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Instructions for Dancing
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Instructions for Dancing (1st Aug- 31st Aug'31)
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Great.
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Sure
I have this on hold now!
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I'll do Checkpoint D
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Sure.
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Ok.
I finished check point A, and so far I'm really liking the book!! I think I will like this book more then The Sun Is Also a Star, because I like this plot line better. I'm wondering if this book is considered magical realism.... (view spoiler)
Wow! I haven't even got my copy of the book 😒
Hi ! I'll start reading this book soon and join the discussion, I'm really excited ! :) I've only heard good things about it
Johanna wrote: "Wow! I haven't even got my copy of the book 😒"Hope you get it soon!!
Bethany :) wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Wow! I haven't even got my copy of the book 😒"Hope you get it soon!!"
Thank you <3 I should get it after the 10th! And I'm so lucky that I had it on hod because now there is already one who wants it after me and there is only one copy in the library. So if I would have done it now I would have got it after a month! I had a perfect timing xD
Here are my thoughts :1. X seems nice and I think he has a positive impact on Evie but it's true that I haven't developed a strong affinity with his character. He's not really my type (rock star wannabe, high schooler who drop-out, ...) but I think in the long run he'll manage to change Evie's mind about love and keeping her heart locked up to avoid suffering.
2. Oh I love contemporary romance. When I'm not into fantasy, I only read romances (but usually NA or adult ; given my age I'd rather follow college students or young adults on their soulmate quest than teenagers in high school).
There are a lot of romances that end up disappointing me actually because they are too surreal, made of glitter, no arguments whatsoever. I'm not at the same level as Evie in my rejection of love but I understand where she's coming from. You just have to look around in real life unfortunately.
3. I don't know how old Evie's sister is so I'm not sure either but I think she needs to know eventually, otherwise it might break something in her relationship with Evie. Protecting a man who has cheated on his wife is a no-no. It's going to change her image of her father but I honestly think she has a right to know.
1. What do you think of X so far?I'm not necessarily a fan of X yet. I think he's trying too hard to be cool.
2. Do you like contemporary romance? (because Evie used to like it)
Yes, I do enjoy contemporary romance! I've never been in love, but it's fun to imagine and escape into that world! I can see why she's getting rid of those books though! It probably brings her pain thinking of how her father betrayed her family!
3. What do you think about Evie's mother not telling her sister the truth about what her dad did?
I think holding the truth usually doesn't end well... I think her sister deserves to know!! Maybe they could talk together and help each other heal! I know I would want to know!
Answers to checkpoint1 I don’t know yet, I kind of find it hard to make an opinion about someone, when I don’t have a strong feeling if I love or hate the character.
2 I do like it, I get very sucked into those books and I feel like it isn’t always a realistic view of love but that is what I love about it. I do think the romance books are very easy to predict, and sometimes I then do love to switch it up to something different.
3 Such a big lies can never help in the future. I get that it is for her protection, but it is only going to hurt her more when she hears through somebody else and will always then feel like everybody is going to lie to her about things, and that can give her major trust issues. And I think her sister could also help a big part in the healing of Evie, because she then goes through the same thing and she can then have a real talk about it with someone who really understands it.
I just finished the book! I'll answer the questions at each checkpoint and leave my answers spoiler-free :)
Mod
Mod
I've never done a checkpoint, but I'm willing to try. I'm not sure how many questions I'm supposed to do so anyone can add to mine :)1. In the book her parents get divorced. Do you think that the mothers response/reaction has as much affect as her fathers reaction/response?
2. Do you think her learning to dance will help her?
3. Have you ever had a bonfire on a beach? If not do you want to?
(my answers)1. I think her mothers reaction does play a role. I feel like she should talk with her daughters, so they could help each other cope! It doesn't seem like something to just blow off! I also think her father may not have gone about it in the right way!
2. I think her dancing is helping her! It seems to bring her joy, and she can put her mind on something else.
3. I haven't had a bonfire on a beach, but I've had one in my back yard and at friends houses! I am content with bonfires here, but I bet it's beautiful on the beach!!
My checkpoint answers1. I think her mother is also not really moved on from it, so she probably still finds it a emotional topic and maybe doesn’t want to show that to the girls. I think too that she has no problem that Evie is also mad at her father, I think she needs just, for the family help Evie and her father reconnect
2. Maybe not only the dancing, but also the people that she meets with it. And having a passion that she can focus on and get her mind empty from the things she worries about at the moment.
3. Yes, but it was for school. I would love to do one with just my friends!
Here are my thoughts :1. I think so, yes. But I don't think blaming the mother is the answer either. Maybe she should have talked to her daughters but for the time being, I think she wanted to protect herself and them from the pain of the father's betrayal. I personally can't hold it against her.
2. I think it helps her yes ! Being with Xavier and dancing, preparing for a competition at that, can only be good for her.
