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A review by aishallnot
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
emotional
reflective
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
3.5 (maybe 4.25)
This was a book on my tbr that I finally got to after two years. I was a fan of Nicola Yoon back in high school when she released her debut novel (that later turned into a film), so when I was getting back into reading a couple of years ago and found out about instructions for dancing, I was immediately excited to one day read the story. I think if I read this back then, my feelings would be a lot different compared to now in which I would have given the book five stars without questions. However, I found the story to be okay for the most part. I picked up this book back in June, but I softly dnf'ed bc I wasn't really in the mood (which might have impacted my rating). About a week and a half ago, I started reading it again and I enjoyed the story a lot more than I did when I first read it. I def related to Evie at times when it came to her outlook on love. I think this is a story that is unique with the magical realism twist liked how this story basically is a "happy for now", which I feel like we don't see in many romance novels. What was also really touching was how Evie started to slowly accept change not only with relationships but also friendships as well now that she and her friends have graduated high school and are off to different. I feel like this story was a lesson/reminder to accept that things may not go as planned or in regards to relationships may not be a fairytale. There are challenges along the way, but it's how we respond/react that makes an impact. I did wish that the ending was a bit longer bc I really like Evie and X, but I found the book to be cute with its overall message.
This was a book on my tbr that I finally got to after two years. I was a fan of Nicola Yoon back in high school when she released her debut novel (that later turned into a film), so when I was getting back into reading a couple of years ago and found out about instructions for dancing, I was immediately excited to one day read the story. I think if I read this back then, my feelings would be a lot different compared to now in which I would have given the book five stars without questions. However, I found the story to be okay for the most part. I picked up this book back in June, but I softly dnf'ed bc I wasn't really in the mood (which might have impacted my rating). About a week and a half ago, I started reading it again and I enjoyed the story a lot more than I did when I first read it. I def related to Evie at times when it came to her outlook on love. I think this is a story that is unique with the magical realism twist liked how this story basically is a "happy for now", which I feel like we don't see in many romance novels. What was also really touching was how Evie started to slowly accept change not only with relationships but also friendships as well now that she and her friends have graduated high school and are off to different. I feel like this story was a lesson/reminder to accept that things may not go as planned or in regards to relationships may not be a fairytale. There are challenges along the way, but it's how we respond/react that makes an impact. I did wish that the ending was a bit longer bc I really like Evie and X, but I found the book to be cute with its overall message.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Death