A review by maybeangela
Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This was my first Nicola Yoon book, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I loved the magical realism element throughout the book, and the way Evie's visions helped her reach acceptance for multiple, but I don't think I was expecting such a bittersweet ending. That's just personal preference, of course, but the bittersweet ending did kind of color my entire experience with this book. 

I loved a lot, though, including the dance subplot. It felt rushed, particularly at the end, but those bits with Evie and X learning how to dance, and the dance lessons serving as a jumping off point for their relationship to grow were really lovely to read. I also loved all of the details pertaining to Evie's (former) love of romance novels. It helped ground the character and make her feel familiar, like she was "one of us." 

I received an ARC from Random House Children's/Delacorte Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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