3. I have never been to a bonfire on the beach. I don't even know if they do that in my country. It's not really my scene haha
Finished the book! I'll still answer the checkpoint questions, and participate in the chat :) I'll share my short review when everyone else does!
Mod
This is such a good book!
I'm in Chapter 32 currently and this book is flying by so fast!! But it's very enjoyable! 💕
Mod
1. What do you think of X so far?
I found X to be very interesting right from the start. With the way he dresses, talks and acts. I'm weak in the knees already 😍
2. Do you like contemporary romance? (because Evie used to like it)
Yes! I love contemporary romances. I think that's the genre I read the most. I just love getting to know stories of people and how they meet someone, get to know them and fall in love. It's such a rush! Even if these stories are fiction 💕
3. What do you think about Evie's mother not telling her sister the truth about what her dad did?
I think Evie's mother is trying to save the image of the father in Dani's mind so that even she does not become as distant to her father like Evie did. But I wish she just told her the truth and trusted Dani to make up her thoughts for herself.
Mod
1. In the book her parents get divorced. Do you think that the mothers response/reaction has as much affect as her fathers reaction/response?
I don't really understand this question. Do you mean, does the divorce affect the mother as much as the father? If yes, then definitely! I think it affects the mother than the father because he's the one who cheated and has moved on with another person, trying to have a great and happy life, while the mother is left all alone and has to stay in the aftermath of it all while also dealing with the kids and their emotions towards the betrayal.
2. Do you think her learning to dance will help her?
Yeesss!! Definitely. I think she'll then realise that it's the journey that is most beautiful. If you keep focusing on the endgame, I don't think you'll ever be able to enjoy the present.
3. Have you ever had a bonfire on a beach? If not do you want to?
Noo 😭 I unfortunately have not. I'm from India and the beaches here are always hot enough to not need fire around us. But I'd love to experience it some day.
Hi, I'm joining really late but I wanted to join the discussion since I'm currently reading this book. Here's my answers to checkpoint A:1. What do you think of X so far?
I really like him! Nicola Yoon is the type of author to write perfect men that people fall in love with and so far X isn't an exception to that. He's so wholesome and innocent. I can't wait to learn about his backstory.
2. Do you like contemporary romance? (because Evie used to like it)
I actually didn't like it until I discovered Nicola Yoon's books in 2019! Nicola Yoon is one of my favorite authors (in case that isn't obvious lol) and she has been so influential in shaping my reading interests. I feel like I'm starting to gravitate more toward romance and contemporary books because of her.
3. What do you think about Evie's mother not telling her sister the truth about what her dad did?
This is hard for me. Cheating is really bad and it never sits right with me, so I despise the dad with every fiber of my being. Part of me wants Evie's sister to know so that she could see him for who he really is, but at the same time maybe preserving a good relationship with her father is more important so it's better to keep this secret from her? I've seen so many people hate themselves and need therapy because of a decision that their parents made, so maybe it's okay that she doesn't know the truth for right now. She definitely is old enough to be told about the cheating but unless she has the proper support to be able to process what he did, maybe it's better for her to not know? I don't know. I have really mixed feelings about this.
I FINALLY got my copy!! Someone should have returned it on 10th but did it on Tuesday of this week...
Mod
Oohhh!! Even I started the book pretty late. And you're a fast reader, I'm sure you would catch up 😊
Mod
1. What do you think of X so far?
I really like him! Nicol..."
Oh Shawna! It's so great that Nicola could open up an entire genre for you! 😃
I have only read Sun is Also a Star by her but I had thought it to be just okay. But wow! This book has me falling in love with her!! 😍
My answers to the checkpoint B questions:1. In the book her parents get divorced. Do you think that the mothers response/reaction has as much affect as her fathers reaction/response?
Her mother's reaction is definitely playing a role. I think it might even be playing slightly more of a role than her father's reaction because the mom is the one that the girls are staying with. When it comes down to it, people need to talk through cheating and divorce with other people. From what I know of cheating, it can cause a strain on the whole family and everyone involved with the person who cheated. If you don't talk about it and work through it, it will build up and cause issues in your whole life. This isn't just for cheating; it also applies to divorce. My cousins' parents divorced and they both started using drugs to cope. No one was talking about it and they were trying to pretend that everything was fine. They're both in really rough shape now because of it and I'm constantly worried for their future. The mom not wanting to talk about it and pretending that everything is fine doesn't seem to be doing any good for anyone.
2. Do you think her learning to dance will help her?
I honestly think it will. I think she has to learn to take chances in life and give love a chance. If she goes around expecting every part of life to be negative, then her life will become a self-fulfilling prophecy where her belief that love and life will be negative will cause her life to be negative. I also think with her friendships sort of imploding, dance might be a good distraction and source of joy for her.
