Instructions for Dancing (June 2021) Buddy Read Discussion - Alex & Surya, Brianna

[mina, Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator]

Welcome to the Instructions for Dancing Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on June 4th and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 06/04
June 4: Chapters 1-75
June 5: Chapters 75-150
June 6: Chapters 150-225

Week of 06/07
June 7: Chapters 225-end

PARTICIPANTS
~ Alex
~ Surya
~ Brianna

[Brianna]

Do you mind if I hop in on this as well? I just picked it up from the store and am really looking forward to reading it.

[Surya]

I'm cool with it. Can you follow the page limit ? If you have an ebook, you can read 25% everyday and we can have discussion. We are planning on using Spoiler tags anyways, so if you can't keep up with this schedule, we won't spoil the book for you. Sorry for replying late, I wasn't following this discussion until today.

[Brianna]

Surya wrote: "I'm cool with it. Can you follow the page limit ? If you have an ebook, you can read 25% everyday and we can have discussion. We are planning on using Spoiler tags anyways, so if you can't keep up ..."

I certainly can! And I will use spoiler tags based off pages/chapters as well to be safe.

[Surya]

thank you 👍😊

[Brianna]

Based off my physical edition (from Target), I took the pages and broke it up where the page number ends on the last page of the chapter so this is the schedule I personally will be following.
pages: 1 - 75 | 76 - 151 | 152 - 228 | 229 - end
chapters: 1 - 15 | 16 - 31 | 32 - 46 | 47 - 60

Chapters 1 - 15
(view spoiler)[I absolutely love that the main character is a reader and is struggling with her connection to books - especially romance. I can personally relate because I know there have been times where life is just... too difficult and reading is almost hurtful so I would avoid doing so.
I wonder why kissing is the key and if she'll start having these visions with EVERYONE she sees kissing - that could be overwhelming.
"Heartbreak = love + time" - oof I can definitely relate since I am currently dealing with a breakup myself. I think this book with definitely pull on my emotions and hit pretty close to home.
I forgot how much I enjoy Nicola Yoon's writing. I love how easy of a read this is - not so much on topic - but getting hooked in the story. I also really enjoy the cursing - it makes it feel more authentic to late high school. (hide spoiler)]

[Surya]

Chapters 1-14
(view spoiler)[
This book has the stark similarity to Beach Read in the way it starts and I loved that book, so it was a comfortable theme for me to fall back on. I could understand Evie's actions, people do lose hope on love when their parents marriage abruptly end. Maybe it affects Evie more than Danica, because she saw his dad in the act and Danica doesn't even know.

Honestly I've never heard about Shape-shifters trope 😂 If you guys have read anything in that trope, do recommend it 😊

I'm amazed at how Danica goes through her boyfriends that soon and still seek for a new boyfriend. I don't know whether it's how she changed after her parent's breakup or if it's her character. Eight heartbreaks in a year, wow 😮 and still standing.

I'm wondering who that old lady was. Could be some sort of person with power ? Like a genie 😂 . Also I would love it if there's a weather report for our life 🤣 Also I have a theory, do you guys think, Evie sees the ending of every relationship through kissing, just because she saw her parents marriage end through a kissing ? I'm reading a lot of mystery novels these days, so bear with me and my crazy theories 😁

I wonder whether author would delve on Evie's relationship with Dwayne, her only boyfriend so far. It's nice that Evie has a set of friends who all think differently but have same interests. I like Martin, but I hope he doesn't go on like that with his crush on Danica. It's definitely bad for him. Also. I felt Shelly and Sheldon's relationship was relationship goals until Evie saw the ending and ruined it for me 😂 Cassidy is funny, Sophie is reasonable. I hope those two fall for each other at some point 💚

I love Fifi. She makes me laugh with her snark remarks when X and Evie are trying their best to not injure each other while dancing 😆 Never read about hipster boyfriend types, so it's a new experience reading about X and what he does. I do like his philosophy.

Heartbreak =( Love + Time ) is as a sad reality. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 ( These hugs are for you Brianna, everything will be alright and I wish this book helps you 😊 )

I hope Evie and X wins that competition and help the studio. They seem like good people and it's nice that Evie said Yes to joining the competition. X being Maggie's grandson was a interesting twist and I really really really wish Evie doesn't see them kissing anywhere. I don't to see how their relationship ends 😐 also I like Evie's banter with X, hope there's more banter in future chapters 😊

I've never read Nicola Yoon's books before, but if it's anything like this, then I have to buy her other books. I got hooked into the story so soon and I didn't even know that.
(hide spoiler)]

[Brianna]

Surya wrote: "Chapters 1-14

I'll have to check out Beach Read!

(view spoiler)[I also wonder if Danica goes through boys quick to not get super close to any of them to avoid being hurt like her dad hurt her mom - even if she doesn't know all of the details.

I didn't make the connection about seeing the kiss between her dad and his lover being a catalyst of sorts for kissing being the trigger for her visions. It certainly would make sense!

Fifi is hilarious. I love her sass and attitude as well.

