I bought and read Jennifer E. Smith’s The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight ten years ago when I was in high school. A few weeks ago, I saw a trailer on TikTok for Netflix’s newest movie Love at First Sight and found out that it was an adaptation of the book that’s spent a decade on my shelf! Of course I decided I had to reread it all these years later and then watch the film. This is how that experience went.
The Premise:
Four minutes can change everything.
That’s the number of minutes late Hadley was for her flight to London. As a result, she takes the next flight available and meets handsome Brit, Oliver, along the way. Between one airport and the next, Hadley and Oliver fall in love with each other. However, once they lose each other at Heathrow it will take a series of events, a few leaps of faith, and some intervening from fate to reunite them.
Book: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Right off the bat, I will say that at 236 pages, this is a very quick and easy read. However, my lasting impression is that there is no real lasting impression, unfortunately.
This is a cute young adult romance, but it was just missing something. The writing was alright, but I felt this book lacked an emotional hook to make the reader feel connected to the story and its characters. I was along for the journey, but I didn’t really care very much until about 75% into the novel.
If you’ve got an afternoon or two free and you’re planning to watch the movie, this could be a fun little book to add to your TBR. Otherwise maybe consider giving it a skip in favor of another fun romance. You kind find my romance recommendations here if you need help choosing something!
Movie: Love at First Sight (Netflix)
I just watched this movie a few nights ago, and I have to say that the adaptation took the source material to a whole other level. A lot of changes were made from book to movie, which I appreciated since the book was published in 2012.
Getting a modern twist was just what this story needed to make it memorable. That and the casting because the leads, Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy, were phenomenal and had beautiful chemistry together. The authenticity of their relationship made it much easier to form an emotional connection with them and their stories.
This movie really has a bit of everything you want in a romance; it’s funny, cute, romantic, emotional, sad, and heartwarming. I cried watching this just as much as I laughed, so if that’s the vibe you’re looking for then this is perfect for you!
Final Thoughts
Bottom line, I would 100% recommend you go watch the movie on Netflix. I definitely think this will be added to my movie rotation (because if you know me you know that I rewatch things constantly). If you’ve got some extra time or want to get the same story, but with a twist then I’d say read the book as well. However, if you’re only going to go for one option, please let it be the movie because it is so well done.
What is your favorite book to screen adaptation? I feel like there are so many good ones out there now, that it’s hard to narrow it down to even a top five list.
Let me know if you’d be interested in more reviews/recommendations for adaptations in the future! I could turn this into an ongoing series on the blog.
