The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Dear Becca,

Since our last YA selection was a little light on the romance, I have chosen the most romantic YA book I could get my hands on: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith. Get ready for some serious gushing because I can’t remember the last time I loved a YA romance this much. This book was a very quick read. It took me roughly three days to complete so I’m expecting you to finish it in one sitting!

To begin with, I love how this entire book covers only one day in Hadley’s life. Have you noticed that the use of time seems to be a recurring theme in my selections? It’s not on purpose, I swear! The fact that everything happens within one day helps to keep the book moving and is, I’m sure, largely why it is such a fast read. There are, however, a number of flashbacks which is the only way that you could get enough of the history between Hadley and her father to put the current day into perspective. Smith includes a fairly good balance between present day and flashbacks, but I have to admit that I was way more interested in what was going on between she and Oliver on that plane than I was about anything else.

Oliver and Hadley are perfect characters – so cute without being too over the top. Well, there is one moment where Oliver steals a couple bottles of whiskey from the beverage cart that felt a little forced or awkward. The dialogue is realistic and young and I definitely believed the chemistry between them.

Although I chose this book because of the romance, it also explores Hadley’s relationship with her father. She’s on the plane headed to his second wedding and nervous about seeing him for the first time in over a year. Having experienced something similar, I found Hadley’s thoughts to be very realistic and I appreciate the fact that this novel explores a deeper theme.  While Hadley is much older than I was when my dad remarried, the feelings she has are universal for children all over the world trying to deal with divorce and the start of a new family.

The beginning of a relationship is so exciting and I love the fact that this book only covers the beginning, when everything is so new and your heart is all a flutter whenever he looks at you. I just eat that stuff right up. I’m curious to see whether the film rights will be bought – doesn’t look they’ve been snatched up yet.  I can either see this book being adapted into either a really artsy indie movie or one of those cheesy Disney TV – movie.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of the book. I have to say, I’m a little bit disappointed to go back to reading adult fiction!

Til we read again,

Megan

PS – For some reason when I was writing this post I kept calling the book The Improbability of Love at First Sight. Hmm…wonder what that says about me?