Though relatively new to writing novels, Nicola Yoon’s stories have touched many people’s lives. From being a programmer to becoming a prolific author, her rise in the literary world has been remarkable. Her stories, rooted in societal and individual issues, will continue to be a pace-setter for many young people willing to dive into the young adult genre. As an advocate for inclusivity and diversity in literature, her work will continue to inspire the next generation of young black women interested in making a career path in creative writing.
Nicola Yoon is a National Book Award finalist and the first black woman to reach number one on the New York Times bestselling list for young adult fiction. Her debut novel, ‘Everything, Everything,’ and the one succeeding it, ‘The Sun Is Also A Star,’ received massive praise and instantly rose to become bestsellers.
Below is a list of Nicola Yoon’s best books:
One Of Our Kind: A Novel by Nicola Yoon
One Of Our Kind: A Novel’ is a book rooted in activism and societal issues. It is Nicola Yoon’s first adult novel, a bold divergence from her usual young adult fiction books. It follows the life of Jasmyn Williams, a young black woman who moves into a utopian community, Liberty, in California, with her husband, King Williams.
Excited she is moving into a place with many black families, Jasmyn is overjoyed as she thinks she will meet a group of like-minded people concerned about the societal justice issues in the country.
On moving into their new home, King settles in the community and indulges in all its perks, including spas and a luxe wellness center. However, Jasmyn struggles to find her place, as she does not meet people interested in the social issues that keep her riled up. She eventually makes some friends who are also shocked at the town’s obliviousness to world issues.
When Jasmyn becomes pregnant, she digs into Liberty’s past and founders and learns of a dark secret that endangers her family.
Though One Of Our Kind’ had some positive reception on its publication, there were mixed feelings among fans. Here are some reviews from readers:
Overall, this was a good story.
The Gist on Goodreads.
This is Nicole Yoon’s first adult novel.
This book had potential, but I feel missed the mark. I can see the point Nicole Yoon was trying to make but, in my opinion, fell flat. I admire that she’s bringing more awareness to racial injustices.
Yes, this was a Stepford Wives’ meets Get Out type thriller type of storyline. I was intrigued and pulled in, but the ending was predictable. It was enjoyable.
This was a disappointment for me. Since Nicola Yoon’s The Sun Is Also A Star is one of my favorite YA books, and this is her first adult book, I was thrilled to receive an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and read it with great anticipation. In short, though, I think this was an interesting idea that didn’t deliver.
Laurel on Goodreads.
Instructions For Dancing
‘Instructions For Dancing’ is a 2021 young adult novel by Nicola Yoon. It tells the story of 17-year-old Evie Thomas, a young girl who does not believe in love again after seeing her father kiss another woman in his office six months prior.
Evie decides to get rid of her romance books, and when she puts them in a Little Free Book Library, a woman appears to her and asks why she is discarding the books. She explains she is no longer interested in love, but the woman tells her she has to take a book when leaving one behind. Not paying attention, the young girl grabs a novel called ‘Instructions For Dancing’ and leaves.
After the weird encounter with the woman, Evie discovers she can experience the visions of a couple’s romantic journey and realizes she can see how their love journey will end. She tells her friend, Martin, about her powers, and he advises her to investigate using the book she took.
Evie notices a sticker on the book that directs her to La Brea Dancing Studio, where she meets Xavier, the grandson of the studio’s owners. They eventually become dancing partners and bond. Eventually, Evie falls for Xavier, but when she admits her emotions to her first love, she gets a vision that shatters her heart.
‘Instructions For Dancing’ had positive reviews, and here are some from readers:
“Nicola does it again! I finished the book today and I’m already missing the characters. The message of the book has been done before however Nicola’s spin on it (dance pun) was so refreshing. It’s an easy read that isn’t your typical love story. I’ll be thinking about Evie & the importance of the middle for a while.”
“I love this book so much, one of my favorite parts is when Evie goes running for X. This book has so many emotions swirled in like a rollercoaster. I very much recommend it.
The Sun Is Also A Star
‘The Sun Is Also A Star’ is a novel about fate, interconnectedness, destiny, heartbreak, and love. It follows the lives of Natasha Kingsley, a 17-year-old girl whose family illegally resides in Brooklyn, and Daniel Bae, a 17-year-old second-generation Korean-American who wants to be a poet.
When the police arrest Natasha’s father for a DUI, they discover he is an illegal immigrant, and immigration services issue a deportation order to his family.
Determined to remain in the US, Natasha heads to the USCI’s office to meet the case officer, Lester Barnes. After much waiting, Lester hears Natasha’s story and directs her to the best immigration lawyer in New York, Attorney Jeremy Fitzgerald.
On her way to Jeremy’s office, Natasha meets a cute boy, Daniel, who saves her from an accident on the crowded New York City street. Daniel, a poet who struggles to be a good student and a good son to meet his parents’ high expectations, persuades Natasha to go on a date. Though she claims to not believe in love, she slowly softens towards him and eventually kisses him.
Natasha then tells Daniel of her predicament and realizes her efforts are in vain. She leaves America for Jamaica, but later meets a young man on a plane and discovers he is the love of her life.
‘The Sun Is Also A Star’ was met with incredible praise from outlets like Entertainment Weekly and Booklist, and it rose to the top of the New York Time bestseller list. Here are some reviews from fans:
This book is incredibly beautiful in so many ways that I can’t even begin to explain right now.
Riley on Goodreads.
I really really loved this book!!! It was an entirely unique story with a powerful message.
Emma on Goodreads.
Everything, Everything
‘Everything, Everything’ is Nicola Yoon’s debut novel and was illustrated by her husband novelist David Yoon. It follows the life of 18-year-old Madeline Whittier, who suffers from Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, SCID. Because of her disease, Madeline remains in her house, which is a sterile environment. She is not permitted physical contact with anyone besides her mother and doctor. Everything changes when a new family moves into the next house.
Maddy sees a new boy named Olly and exchange contact with him. They start communicating over instant messaging. Though unable to meet him, Maddy falls in love and makes the jarring decision to leave home to meet Olly, who takes her to Hawaii.
After being intimate with Olly, Maddy’s allergies kick in, and she arrives at a hospital. Her mother tracks her down and takes her home. She prevents her from seeing Olly, and eventually, he moves to New York with his mother.
Maddy receives an email from the doctor who treated her in Hawaii, and he tells her she may not have SCID. After digging, she discovers a shocking secret her mother kept from her.
‘Everything, Everything’ received incredible praise from publications and fans. It became a New York Times bestseller and propelled Nicola Yoon’s writing career.
