Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for a copy of this book for an honest review.

When Evie finds a book in a little library box she decides to take it back to the original owner which is a dance studio. While there Evie gets roped into entering a dancing competition and that is when she meets X short for Xavier. This book also has a slight taste of magical realism which I didn't expect but didn't bother me to much since I'm not a fan of that theme. Instructions for dancing dealt with family, divorce, relationships, siblings. I really enjoy Nicola Yoons writing. They only con I had was that I felt the end was a little rushed.

I enjoyed this book, and how the pieces fit together by the end. Evie is distraught over her parents divorce and finding out her father cheated on her mom. She is so upset she gives her beloved romance novel collection away. As she does she meets an older lady who gives her a book, Instructions for Dance. She notices soon after when she watches a couple kiss she can see their past, present, and future. Evie tries to figure out the meaning of this gift that leads her to a dance studio where she enters an amateur dance competition and meets Xavier or X.

Thank you to Random House Children for a gifted copy of this eARC. All opinions are my own.

"Maybe the whole point of love is to make more of itself."

Ugh Nicola Yoon does it again. She is seriously one of the best YA contemporary writers out there and if you haven't read any of her books, you really need to! This book will break your heart and slowly piece it back together again. It will make you think about love and whether it is truly everlasting once you find your soulmate. Is it really better to love and lost than never to have loved at all? I think some readers will have issues with the ending but for me, even though it's bittersweet, I am satisfied.

Yoon does it again! She is one of my favorite YA authors even though this book feels different than the other two. I did miss some of the magic realism found in her other books, but this story still carried the heart and depth of her other writings. Definitely a book I’m adding and recommending to my YA readers at our library.

t takes me a while to read a book physically now, but when my friend read this and really liked it, I knew I wanted to try to read the arc before the book came out.

I loved everything about this story. It’s not really a love story at all but somehow, even with the ending which will devastate you, you still somehow feel hopeful about love.

This book made me cry which for me often means I’ll give it five stars because I’m a cold hearted bitch so good job Nicola Yoon.

4.5 Stars

My heart was completely torn in half by this amazing story because it's a perfect mix of falling in love for the first time and seeing your family fall apart at the same time. I found myself smiling at the page countless times and the only reason this wasn't 5 stars, was because the ending zigged when I wanted a zag. But overall, I loved this so much and think it's the perfect book to knock out in one sitting!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

First, thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC. To be fair, NetGalley giving me an ARC of Everything, Everything years ago is how I found out about Nicole Yoon, so really thanks for being my introduction to her writing 5 years ago.

I didn't expect to tear up in the last few pages of this, but knowing how gorgeous Nicola Yoon's writing is and how her previous stories have affected me, I shouldn't be surprised.

I loved Evie and X. I loved the dancing (although I wish there was more of it). I really liked the supporting cast (although I wish Danica had a bigger role, because she seemed so great (I'd read a sequel about her life post-Evie graduating)). Good and bad parenting was represented amongst the various parents. Excellent grandparenting

Overall this was such an inventive story with an really excellent ending. About the ending, I think some people are going to hate it but not everything ends with a big red bow. The eventuality of X's death and Evie's heartbreak are a truly honest way to end the story. Evie makes a good point that sometimes not focusing on the ending is the best way to go about life

I'm not surprised that I liked this book, because I've liked everything that Nicola Yoon has written so far, but man if this didn't take me through an emotional roller coaster. It follows Evie not only as she deals with these strange new visions of watching people's love lives from beginning to end, but she's also dealing with the fallout from the unexpected turn in her parents' relationship, which makes her question everything she knows about love and relationships. Honestly this is a reality than so many people face, and going through that process with Evie had moments of great joy and moments of real heartbreak. I literally teared up during one point while reading this, which I was not expecting, so thanks Nicola Yoon for giving me all of these feelings.

