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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
I’ve been saying lately that I think I’ve outgrown the YA genre and almost didn’t get this one because of it. But because of my love of dancing, I just had to. I was not expecting this book to rattle me and break my heart, but it did. It’s soooo good.
Evie doesn’t believe in love. After her parents divorce she begins to see couples full story when they kiss - including how it ends. And it always ends in heartbreak. She ends up at a dancing studio and tries not to fall in love herself.
This book was raw, real (well except the magic part, but you know what I mean), and heartbreaking. The characters were all lovely. The writing was phenomenal. Some of the chapters were so different and fun.
Evie doesn’t believe in love. After her parents divorce she begins to see couples full story when they kiss - including how it ends. And it always ends in heartbreak. She ends up at a dancing studio and tries not to fall in love herself.
This book was raw, real (well except the magic part, but you know what I mean), and heartbreaking. The characters were all lovely. The writing was phenomenal. Some of the chapters were so different and fun.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh gosh I loved this book. This book was so easy to read Rand flew through the last 80 pages in an hour because I needed to finish it. I cried a little.
I love the fact that Nicola Yoon wrote a high school romance where the fmc had the ability to see everything about someone’s love life but had to go through a journey to learn about love herself knowing of the ending that awaits her in her own relationship.
LIKE WHY DOESNT SHE MAKE X GO TO THE DOCTORS LIKE WTF NICOLA. I’m imagining that to make me feel better.
Also Fifi supremacy.
Chapter 45 is beautiful.
I love the fact that Nicola Yoon wrote a high school romance where the fmc had the ability to see everything about someone’s love life but had to go through a journey to learn about love herself knowing of the ending that awaits her in her own relationship.
LIKE WHY DOESNT SHE MAKE X GO TO THE DOCTORS LIKE WTF NICOLA. I’m imagining that to make me feel better.
Also Fifi supremacy.
Chapter 45 is beautiful.
adventurous
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Nicola Yoon’s Instructions for Dancing is a beautifully written young adult novel that blends romance, magic, and the bittersweet realities of love. Known for her bestselling books Everything, Everything and The Sun Is Also a Star, Yoon once again delivers an emotionally compelling story with a unique twist.
Plot Summary
The story follows Evie Thomas, a teenage girl who has become disillusioned with love after witnessing her parents’ marriage fall apart. She no longer believes in happy endings—until she mysteriously gains the ability to see visions of how other people’s love stories will end, often in heartbreak. This newfound gift leads her to La Brea Dance Studio, where she meets the charming and free-spirited X. As they become dance partners, Evie finds herself drawn to him, despite her fears about love’s inevitable pain.
Themes & Writing Style
Yoon masterfully explores themes of love, fate, and grief, questioning whether love is worth the risk even if it isn’t forever. The novel is written in a mix of prose and short, impactful chapters that keep the reader engaged. The addition of magical realism—Evie’s ability to see love stories unfold—adds a unique depth to the narrative, making the book feel both whimsical and profound.
Strengths & Weaknesses
One of the novel’s biggest strengths is its emotional depth. Yoon crafts characters who feel authentic, with complex emotions and struggles that resonate. Evie’s journey from cynicism to embracing love is beautifully developed, and the chemistry between her and X is heartwarming. The magical realism element—Evie’s visions of relationships—adds a fresh and thought-provoking layer to the story.
However, the pacing in the latter half feels slightly rushed, particularly in how some of the emotional beats unfold. While the ending is poignant and fits the book’s themes, it may leave some readers wishing for more closure or resolution. Additionally, the side characters, though charming, don’t get as much depth as Evie and X, making some of their relationships feel underdeveloped.
Final Thoughts
Instructions for Dancing is a heartfelt and thought-provoking novel that explores love in all its beauty and fragility. Nicola Yoon masterfully blends romance with a touch of magical realism, creating a story that is both uplifting and bittersweet. While the ending may not be what every reader hopes for, it reinforces the novel’s central message—that love is meaningful even if it doesn’t last forever. With its engaging prose, emotional depth, and compelling characters, this book is a must-read for fans of contemporary YA romance, magical realism, and stories that tug at the heartstrings.
Precies wat je verwacht van Nicola Yoon: prachtig liefdesverhaal met bitterzoet einde. Omwisselend hardop lachen en met tranen in je ogen zitten. Alle personages zijn goed volledig, nooit zijn er domme zijpersonages ingepleurd zonder nut. Diversiteit, prachtige cover. In één lange zit van 5 ish uur uitgelezen, zoveel liefde voor haar boeken.