Book: Instructions for Dancing
Author: Nicola Yoon
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 9/10
Read if you like: young love, ballroom dancing, a bit of magic
I’m so glad I gave up on Dial A for Aunties and picked this one up instead. I decided to DNF Dial A for Aunties because it was really over the top ridiculous in my opinion. The plot was being driven by one girl making a series of dumb decisions and I just couldn’t vibe with it. That being said, I know a lot of people found it super entertaining so maybe it’s something you would like even though it wasn’t for me.
Instructions for Dancing had me hooked as soon as I realized there would be ballroom dancing. I used to be a ballerina and love all things dancing. I love when it happens in books and movies. I have seen every dance movie you can think of trust me. I read Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon a long time ago and thought it was so cute, and I loved the twist at the end. That twist is something I still think about, I had no idea it was coming. So when I saw Yoon had a new book coming, I knew I needed to read it.
Hook – 2/2: Evie Thomas is in her senior year of high school, her parents have just gotten a divorce and she’s decided she no longer believes in love. One day she’s dropping some books off at a little free library when she meets an old lady that seemingly appears out of nowhere then disappears just as quickly. The next day Evie sees a couple kissing and is overcome with a vision of the couple’s relationship timeline. She sees it begin, flourish and then end. This keeps happening to her all day.
Plot – 2/3: This was a super cute YA read about love and heartbreak, about losing and finding. It slowed down a bit in the middle but then Yoon did her usual thing and got me right in the feels. I loved the beginning and I loved the ending. There was a lot of great side plots happening, I particularly enjoyed the parts at the dance studio where Evie meets X.
Writing – 3/3: I really appreciate Yoon’s ability to make me fall in love with the characters. Every single character in this book was intriguing in some way. She knows how to pull all the emotions out of you. I laughed and I cried and wished the book wouldn’t end.
Characters – 2/2: Evie and X were deep characters, each struggling with their own issues while trying to get through life. They connected at a perfect time to help each other. Their friends and family were great characters as well and all added to the fullness of the story.
Overall I thought this was a great YA read about love. It will probably make you cry but it will definitely make you smile.
Happy Reading!
Angie
Read With Angie 