But seriously, I loved reading this book so much. Evie is a great protagonist, and I loved seeing her and X's relationship develop. They are both fun, snarky characters and in making each other laugh, they made me laugh as a reader. Evie is a connoisseur of romance novels, so she can point out whenever she's falling for a romance trope, but it doesn't make those favorite tropes any less enjoyable to read about. There are so many cute moments including ballroom dancing, bonfires with friends, the girl teaching the guy to play pool, and being called out by the super hot boyfriend while he's singing onstage. I also liked that this dive into love and relationships included a look at friendships and how those grow and change, especially towards the end of high school. I love Evie's friend group, especially her best friend Martin who is such a sweet, super supportive friend (and also very sassy). There wasn't a character in this book that I didn't like, which really just solidifies how enjoyable it was for me.

If you love Nicola Yoon's first two books (Everything, Everything and The Sun Is Also A Star) then you'll definitely love this one. Really well written, and I also like that the chapter formats change in a seamless way between mostly prose but also text exchanges and lists. I wish this was a movie so that I could see all of the dancing and hear all of the music, but it's written in such a way that those visual and auditory moments are still enjoyable on the page. This book is fun, moving, and a little heartbreaking. All in all worth the read.

Evie is ready to throw love out the window. She used to be a massive reader of romance books but is getting rid of them. She can no longer see the appeal and can only see the inevitable end: the lovers are going to fall out of love, break up, so what’s the point? Her own parents have just gotten a divorce, after her dad started cheating on her mom. As she’s getting rid of her romance books, donating them to a little free library, she meets a mysterious woman who encourages her to take a book from the library, in exchange for her donation, the book Instructions for Dancing. It belongs to a local dance studio, one Evie passes by every day on her way home from school. Along with the book, Evie walks away with the power to see how a relationship will end. When she sees a couple kiss, she sees how they met, how they fell in love, and, inevitably, how everything falls apart.

It’s too perfect. She goes to the school and is swept away in a world of dance, signing up for a dance competition with X, the grandson of the owners of the studio. She quickly falls in love with him, their relationship flowing so easily. But Evie is hesitant to fall. She’s seen so many love stories end in front of her eyes. But she forgets: she also sees how they start. How they fell in love and how they loved each other. Is the love in the middle worth the heartbreak in the end?

Nicola Yoon has the wonderful power to make her characters so compelling and realistic that you don’t realize you’re reading until something in the outside world startles you out of your trance. The way Evie and X banter, how they connect and the way they move together is enchanting and enviable. Their love story is slow but inevitable, realistic and fantastical all at the same time. Outside of X and rehearsals for the big dance competition, Evie has fully fleshed out relationships with her mother and sister, Danica, as well as a solid friend group, Cassidy, Sophie, and Martin. I love that it’s not just Evie and X and the emphasis is not just placed on romantic relationships but on friendships and family, too. As Evie navigates her relationship with X, she also works on her relationship with her father, who she caught cheating on her mother and who she can’t forgive for tearing apart their family.

There are a lot of different facets of this story, though it is primarily arranged to showcase the love story of Evie and X. They aren’t super lovey-dovey. They are not cringey or horrifying to watch. They meld together so easily from their first interaction and it’s easy to love them and their relationship. He’s an aspiring musician and Evie supports him. They have a good rapport and while they might not agree with each other on everything, they are very mature and have conversations about big topics. I think that’s one of the aspects I like best: high school romances are usually so dramatic and overblown. But Evie and X actually talk about things, like how Evie doesn’t want to go to her father’s wedding or about how X dropped out of high school before his last semester to pursue a career in music after a close friend died. They don’t judge each other for their choices but talk it out and leave it up to the other person to make their own decision.

As always, the writing is immaculate. It drew me in so easily, time just flying by as I read. Again, I come back to the banter and the easy way of speaking, especially between X and Evie. I come back to how each character has a separate personality and how everyone melds together so easily into believable relationships. I do think there are a few times when actual dialogue would have been preferred, rather than Evie glossing over a situation by describing what was said instead of writing out the actual conversation. And also the time jumps really sped the story onward when I feel there could have been more emphasis on certain moments, especially leading up to the dance competition itself, which then led on to graduation and other important moments. It just felt so rushed in the end when I really would have liked to linger over these moments.

