There's A Book

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

the1stdaughter — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:03:00 +0000

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Published by Poppy (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
Pages: 236
Ages: Young Adult
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository
Publishers Summary:

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-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 and Oliver’s story will make you believe that true love finds you when you’re least expecting it.

Hadley Sullivan has been dreading this day for months. It’s the day she’ll finally meet the woman who is not only marrying her father and will soon be her new step-mother, but is also the reason her father chose to stay in London leaving his family behind. In a few moments of not-so-unintentional delay Hadley finds herself in an airport terminal watching as her plane leaves without her. A few minutes was all it took and now she’s on another plane sitting next to a boy who could change everything. But Oliver has his own reasons for not wanting to go back home to London as well and it’s not at all what Hadley expects.

As many of you can probably guess I picked up The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith entirely based on the numerous recommendations of fellow very enthusiastic book reviewers. There were so many of my friends excited about this unique take on love at first site that I could hardly resist not picking it up. In many ways it reminded me a lot of Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan with it’s quirky central characters and their non-stop banter. This was a read that was incredibly easy to pick up, read within a few short hours and feel completely revived by the possibilities of it all.

Of course at it’s core The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is a story about love and the possibility of making something unimaginable work. For Hadley the loss of her father to another woman is something more than she can handle, even after meeting her new step-mother and discovering how lovely she may indeed be. It’s only through her interactions with Oliver and the realization of the true reason he’s come to London that Hadley begins to see life for what it may be. Though the story was relatively short at under two hundred pages, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the plot and story line came together. Would I have loved more time with Hadley and Oliver? Sure! But in many ways I think more time would have slowed down the pace of the story and that would have been a shame.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith is truly a story about love and finding that love in the most unlikely of circumstances. This was not only a fun, quick read but also one that I’d easily recommend to nearly everyone I know. Who doesn’t love a great love story? Especially one filled with a few complications like continents, divorce and death? Hadley and Oliver’s love story is one readers will swoon over and one I know I’m still thinking about days after completing my reading.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 12 and up. A quick paced, delightful love story with a few complications thrown in to bring it to life and make it a compelling read!

Jennifer E. Smith recently had another fantastic book come out called The Storm Makers! I’ll be highlighting it later this month with an interview featuring Jennifer’s editor for The Storm Makers and I promise it’s one you won’t want to miss! Until then, here’s a little more about this fantastic new middle grade novel:

Enter the world of The Storm Makers, where there’s magic behind every forecast.

What starts as an ordinary summer turns exciting and perilous for twins Ruby and Simon when strange occurrences begin happening on their farm — sudden gusts of wind, rainstorms, and even tornado warnings — that seem eerily timed to Simon’s emotions.

Then a stranger arrives and tells the twins that Simon is a Storm Maker — part of a clandestine group of people entrusted with controlling and taming the weather — and that he is in great danger. Soon Simon and Ruby must race against the clock as they try to master Simon’s powers in time to stop a rogue Storm Maker’s treacherous — and potentially deadly — plans.

In this thrilling new adventure, loyalties can shift as quickly as the wind . . . and the ordinary can turn extraordinary in the blink of an eye.

Today’s post is part of our month long celebration of all things Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Make sure to stop by the LB Teens Site for more information about this title and more. For more information about our Book Publishers 101 feature take a look at this month’s opening post.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, for coordinating many of this month’s features and reviews! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

Book Review and Giveaway: One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

the1stdaughter — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:30:13 +0000

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin Group for Young Readers)
Pages: 224
Ages: 10 and up.
Buy It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Powell’s Books | Indiebound | Book Depository
Publishers Summary:

A moving debut novel about a foster child learning to open her heart to a family’s love.

Carley uses humor and street smarts to keep her emotional walls high and thick. But the day she becomes a foster child, and moves in with the Murphys, she’s blindsided. This loving, bustling family shows Carley the stable family life she never thought existed, and she feels like an alien in their cookie-cutter-perfect household. Despite her resistance, the Murphys eventually show her what it feels like to belong–until her mother wants her back and Carley has to decide where and how to live. She’s not really a Murphy, but the gifts they’ve given her have opened up a new future.

At their core the Murphys aren’t so bad, but to Carley Connors they’re the furthest thing from the reality she knows. With her mother in the hospital and her step-father in prison indefinitely she has no where else to go except into the system she’s heard nothing but terrible things about. But what happens when everything she expected from a foster family is flipped on it’s head? The Murphys are not only kind and caring, but they show Carley something she’s never seen before…the love of a family.

Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s debut novel One for the Murphys is phenomenal. Her main character Carley Connors is a spit-fire twelve year old with basically no filter when it comes to holding her opinion of others back. Her foster family on the other hand is nothing but caring and concerned, with the exception of the eldest son, Daniel. Each of these characters though leap off the pages and make it impossible to want to set the book down. Within a matter of pages readers will find themselves engrossed in the story of a young girl struggling to discover her place in the world and the new family she finds herself in.