3. Have you ever had a bonfire on a beach? If not do you want to?
No. This is sort of weird but I have an irrational fear of a beach bonfire catching the whole beach on fire. I know that the likelihood of that happening is slim but my fear is still there lol
Rida wrote: "Shawna wrote: "Hi, I'm joining really late but I wanted to join the discussion since I'm currently reading this book. Here's my answers to checkpoint A:1. What do you think of X so far?
I really ..."
You should try reading Everything, Everything if you get the chance. It's less of an insta-love story than The Sun is Also a Star and it deals with completely different topics so I think you might like it :)
Hey! I'm sorry I'm late but here's the Checkpoint D questions1. Did Evie do the right thing by going to her Dad's wedding ?
2. Do you like the ending of the book? Or do you think the ending made the whole journey seem pointless ?
3. Are the visions a gift or a curse? Would you want such kind of a magical power?
4. Who is your favourite character and do you have a favourite scene?
5. A general question- do you prefer reading a slow-burn romance or insta-love?
Mod
1. What do you think of X so f..."
Thank you ❤
Ill check it out.
Mod
- I don't think this was about right or wrong. I mean, had she chosen not to go, even then I would have understood where she was coming from. It was a huge deal for her to catch her dad cheating. Her whole life and her idea of love got disrupted by it. So, I'd have understood. But I was also glad that she did go to the wedding after having a proper conversation about it with her father and laying her feelings bare. She saw how much Shirley made her father happy and she chose that over her anger, and it takes a LOT of courage to be able to do that. I was happy for her.
2. Do you like the ending of the book? Or do you think the ending made the whole journey seem pointless ?
- I loved the ending. I have no idea why someone would think that the whole journey was pointless, tbh 😅
The whole point of the book was not to focus so much on the endgame, but more on the current moment and what it makes you feel. The book mainly tried to show that the journey is what matters more than the end, and I thought that was beautiful ❤
3. Are the visions a gift or a curse? Would you want such kind of a magical power?
- It's like, is the glass half full or half empty. It completely depends on how you perceive it. If I'd have had that magic, I'd have treated it as a gift because I'd get to see all the beautiful moments a couple experiences together...
Not every relationship is going to go on forever. But that dies not mean that the couple doesn't share love for each other...
4. Who is your favourite character and do you have a favourite scene?
- It would have to be X for me 😍 I think I loved every scene that he was in! Right from the meet cute, to the time near Cassidy's pool, to the final Argentinian Tango!! I LOVED it ALL!!!
5. A general question- do you prefer reading a slow-burn romance or insta-love?
- I usually prefer a slow burn romance. Are you implying this book was insta-love? Because it did not seem that way to me at all!
Here are my thoughts :1. I have read Rida's answer to this question and it's a very good answer. I wish I had that hindsight haha. Personally, while I understand deep down her decision to go, I wouldn't have in her place. Although Shirley makes her father happy, I wouldn't have been able to go to a wedding, with all that love and happiness on display, knowing that he knowingly cheated on my mother. I had mixed emotions during the speech of the bride's mother and her friends : would they have said the same thing if they had known that their union was the result of adultery ?
I have mixed feelings... I agree with Rida that Evie has a LOT of courage. I was more sad than anything else tho.
2. I wouldn't say the journey was pointless. The ending was more interesting like this. I'm more of a fan of happy endings so I was more sad than anything else (again) but I find that there is a certain poetry to such an ending and especially when reading the author's explanations and acknowledgement. In that sense, I think the ending was appropriate and it just magnified the journey.
3. I honestly don't know. I think if I had the opportunity to have these visions, I would have treated them as a gift (but maybe that's my curiosity talking). Seeing the first moments of happiness of couples around you, even strangers, gives you a different view of life and love, even if it doesn't always end well. Evie still had the chance to see a story with a happy ending and I found it very beautiful and touching. To be able to see that kind of thing is beautiful.
4. I'm going to say Evie, because I understood where she was coming from, why she was reacting like that... I liked following her, her evolution from the beginning, even if I didn't always agree with her reactions.
5. I prefer slow-burn romances. I find it much more satisfying ! (also I love the enemies to lovers trope so...).
Bethany :) wrote: "I finished check point A, and so far I'm really liking the book!! I think I will like this book more then The Sun Is Also a Star, because I like this plot line better. I'm wondering..."I think you're right and this should be considered magical realism
Checkpoint A1. What do you think of X so far?
I think he's not bad. I love his philosophies. I have always been intrigued about just say yes philosophy.
2. Do you like contemporary romance? (because Evie used to like it)
It's not a genre I read most but if the story is good I love them.
3. What do you think about Evie's mother not telling her sister the truth about what her dad did?
I don't think that's a good idea. I understand that she's trying to protect her but I don't think it's a good idea to have that kind of thing as a secret in the family... Secrets can be poison...