There is always the question of whether something is worth it when you know it’s going to end. It’s the constant thing in life. Why do something when we know it’s going to end? What would be the point? Evie struggles with this so hard throughout the book, especially as regards her father. By not talking to him, she’s throwing away their years together and it even taints what they used to have as father and daughter. The things they enjoyed doing together, she can’t do again without thinking of him and what he did. Then, she struggles with her friend group when Sophie and Cassidy get together because she knows their relationship is going to end and so tear apart their friend group. But that doesn’t mean they can’t still have fun in the now! That they can’t have experiences she will look back on with fondness and happiness. It’s definitely something that’s hard to grapple with when it comes to more serious topics. When it really comes to risking your life and livelihood to chase a dream.

I do have some questions about the mysterious lady who probably gave Evie these visions. It is obviously unrealistic and hard to get past sometimes. Also, some aspects of Evie’s life remain a mystery. Like, does she have to pay for these dance lessons? Are they free of charge because Evie is going to enter in the dance competition? It’s mentioned a couple times that the dance studio is struggling with enrollment, so they could probably use the money. But payment is never brought up and money is never exchanged, so I definitely have questions about the practicality of this arrangement.

Despite these hangups, this book was a breeze to read with a good message in the end. Yes, it is worth it to do things even if you might end up hurt in the end. It’s a good thing to put yourself out there and take a chance. It might hurt, but it’s not going to kill you. And maybe you wish it would but you’ll come out the other side okay eventually. I read it in two sittings, reading about three quarters of it in one go and finishing it off in the second sitting. As with all Yoon’s books, it’s a bittersweet ending if there ever was one but even though it hurts, it’s worth it. It’s always worth it.

I recommend this book to fans of Yoon’s other work as well as fans of Jandy Nelson and Jennifer Niven, that sort of book. It falls right in with those books. It’s romantic, it’s funny, it’s a little heartbreaking. Just the perfect summer read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an eGalley of this book! I am such a fan of Nicola Yoon’s work and was so happy to get the opportunity to read this ahead of publication.

Nicola Yoon is one of the best contemporary YA writers. Her stories speak to the teen experience. Instructions for Dancing is sure to resonate with teens, especially those who defy the traditional stereotypes that are often placed upon them. I love the way that a magical element is infused into a realistic story. It adds a nice touch of flavor and depth to the relationships that surround Evie and her own journey.

Evie Thomas used to believe in love, but not anymore. Not after her father completely ruined their family and broke her mother’s heart. Fed up with the unrealistic romances of her favorite novels, she donates them to a Little Free Library—and meets a mysterious old woman. Only a few hours later, Evie witness a couple kiss and is struck by a vision of the beginning of their love story…and the end. Frantic to understand what’s happening to her, Evie ends up at the La Brea Dance studio and meets an intriguing boy named X. When the two enter a ballroom dance competition together to help the studio, Evie is forced to question everything she thought she knew about love. With her heart on the line, is love truly worth the risk?

Instructions for Dancing is breathtakingly beautiful in its depictions of life, love, and loss. Nicola Yoon has outdone herself yet again with a story that is sure to be an instant hit. All the characters are so developed, and the setting sparkles with charming descriptions. Evie’s not perfect (who is?), but her flaws make her realistic and the growth she experiences is both emotional and heartwarming. Even though Evie proclaims that “this is not a love story,” the romantic elements are flirty and fun, but also heartbreaking in the most genuine way. While I enjoyed reading about Evie and X, my absolute favorite character is Fifi, who comes to life so spectacularly. Some of her scenes had me snorting with laughter! Readers can identify with so many fantastic themes in this novel: love, heartbreak, family, loss, and more. Instructions for Dancing is perfect for those who enjoy sweet romances that also portray the full reality of love.

(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

I'm a big fan of Nicola Yoon's YA novels and this latest one did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the story and thought it was such a fun read. At first I was a little skeptical with the whole "seeing the future" piece it worked out so well. The book took a much deeper turn and I loved how realistic it was regarding young relationships and the message about living in the moment. Can't wait to get it in the hands of my students!

