A review by tsundoku_
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

This is easily one of the best books I've ever read, which doesn't usually happen with romances. This is a romance but also so much more than just a romance. I don't think I've ever loved a romance book more than this for that reason. It warmed my heart then proceeded to rip my heart out and put it back together again on more than one occasion. That sounds less than enjoyable but it was in the best way possible. Major spoilers ahead so don't read this if you plan on reading this book at some point.

In Archibald and Maggie's vision I got very scared during the funeral scene but then I was like oh maybe that was X's friend Clay's funeral. I thought that was a perfectly logical explanation so I didn't think about it again. But then when Evie's vision of her and X started, I was fully prepared for them to break up for normal reasons at the end. I expected it even though it wouldn't have made me happy. But then my eyes jumped to the end of the vision before I was done reading it and I saw what happened to X and slammed the book closed. I have never felt such strong emotions while reading a book. It ripped my heart out and tore it into pieces. How could such a wonderful sweet and loving character ever die such a tragic and sudden death. I love X with all my heart. He is one of my favorite book boyfriends ever. I was not expecting this to be a sad book whatsoever, but it was sad in the best way. However, I love the way this book ended. I'm so glad Evie finally learned that love, no matter how short lived, is always worth it. It's whats in the middle that matters. Although the end might feel the heaviest, the middle has the most value. In healthy relationships obviously.

This book made me view the world differently. It taught me so many things. I went into this expecting a simple romance, and I left with so much more than that. I want to live with X's same never say no philosophy (within moral and legal contexts). The way love and heartbreak

and grief

is discussed in this book is very eye opening. Love is such an important part of life and this book made me realize that even more. The way this book ended is one that if done any differently could've made me really dislike this book. However, I think it was done perfectly. This book gave me chills several times, which is very rare for me. I have a feeling I'm going to be thinking about this book for a very long time. I can't even explain how deeply I adore this book. Time to stare at a wall and potentially cry and think about how absolutely heart wrenchingly beautiful this book is