Checkpoint B1. In the book her parents get divorced. Do you think that the mothers response/reaction has as much affect as her fathers reaction/response?
Well of course if she would discuss and be open about their divorce it would help Evie to handle her own feelings as well. Now they are hasn't have discussion about their feelings and Evie have to handle her feelings alone.
2. Do you think her learning to dance will help her?
I think it helps to have something else to think about. And learning new skills gives you positive feelings. So yes I think it helps her.
3. Have you ever had a bonfire on a beach? If not do you want to?Not at night/evening. And I would love to.
Checkpoint D1. Did Evie do the right thing by going to her Dad's wedding ?
Of course that's the thing that is an option only once, and it made her father happy. I would say it was the right thing to do.
2. Do you like the ending of the book? Or do you think the ending made the whole journey seem pointless ?
It was surprising and I love surprises. It was still a bit sad. But I think I liked it, it was bittersweet. And the journey wasn't pointless because Evie learned so much.
3. Are the visions a gift or a curse? Would you want such kind of a magical power?
No I wouldn't want it. I wouldn't want to see someone dying.
4. Who is your favourite character and do you have a favourite scene?
I don't know if I have favourite character. But I liked Fifi, it might be her. It might be when Evie went to the wedding and made her dad so happy.
5. A general question- do you prefer reading a slow-burn romance or insta-love?
I prefer slow-burn
1. Did Evie do the right thing by going to her Dad's wedding ?Yes. I know that it was hard for her, but it's important to push through and do things that you're uncomfortable when it comes to supporting relatives during their life milestones/major life events.
2. Do you like the ending of the book? Or do you think the ending made the whole journey seem pointless ?
I liked the ending of the book and I saw it coming because Nicola Yoon's books generally follow a similar plot with a big plot twist at the end. It didn't make the whole journey seem pointless. I think this book is a lot about trying to live more in the moment and appreciate the people that you have while you have them, so the ending actually seemed to help get the point of the book across more.
3. Are the visions a gift or a curse? Would you want such kind of a magical power?
The visions are definitely a curse and I wouldn't want that type of magical power. Knowing something about the future causes unnecessary dread of what's to come and it gives the future seer a burden: do they tell the people of their future sorrows so that they can be prepared or do they keep it a secret and let it shock them.
4. Who is your favourite character and do you have a favourite scene?
Martin is my favorite character. He's so sweet and I would've loved to have more scenes with him. The bonfire scene is my favorite. It was so cute!
5. A general question- do you prefer reading a slow-burn romance or insta-love?
I generally prefer slow-burn romances, but Nicola Yoon has a great way of writing believable insta-loves, so I'm okay with insta-love if it's in one of her books.
Checkpoint answers 1. Yes I think maybe if she still hand negative feelings towards him, that it is a step it the direction to healing
2. Yes i did, the ending was good and I think this book give you a good message with the ending
3. No I wouldn’t, i think you wouldn’t live your life for real and would only wait to the moment that something happens
4. I think I really liked Martin has a character and has a favorite scene I don’t think I have one
5. I prefer slow burn, but not to much also hahah
1. Did Evie do the right thing by going to her Dad's wedding ?Yeah, I think sometimes you need to move on, and keep living life.
2. Do you like the ending of the book? Or do you think the ending made the whole journey seem pointless ?
I liked the ending! I thought the author did well!
3. Are the visions a gift or a curse? Would you want such kind of a magical power?
I would think a curse lol! I would definitely not want anything of the sort. It was fun to read though!
4. Who is your favourite character and do you have a favourite scene?
I liked the dance instructor! I thought she was funny. maybe when she threw the bell away... Idk!
5. A general question- do you prefer reading a slow-burn romance or insta-love? A mix! I've read great books with both!
Here's my review~
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
✨Bookmarked✨
Books mentioned in this topic
The Sun Is Also a Star (other topics)The Sun Is Also a Star (other topics)
Start date: 01/08/21
End date: 31/08/21
Total no.of pages: 304 pages (hardcover)
Pages may vary according to format so we have included sections to avoid confusion.
Checkpoint A:-
Start Date: 01/08/21
End Date: 07/08/21
No. Of pages- 115
Section: Chapter 1- 14
Checkpoint Q: Ari
Checkpoint B:-
Start Date:08/08/21
End Date: 14/08/21
No. of pages- 129
Section: Chapter 15- Chapter 29
Checkpoint Q: Ari
Checkpoint C:-
Start Date: 15/08/21
End Date: 21/08/21
No. of pages- 115
Section: Chapter 30-42
Checkpoint Q: Sreehitha
Checkpoint D:-
Start Date: 22/08/21
End Date: 28/08/21
No. Of pages- 133
Section: Chapter 43- Chapter 60.
Checkpoint Q: Sanjana
Review posting: 29/08/21 and 30/08/21
Day off : 31/08/21
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