The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

By: Jennifer E. Smith

Narrated by: Casey Holloway

Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything? Today should be one of the worst days of 17-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances, and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley's and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

©2012 Jennifer E. Smith (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Young Love

This sweet, light-hearted romance, kept me intrigued enough that I read it in one sitting. The characters are realistic, in that they are flawed, self-centered and insecure. Yet they are still quite likable and sympathetic. This would make a great book to read on an airplane.

Rather mediocre

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Unfortunately, this wasn't quite what I wanted. Smith writes characters that moan and whine in the grand tradition of YA fiction, but rarely develop more than the story asks for. And when that story is "girl goes to London and falls in love with boy on the way-- also, they both have daddy issues"-- well.

Would you recommend The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight to your friends? Why or why not?

I'd recommend other young adult fiction novels to my friends. This one had a lovely name, but relied too much on tired tropes and brick jokes.

Would you be willing to try another one of Casey Holloway’s performances?

I'm sure Holloway is a fine actress, but this text did her no justice. Although her British accent could use some work.

Could you see The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Please no.

Completely average

What I loved- the seamless transitions, the small details, the world building.
What I disliked- the dad, the Mary-Sue bride to be, the need to pretend that Hadley needed a pen and paper to get Oliver’s number and apparently just forgot she could have him put it in her phone.
What was average- the plot, the main characters, the dialogue, the narration.
There is nothing really wrong with this story- but it is a bit forgettable. It was a pleasant read- clean, sweet, a tiny bit angsty, but not one that I will listen to again.

For the Hopelessly Romantic

This is a sweet, light, romantic novel that will warm your heart. I had a close experience with missing a plane and falling in love in an airport, so this story felt a tad closer to home; but I still feel this story is the perfect mixture of romance, thrill and taking risks. It speaks of a real connection between two people; and although many may think this “insta-love” thing does not exist, I am a strong believer that once in a life it is possible to have a chance encounter with a person with whom you’ll have a powerful connection. I admit that those kinds of bonds are very rare, but when you find what your heart is looking for or needs, you’ll just know.

That is why I felt the romance in this story is indeed genuine, because the author portrays said connection in a way you can feel their hearts recognizing each other. It is not fast, because it was an intense experience that allowed them to share fundamental parts of their history.

I especially enjoyed how the author combined elements of fate with elements of free will. Certainly the circumstances were crucial for the turn of events, but said events wouldn’t have happened if Hadley and Oliver hadn’t made some choices of their own. In brief, the opportunity was created but they had to take it, and that is exactly what life is about, taking advantage of the opportunities that are offered to you.

Lastly, this book also deals with important family issues and relationships; with new beginnings and endings, and the personal battle Hadley and Oliver are going through depicts the hardships of facing those kinds of situations with the maturity only a teenager can have, and how to better deal with it. The characters are real, their emotions ring true, and their behavior speaks of the carelessness and freedom of youth.

Casey Holloway did an excellent job with Hadley, she truly captured her essence. She felt like a teenage girl struggling with this trip and her whole family situation, whiny and mature enough. But she didn’t get Oliver right. Her British accent left a lot to wish for, and I thought the voice wasn’t very masculine. Her Violet I liked, she had this snobbish and nonchalance air to it with matched perfectly with the character. Her rhythm was smooth but constant and it gave the notion of haste in the right moments.

Quick Listen .

This is your typical romance novel. It is cute and a easy listen. The reader wasn't my favorite, but overall iot's worth a listen.

YA Meet Cute

I loved this book for the simple quick story. It was easy to get into and flowed nicely. The performance was great.

Channing story beautifully told!

This book isn't merely a love story, but a tale about a teenage girl coming to grips with changes in her family and her own role in making her life what she wants it to be. Gorgeous prose and great dialogue make this a page-turning read.

Love love LOVE!!!

If you could sum up The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight in three words, what would they be?

Best Contemporary Story!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight?

The whole thing! I can't believe the entire story takes place in a 24-hour period. It was brilliant!

What does Casey Holloway bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I loved her use of accents and acting out the situations, as opposed to just reading the words. She did a fabulous job!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene at the end with Hadley and her dad. No spoilers!! ;)

Any additional comments?

If you haven't read/listened to this book, you must!! I recommend the audiobook over just reading the book... the performance was wonderful!

Quick, Sweet, & Funny

Have you listened to any of Casey Holloway’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any other performances by this narrator, but i think she fit Hadley's personality well and did a good job.

Any additional comments?

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight was such a cute, heartwarming story! Hadley is headed to London for her father's wedding, and nothing goes the way she expects starting with missing her flight. Basically, the whole day ends up a series of lessons for Hadley that she really needed to learn. While the book was fairly predictable, it was alsoreally sweet and charming. Oliver had such a sweet personality and a great sense of humor. His and Hadley's chemistry was great.

Overall it was a really quick fun listen. I think the author captured a lot of the feelings a teenage girl facing her parent's divorce / new lives apart would be experiencing. It was perfect for a rainy day and well worth the credit.

A yummy snack

This novel is short and sweet. Its unabridged so you get the whole story but the perfect length for a short road trip or a day of spring cleaning. The title is what drew me in. Made me tilt my head and say "hmmm...interesting", and really it is.
The story is fun, funny, endearing, tugs at your heart strings just a little, and has you on the edge of your seat for a bit. It is surprisingly well rounded for less than 6 hours of listening and makes "love at first sight" seem like more of a possibility than a dream. This isn't a novel that will consume you but still good stuff, like eating a snack to hold you over until you're next fulfilling meal. Enjoy!