is What Happy Looks Like comes out next year. I will be reading that straight away.
Yes! The family stuff really struck a chord with me.
DeleteHello, book buddy! I'm totally reading this right now for the first time. So glad to see you enjoyed it! Makes me want to skip out on all my responsibilities this evening and READ THE BOOK.
ReplyDeleteDO IT. You won't regret anything.
DeleteOMGYESYESYES!!! :D I have so much love for this book. It was just SO MUCH MORE!! I was expecting to read this cute love story and it was just...yeah. more. :) Great review, lisa! It makes me happy that you were the winner of this book and you loved it. :D
ReplyDeleteYou made this possible. For that, I adore you forever!
DeleteThis book is simply one of my favorite books that I've read this year. It's got an amazing story, two incredible characters and just SO MUCH HEART. It's lovely and awesome and all the good things!
ReplyDeleteI saw it on the Scholastic Book Cart. It will be mine. I will swoon. And drink coffee.
ReplyDeleteGreat review.
Enjoy the swoons and the coffee!
DeleteOh man, I do have a thing for British men (I have to say men b/c I'm over the age of 25 and saying boys would be a bit illegal, I think). And yes, I'm one of the aforementioned four who hasn't already read it. Boo! I know.
ReplyDeleteI like that on first glance this book is seemingly about love but under the surface there's so much more going on. That layering of themes is how you know you have a seasoned writer on your hands. Great review!
I loved this book. I totally cried while I was reading it. Hadley's relationship with her dad gave me lots of feelings. And OBVIOUSLY I loved Oliver. Such a sweet, thoughtful little book!
ReplyDeleteOH yes. Tears there were!
DeleteThis makes me laugh so hard because I'm one of the four people that haven't read it yet. I totally have meant to. But you know, I haven't. Looks fabs.
ReplyDeleteAheley. IT IS TIME.
DeleteNice review! Here's mine if you don't mind: http://lorxiebookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-statistical-probability-of-love-at.html
ReplyDeleteThey're turning this one into a movie. I'm so excited!
Thanks and have a nice day! :)