“Instructions for Dancing” by Nicola Yoon is a short romance novel that blends a thought-provoking message with a touch of the supernatural. The book follows Evie, a young girl given the extraordinary power to see the beginning and end of couples’ relationships. This unique ability is central to the novel’s exploration of love, trust, and forgiveness.
Table of Contents
What I Liked About the Book
The primary appeal of “Instructions for Dancing” lies in its clear and impactful message. Through Evie’s journey, Nicola Yoon artfully conveys the complexities of love and the importance of living in the moment. The inclusion of Evie’s visions adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, allowing readers to experience the full arc of various relationships in a deeply engaging way.
This novel is a short but enjoyable read, perfect for fans of romance who appreciate a blend of realism and fantasy. The story is heartfelt, with an interesting message that encourages readers to reflect on their own relationships and the nature of love.
What I Didn’t Like
Instructions for dancing characters
Despite its many strengths, “Instructions for Dancing” has a few shortcomings. The characters, for instance, are not described in enough detail, making it challenging to envision them clearly. Descriptions are often limited to basic traits such as race and hair color, lacking specifics about height, face shape, and other distinguishing features. This vagueness can hinder readers from forming a strong connection with the characters.
Additionally, the character development felt lacking, particularly in the context of emotional attachment. The book’s handling of Evie’s father’s infidelity is another point of contention. When Evie attends the shower for Sherri, Sherri’s mother says that he’s a good man, a family man like he didn’t break up his family to be with her. it fails to fully acknowledge the impact of his actions on Evie and her mother. The constant back-and-forth regarding Evie’s decision to attend her father’s wedding to Sherri, the woman he cheated with, becomes frustrating. Her mother’s insistence that Evie attend, despite her own feelings, adds to this frustration. Everyone acts like evies feelings aren’t totally valid.
Instructions for dancing ending
A major spoiler: the ending of the book, where Xavier dies, feels unnecessarily tragic. While the book’s message could have been conveyed without this event, it leaves readers heartbroken and wishing for a happier conclusion for Evie.
Final Thoughts
“Instructions for Dancing” is a beautifully written novel with a clear message and an engaging premise. While it has its flaws, particularly in character description and development, the overall story is compelling and worth the read. Nicola Yoon’s exploration of love and loss, combined with a touch of magic, makes this book a memorable addition to the romance genre.
Instructions for Dancing is a testament to the power of love and the importance of embracing every moment, despite its imperfections. If you’re looking for a short romance novel with an interesting message and a unique twist, this book is definitely worth your time.
Genre: young adult romance
page count: 280
release date: June 1, 2021
goodreads.com for more reviews