X is interesting. Based on the description I don't really get or see hipster vibes, but maybe I'm not current on what constitutes a hipster? lol I do like their banter as well. (hide spoiler)]

[Surya]

Brianna wrote: "Surya wrote: "Chapters 1-14

I'll have to check out Beach Read!

I also wonder if Danica goes through boys quick to not get super close to any of them to avoid being hurt like her ..."

(view spoiler)[I wonder about that too, she is the youngest person in the family and I highly doubt whether her mom or Evie consider talking to her about the way she's going through her boyfriends and draw parallel to her parents marriage. (hide spoiler)]

[Brianna]

Chapters 16 - 31 (pages 76-151)
(view spoiler)[I can't imagine barely knowing a dance and having to go perform on the streets to earn money. That sounds so terrifying! I understand the point though - especially if they are to perform in a competition - have to be used to being in front of others and all.
Their banter is seriously goals.
I can feel the slow burn starting. I am seriously hoping that some of the clichés in romance don't happen because I don't want that for them.
Okay maybe not so much a slow burn. lol Regardless I am here for it! I was wondering if she would see anything if she were to kiss anyone and so far it doesn't look like she does but I also wouldn't be surprised if that changes.
I hope the visions aren't end all be all - that there's room and ways for them to change. I don't want the group to split up!
I find it interesting that she's so open to trying things out with X but is still so staunchly against relationships and love. Maybe she doesn't think she'll love him and that it's just hormones/a good time for now?
"He's so surprising, this boy, swagger and insight and gentleness all mixed up together." (hide spoiler)]

[Alex (The Scribe Owl)]

Hi, guys! Sorry for being late to the party, I got a little held up yesterday. But more than that, I have to apologize for finishing the book in one sitting. That's something I never do, so I'm so sorry it happened now! I just couldn't put it down. I'll link a review when I'm coherent. 😂

[Surya]

🙄😐

[Alex (The Scribe Owl)]

Yeah, pretty much 😂

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Sorryyyyyyy I'll be better at the next BR, promise

[Surya]

😔 okay

[Surya]

Chapters 16 - 29
(view spoiler)[
I did not know beaches have clowns 😨 I wouldn't go to beach ever if I see a clown 😂 and you're right, it's important for them to be fearless, especially if they want to make the judges look at them. It was a frightening experience, dancing infront of strangers 😂 also still loving Fifi's sass ",She turns to X. “And you couldn’t lead a cow to grass.”"🤣

X seems passionate about his music and I hope his parents give him a easy time with that. It's already tough, making it big in that industry, the last thing he would want is doubts from his own parents. I feel bad for the band, I hope they make it big and honour Clay when they are successful. Also I love that Black Box song ☺️

I get that Evie's dad want her and Danica at his marriage, but they should look at Evie's feeling as well. She shouldn't be forced to attend his marriage if she doesn't want to. Also I guess Danica doesn't know about the cheating part of the divorce. I don't know how she would feel if she had known that about her dad.

I'm glad it's not a slow burn romance 😂 even though it has good potential. I love their banters and all the meaningful conversation they have. X fits in well with her friends and it seems like Evie feels comfortable around his friends too ☺️

When Martin and Evie walked into Sophie and Cassidy making out, I literally screamed "Nooooooo" not because I didn't approve them or anything, I instantly know there would be vision and I don't want to see that 😂😂 It sucks that the end of their relationship would be end of their friendship as well 😔 I wish Evie handled it better somewhat ? I understand it's hard to be happy for them when you know how it's going to end, but maybe she should have acted more friendly ? I just felt like she acted cold like a cruel person 😂

Breakups hurt, but losing a friendship hurts more, especially if that friend is someone you've known since your childhood. I hope Evie doesn't lose her group because of whatever happens between Cassidy and Sophie 💚
(hide spoiler)]

[Brianna]

Alex (The Scribe Owl) wrote: "Hi, guys! Sorry for being late to the party, I got a little held up yesterday. But more than that, I have to apologize for finishing the book in one sitting. That's something I never do, so I'm so ..."

It has been really difficult to not just fly through this one so totally understandable! lol

[Brianna]

Surya wrote: "Chapters 16 - 29

I did not know beaches have clowns 😨 I wouldn't go to beach ever if I see a clown 😂 and you're right, it's important for them to be fearless, especially if they want to make the j..."

(view spoiler)[I completely agree with not being a fan of how Evie reacted to Cassidy and Sophie's relationship. I still don't understand why she just doesn't tell them what she sees. If they're such good friends for so long wouldn't you trust them with anything?
With her being as cold about it, I could realistically see that it is really because of Evie that the group splinters a bit - unfortunately. (hide spoiler)]

[Brianna]

Chapters 32 - 46 (pages 152 - 228)
(view spoiler)[I like that X is able to give Evie another perspective about cutting people out - he's right in that the only time you have is now and you don't want to regret not enjoying the time you have with someone.
When he asked about her favorite book - Cupcakes and Kisses - I was hoping he would buy her a copy of it, but am even more surprised and glad that he picked it up to read himself.
"Happiness is tricky. Sometimes you have to fight for it. Sometimes, though - the best times - it sneaks up behind you, wraps an arm around your waist and pulls you close."
I'm really curious if Danica and Evie will actually discuss how they feel about their Dad and Shirley. We know how Evie feels, and what Evie thinks Danica feels - but we haven't heard from Danica yet her true feelings on that whole thing.
Oh no! She saw them kiss! I was glad that their love is true through the end, but still sad. :(
I wonder if Evie will be able to give in to the music for the tango. I want them to win but that also seems too easy and too much of a happy ending? (hide spoiler)]

