Reviews

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

judiitm_'s review against another edition

2.5

so dramatic AND FOR WHAT???

ghh2023's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

4.0

Instructions for Dancing was nothing if not a sweet read. I have liked every single book that I have read by this author and I just added this one to my list. This book was almost philosophical but it was written in such a way that I felt like I flew through reading it. I was really rooting for Evie and X the entire novel and I was glad to see them get their happy ending. This did an excellent job of portraying how your surroundings affect your perception of the world. I have written down so many quotes from this book and two of the author's other young adult novels. I like how she provides such powerful insight into the human condition and in a way that makes it easier to grasp for a younger adult audience. I can't wait to see what this author writes next!

sofypinho's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-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

4.5

sgraceak's review against another edition

4.0

Instructions for Dancing not only reminded me of why I love Nicola Yoon's writing style but why I love YA contemporary novels in general. In spite of the difficult topics that are tackled, this book maintains a light tone that makes it a real page-turner.

Even though it's been a few years since I read one of her novels, I remember two qualities of Nicola Yoon's writing: her characters and her dialogue. This novel was somewhat reminiscent of Yoon's sophomore novel, The Sun is Also a Star, in the way that she seamlessly utilises the stories of minor characters in order to convey a message. Unlike in many YA novels, none of the characters felt wasted. Usually, YA authors either undevelop the protagonist's families or their friends. However, that thankfully did not happen in this book. I really liked the way that Yoon tackled the divorce of Evie's parents throughout the novel rather than just treating it merely as the trigger of Evie's cynicism. Martin, Sophie and Cassidy were also lovely characters and it was great that they were all developed into distinct characters.

Spoiler

However, the breakdown of their friendship after Sophie and Cassidy broke up was never fully resolved?

Especially liked Martin and was grateful that Yoon didn't employ the overused trope of the gay best friend or the straight male friend who secretly likes the protagonist, and normalised straight male-female friendships.

The banter between X and Evie also reminded me of why I loved the dynamic between Olly and Maddy in Everything, Everything. Even though their relationship developed very quickly, the visibility of their chemistry meant that I could ignore the hints of insta-love. Just like with Daniel (from The Sun is Also a Star) and Olly, I liked that X had actual problems and didn't come along just to "solve" Evie's.

Spoiler

However, once again just like in Everything, Everything, their relationship breakdown was resolved too quickly! X forgave her within two sentences after 3 weeks of no contact for no given reason. That part felt very unrealistic to me.

. Many of the conversations they had touched on important themes without feeling dark or pretentious and I appreciated that. Initially, I was skeptical of his personal philosophies but they did make him the perfect foil for Evie.

Also, quick shout out to the diversity in this novel! Even though there was a range of both ethnicities and sexualities, the diversity didn't feel tokenistic or forced at all!

The strange paranormal elements didn't do it for me and the ending seemed very rushed but this was one of my most enjoyable novels of 2021. I loved so many scenes, from the ones between Evie and her friends to the ballroom dancing to the family conversations. This book is a great combination of a light romance and deeper resonating themes and I think that Nicola Yoon executed it very well. Would definitely recommend to all fans of YA contemporaries.
4 stars ★★★★

lara_bookish_turtle's review against another edition

5.0

I love Nicola Yoon novels so much and this was no exception!! She always finds the perfect balance between trashy, sad and heartwarming - which is exactly what Instructions for Dancing did!!

I loved the characters, plot, and the romance all so much!!

I just felt like the ending was a little bit rushed -

Spoiler

Like after she runs off from the dance competition and doesn't explain anything to anyone, as soon ass she runs back to X iit's like nothing ever happened? I just feel like they needed to talk it out a bit more - and I also really wish she'd been honest with X about her visions from earlier in the relationship.

but if I've taken away anything from this novel, it's to focus on the middle rather than the ending.

Would definitely recommend and will probably read again!

lexis_nook's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

whatvickyreads's review against another edition

2.0

** 2.5 stars **

I really thought I was going to hate this book just based on the first few chapters I read. It started off slow, but at the same time it moved too fast because it would randomly & very abruptly jump to another scene in the story, so at times it did get a little confusing. I will say that the ending was absolutely not what I was expecting, so I did enjoy that aspect. It did make me a little sad towards the end, but it was still a decent & quick read. I probably wouldn’t recommend this book though because it was definitely a very cliché YA romance novel.

librarydancer's review against another edition

4.0

This book was on my radar, but I probably wouldn't have read it if I hadn't been working on a column on books featuring the arts.

This sweet, humorous, bittersweet Teen book was a lovely read.

wisteriamoon's review against another edition

4.0

This was so sweet and sad!! I didn't love the mc at times but I thought the themes of loving and living in the moment were so poignant and I think this book truly came at the right time for me.

itsaliciaxx_'s review against another edition

inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5