In so many ways I began the book expecting something completely different, primarily because so often books centered around foster kids focus on the abusive situation they’ve either come from or end up in within the system. What lies within the pages of One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is so much more than that, it’s a story of a young girl realizing not only her potential but the potential of those around her. Now, that’s not to say there isn’t mention of what happens to Carley, because there is and it’s terrible, but the focus of the book revolves around the new family she’s provided with for the time being. It was refreshing and absolutely wonderful to see the potential for a positive outcome in such a dreadful situation.

What’s phenomenal about One for the Murphys is how compelling a read it is. Lynda Mullaly Hunt literally leaves you chapter after chapter wanting to continue reading to find out exactly how Carley will get through all of this. It’s not an uncommon situation unfortunately, but at twelve Carley is faced with some major life decisions and fortunately she’s placed in a home that’s nurturing as opposed to what most people have become familiar with. There was one point toward the beginning of the book that I couldn’t help but wonder how it was possible that Mrs. Murphy could possibly be so incredibly cheerful. As a mom of two young kiddos, who recently seem to be attempting to “stretch their wings” so to speak, I found her cheeriness almost unbelievable. That is, until you read through the remainder of the book. There’s more to Mrs. Murphy than she lets on and for me as a mother I found that in the end I was more inspired by her compassion than put off by it. If only all foster children could have the opportunity Carley receives with the Murphys.

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a debut novel that will astound readers with it’s compelling characters and it’s core theme of love and compassion. Carley Connors quickly became a young girl I wanted to rescue myself. With her past and her sassy whit Carley is one twelve year old that young readers will instantly connect to. As Carley struggles to navigate a completely foreign situation, one filled with love and compassion, she slowly realizes the potential she holds within her and the Murphys become her springboard into a new life filled with hope. One for the Murphys was a phenomenal debut novel and one that will change the way readers view foster care and it’s potential for good.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 10 and up. A story of hope, love, compassion and the realization of one’s potential. Not your typical foster care novel and certainly one that will change your opinion of the entire system and the potential it contains.

Giveaway!

Thanks to the wonderful author of this fantastic novel, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, I’ve got a very fun swag giveaway! Two winners will win some fabulous One for the Murphys swag! Thank you Lynda!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only and you must fill out the form below to enter. Comments will not count as entries. Also, no purchase is necessary to enter. So, be sure to fill out the form below and good luck!

Thank you so much to the publisher, Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin Group for Young Readers), for providing a copy of this book for review! Connect with them on Twitter and on Facebook!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our various affiliate relationships.

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Top Ten Tuesday: Authors and Books at BEA

the1stdaughter — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:02:27 +0000

Each week The Broke and the Bookish host this fantastic weekly feature that poses different bookish questions.

This weeks topic? A freebie, because the recommended topic was simply something I couldn’t wrap my head around. It was supposed to be Top Ten Authors I’d Like To See On A Reality Show (and which reality show ) OR Top Ten Authors Who Deserve Their Own TV Show, but being that I’m not a huge reality TV fan I decided it would be easier to come up with my own which was also allowed. So, because I’m getting excited to go to BEA I thought what better than to highlight the authors and/or books I’m looking forward to at BEA!

1. Beth Kephart – I’m beyond thrilled Beth is going to be at BEA! She’s not signing this year, but I’m still so excited to finally get to meet this incredibly inspiring lady and woman I consider a dear friend.

2. Mo Willems – He’s signing twice at BEA and I can hardly wait! Unfortunately his second signing is at the same time as the next author on my list so I may have to only go to the first one.

3. Jon Scieszka – This is a no-brainer! He paid us a huge compliment last year by not only giving us the opportunity to interview him, but then saying that it was his favorite interview ever. I definitely want to finally thank him in person!

4. Jon Klassen – An absolute favorite author/illustrator in our house and someone I’ve been wanting to meet for a long time. I can’t wait!

5. Peter Reynolds – I love all of Peter’s work. From his stories to his illustrations to his creativity at Fablevision. I can’t wait to chat with him in person!

6. Caragh M. O’Brien – Another author I’ve been eager to meet! Ever since I read the first book in her trilogy, Birthmarked, I’ve wanted to meet her and I finally have the opportunity to!

7. David Ezra Stein – We loved David’s book Interrupting Chicken and I’m hoping that after meeting him I might be able to talk him into a Turkeybird interview!

8. Bob Shea – Who wouldn’t want to meet the author/illustrator behind the Dinosaur vs. series?!

9. Peter Brown – I’m absolutely in love with Peter Brown’s illustrations! This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the author behind books like The Curious Garden and Chowder.

10. Julie Kagawa – You know, I haven’t read Julie’s first series but now that I’ve read the first book in her new vampire series, The Immortal Rules, I’m eager to pick up anything she’s written! She’s brilliant and I can’t wait to meet her!

Besides all of these wonderful authors I’m really looking forward to meeting so many of the amazing people I interact with everyday! Will you be there?

Now, your turn!