[Brianna]

I couldn't go to bed without finishing this. lol

Chapters 47 - end (pages 229 - end)
(view spoiler)[OH NO She sees her and X's future! But how?!
Oh. Oh I don't like that ending at all.
I really hope it's possible that the endings aren't finite and are able to be changed.
So.... did the visions go away? Why won't she tell X to get his heart checked out? I need more!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Surya]

traitors 😂😂

[Brianna]

I'm sorry! lol I needed to end my reading on a high note for the day and it was just calling for me!

[Surya]

it's fine, guess I have to finish it on my own

[Brianna]

Only one more day! And I'll still be sticking around to discuss!

[Surya]

Thank you ☺️

[Surya]

You guys finished ahead and it got hard for me to complete the book 🙄🤣

😭😭😭😭 What an ending 🙁 I liked the ending, I think the ending made this book memorable for me, even though I don't wish that situation on anyone ( not even characters in a book ) I wish the endings could be manipulated as well, but I don't think it's possible. I gained a lot of insight just from reading the acknowledgements by the author. It's a beautiful work and I'm glad I read it with you guys.

I have few doubts though. Does divorced women still use the surname of their ex-husband's ? It felt weird everytime X called Evie's mom Ms Thomas 😂 I'm glad Evie learnt that lesson about love and how endings doesn't matter much. It's poetic and everything, but it's kinda hard for me to say that endings are not worth it 😂 maybe I'm a cynical I guess. So glad they won the competition, that dance school really needs new students, and it's nice to see Fifi show some care ☺️

I don't think Evie knows he's going to die of heart complication. She knows he's going to die, but she doesn't feel the need to know how, after they reconnected back at his house. It's a complicated kind of narration where the author want us to know that Evie will survive his loss someday. I'm glad she didn't expand on that more, because I felt it would defeat the purpose of the book, that is living in the present 💚

[Brianna]

Surya wrote: "You guys finished ahead and it got hard for me to complete the book 🙄🤣

😭😭😭😭 What an ending 🙁 I liked the ending, I think the ending made this book memorable for me, even though I don't wish that s..."

Very true! (about the ending being as open so you stay living in the present)
I know a few divorced women who have kept their exes last name - easier than all the paperwork to switch it back.

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Did you have a favorite character or a favorite scene?

[Surya]

I have a favorite scene, but I don't know if that was memorable to you or if the author intended me to feel that way about that particular scene. It was when Evie bought the book back to that library at the end. I felt maybe Evie is leaving that book out for the next person who lost all hope on love, like how Evie was at the beginning of this story. I thought it was sweet that Evie left that book, so that another person can go through whatever Evie went through in that last few months when they find this book. And I know it's not what the author intended maybe, but I'm sticking with how I felt about that particular scene. What about you ? What's your favourite scene ?

My favourite character has to be Martin. He's the best friend that everybody needs in their life. He was an anchor to Evie in a way, that she can be honest with him whatever happens in life and he will be there for her through everything. I'm sure he would be the first person to comfort Evie when X dies in future 💚

And now who's your favourite ☺️

[Brianna]

Surya wrote: "I have a favorite scene, but I don't know if that was memorable to you or if the author intended me to feel that way about that particular scene. It was when Evie bought the book back to that libra..."

I loved when X read Evie's favorite book. It was just so simple and cute and something I wish someone in my life would do.

My favorite was Fifi. She was just so much fun - so much sass and so much honesty but in a genuine, non-mean way.

I also like the idea of Evie passing on the book to someone else who may need to go through something similar - passing on that love is not just about how it ends, but is primarily about when you're in it.

Martin was another good character - I would love a spin off featuring him and his story. I feel like he would be a good main character and not just a side character. I think he was the best of her friends.

[Surya]

I loved that moment as well, I hope you meet someone who would do that for you and more cute and lovely things. And Fifi is just so amazing. So glad the studio appointed a receptionist at the end, now Fifi can focus on her true power, teaching dance 💚😂

I would be up for a book based on Martin, he's a great friend and we don't know a lot about his lifestyle, other than when he's with his friends. There's definitely a lot of good things to explore there 😄 and add that to a budding relationship with Danica, there's definitely a potential for a solid book there 😅

Thank you for reading my post in this thread even though you finished the book a while back. Hope we do another buddy read in future ✌️☺️

[Brianna]

Surya wrote: "I loved that moment as well, I hope you meet someone who would do that for you and more cute and lovely things. And Fifi is just so amazing. So glad the studio appointed a receptionist at the end, ..."

The author has yet to write a sequel but if she ever does then I hope it's Martin's story!

And of course! Part of why I love buddy reads so much is being able to discuss the book!

[Surya]

i hope for the same : )