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A review by sgraceak
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
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. 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.. 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 ★★★★
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?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.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 ★★★★