Are you heading to BEA this year? I’d love to know who you’re looking forward to seeing! If not, have you considered joining Armchair BEA? It’s a fabulous event and I’m positive you’ll have a blast no matter how much you participate!

If you want more details just click on the title and you’ll be taken to my review or Goodreads.

Giveaway: Win a Kindle Fire and An Amazon Gift Card!

the1stdaughter — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:06 +0000

25 Blogs have each contributed towards 1 Great Prize which is a Kindle Fire & an amazon.com gift card.

Participating Blogs:

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
Read for Your Future
Sweeping Me
Making the Grade
Bookittyblog
The Romanceaholic
Good Choice Reading
Helen Smith
A Book and a Latte
Froggarita’s Bookcase
Fiktshun
So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
Uniquely Moi Books
eReading on the Cheap
Lori the Author
There’s a Book
Books a True Story
Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf
Brinda Berry
JJ iReads
Colorimetry
Lisa’s Loves (Books of Course)
The Book Faery
SpadesHighReads
A Book Obsession

Rules, Restrictions & Details:

Giveaway is open to anyone 13 or older who can receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Card. If you live in the US you can choose to receive a $50 Amazon.com egift card and have us ship the Kindle Fire to you or you may choose to receive a $250 Amazon.com egift card and purchase the Kindle Fire yourself. If you live outside the US you will receive a $250 Amazon.com egift card. All funds are in US dollars.

All entries must be done through the rafflecopter form. This giveaway is paid for and sponsored by the 25 participating blogs and is not associated with or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter or Amazon. Giveaway runs from 12:01 AM EST on May 15, 2012 until 11:59 PM on May 30, 2012.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Publishers 101 Giveaway: The Ship Breaker Series by Paolo Bacigalupi

the1stdaughter — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:30:40 +0000

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is an absolute favorite publisher of ours and we’re thrilled to be able to feature a couple of our top picks in a giveaway sponsored by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers! Firstly, thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for giving us this opportunity! Now, take a look at what’s up for grabs during this month’s Book Publishers 101 feature:

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers are being incredibly generous and offering not only one but three (3) sets of the very popular Ship Breaker series by Paolo Bacigalupi! Thank you!

Three lucky There’s A Book readers will win a set including one paperback copy of Ship Breaker and one hardcover copy of The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi! Wondering what this fantastic series is all about? Take a look at the synopsis for Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi:

A gritty, high-stakes adventure set in a futuristic world where oil is scarce, but loyalty is scarcer.

In America’s Gulf Coast region, grounded oil tankers are being broken down for parts by crews of young people. Nailer, a teenage boy, works the light crew, scavenging for copper wiring just to make quota-and hopefully live to see another day. But when, by luck or by chance, he discovers an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, Nailer faces the most important decision of his life:

Strip the ship for all it’s worth or rescue its lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl who could lead him to a better life….

In this powerful novel, Paolo Bacigalupi delivers a thrilling, fast-paced adventure set in a vivid and raw, uncertain future.

Not only is this series receiving rave reviews but the first book in the series has won numerous awards including a Cybils Award and the Printz Award in 2011! This is absolutely a series you are going to want to read immediately!

Make sure to stop by these sites to connect directly with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers!

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on Twitter
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on Facebook
LB Kids Site
LB Teens Site
Pick a Poppy Site
Teen Read-Me Site

Details: Three winners (3) will be chosen at random after the contest closes, as outlined above. You MUST fill out the form below, comments will not count as entries. Only one entry per household. No purchase necessary. Giveaway is open to US/Canadian residents. The giveaway will run from May 14, 2011 until May 31, 2011 at midnight EST.

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

the1stdaughter — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:20:53 +0000

This fabulous weekly recap is hosted by Shelia of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books and the kidlit version is hosted by Jen from Teach Mentor Texts. Each week we recap what we’ve read and look at what’s coming up this week. If you’re interested head over to Shelia’s site as well as Jen’s and get involved! It’s a blast and I may even stop by to see what you’re up to!

Here’s what we’ve been up to this week:

These last two weeks have been busy as usual around here. Things are getting closer to the crazy time of year that happens during BEA and Armchair BEA which means I’ve been busy getting things ready. This year I have the opportunity to actually go to BEA and I cannot wait! That doesn’t mean I won’t be participating in Armchair BEA, it just means I’ve got to get everything ready before I go. If you haven’t already registered for Armchair BEA do make sure to head over to the site, it’s going to be better than ever!

Other than that things are going great and the kiddos are having a great start to the summer, looking forward to a huge visit from their cousins soon!

Reviewed (Just click on the title to see the Review!):

Interviewed/Guest Posts:
20 Questions with Christopher Healy

Events/Randomness:
Top Ten Tuesday: Our Favorite Quotes
A Month with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Picture Books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers!
Cover Reveal: Closed Hearts by Susan Kaye Quinn

What’s up for the week to come:

Reading/Reviewing/Listening:

The Turkeybird and Littlebug are Reading/Reviewing: