The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

book rate: ★★★☆☆

I picked up The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight as a book to read during a day spent by the swimming pool. I thought it would be the typical contemporary young adult novel with the oh-so-predictable plot. It turns out I was wrong. But I only figured this out when I was half way through the book…

My first impression was that the main female character wasn’t very bright and this thought immediately set my mind to a negative perspective. I kept finding flaws whether in the characters or the storyline or the relationships stablished. But as I advanced in the book I began to realize the storyline was not as simple as I had imagined it (not that the plot is very complex, but it turned out not to be as predictable as I had initially thought).

Something else that struck me as different, and a positive change to what the usual contemporaries bring to the readers I might add, is that The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight does not only adresses the topic of love but also of acceptance and forgiveness.

On a less enthusiastic but still satisfied tone I would like to add I really grew fond of the male protagonist. I thought he was funny, smart and very relatable to.

On the other hand I also feel obliged to highlight my distaste for the main female character, as I’ve already mentioned (even though she didn’t bother me so much in the second half of the book), and the way the relationships between the characters developed so unrealistically.

All in all I considered this a good book. Not life changing but quite entertaining and easy to read. Perfect for a day spent travelling (preferably by plane)!

This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

book rate: 2/5

synopsis from good reads:

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds. 

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?



Review: 

Unfortunately, this book was not what I was expecting. It started out pretty well. Ellie is different from most teenage girls, she doesn't care about famous people, or about having a movie being filmed in her small town, where nothing ever happens. She's very down-to-earth, and I like that about her. Graham is also a good character, he's sweet and funny, and not what people expect a famous teenage boy to be. But, that's pretty much what I liked about this book. 

I was enjoying reading this book until the second part started. The first part was okay, it was funny and we get to see Graham's and Ellie's relationship develop. However, I found the second part boring, I just wanted to finish this book so I could start another one. I didn't like the ending, I think the way the "big conflict" was resolved was not satisfying. I wish we had seen more of Graham and Ellie's relationship, and if they made it work out.