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon follows Evie Thomas who doesn't believe in love anymore. Especially after the strangest thing occurs one otherwise ordinary afternoon: She witnesses a couple kiss and is overcome with a vision of how their romance began . . . and how it will end. After all, even the greatest love stories end with a broken heart, eventually. As Evie tries to understand why this is happening, she finds herself at La Brea Dance studio, learning to waltz, fox-trot, and tango with a boy named X. X is everything that Evie is not: adventurous, passionate, daring. His philosophy is to say yes to everything--including entering a ballroom dance competition with a girl he's only just met.

Nicola Yoon has completely shattered my heart. Yoon has a talent for mixing completely adorable romances with heartbreaking events. I enjoyed the fantasy elements of this novel and as always loved Yoon's writing style.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved and devoured everything by Nicola Yoon so far. I was beyond grateful to receive an e-ARC of her latest, instructions for Dancing! I read this book in a few sittings- it was SO GOOD! This is definitely going to be one of my favorite books of this year. Yoon writes such beautiful and heartbreaking stories that I just cannot put down. I highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone.

This was a beautiful and heartbreaking story with supernatural elements. There were some lines that were so well-written that I had to pause to truly take them in. The language was as captivating as the story, and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. The one caveat for me was the romance, which I was never a fan of. It was hard for me to feel invested in their love story when I didn't believe in them as a couple. Regardless, this was a great coming of age that had it all-- humor, fleshed out characters, and complicated family dynamics.

This was cute and I loved the fact that I got the chills multiple times but the reason for only 3 stars is because the characters weren’t fully developed and the story line felt a little to fast paced for my liking. Overall I think it was a good story and I’d recommend.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.3 Awww Stars
I love to dance so when I saw this title and author, I knew this was going to be a story for me!

I read two other novels by Nicola Yoon ~ “Everything, Everything” and The Sun is Also a Star” I totally enjoyed both. After reading this story ~ I am totally a fan!!!

Eighteen year old Evie no longer believe in love! Her parents recently divorced and she sees her father kiss another woman. She is so upset she gathers all her romance novels and gives them away. She has one more sack full that she is taking to the library only realizes that the Library is closed on Sundays. She goes to a nearby park and sees a woman with a “Little Free Library Book” stand. She gives her the sack full of books. As she is leaving the woman says ~if you leave a book you need to take a book!
Evie really doesn’t want another book but accepts a book entitled “Instructions for Dancing”.

Evie soon finds that she has visions about people’s love life right after she sees them kissing. These visions are then, now and in the future and most cases the future is sad as they break up.
She doesn’t want these visions and believe the book is cursed. She tries to find the woman who gave her the book. There is an address in the book that states ~ If found, please return to La Brea Dance Club.. ~ So off she goes.
She discovers that she just might enjoy learning to ballroom dance. At first her style is a disaster, she quickly learns that ~ dancing is more than just knowing the steps. Once that is accomplished she is assigned a partner a hot’ guy, Xavier Darius Woods aka X and they train to do competition.
But the visions are still happening.
There, of course, is more to this story! So read on.
Totally loved this story, it has a great message ~ yep I say that with a lump in my throat!
As always, I enjoy reading the ‘Author’s Notes’ or ‘Acknowledgements’ aka ‘the inside scoop,
In this case, Ms. Yoon gives us a bit of background as to what was happening in her real life.

Want to thank NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Delacote Press for this early release granted to me for my honest professional opinion.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 1 2021

Nicola Yoon does it again!!
For me, any book by her is an instant purchase. I know her works always have a great writing style, representation and hook me into new places and characters that make me feel as if I truly know them.
Instructions for Dancing follows Evie, a girl who used to love romance and hopefulness before she caught her dad cheating on her mom, and a boy named X, who winds up becoming more than just her dance partner. This book holds a magical element of a spell that allows Evie to see every couples future. She even got me with a plot twist that broke my heart, but that's not the point ;) Honestly, for me personally, I would recommend her other books to new readers first but I would still suggest this one to ALL YA readers and would keep it in my own classroom library for middle and high school students.

*THANK YOU NETGALLEY FOR AN ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*

Ok, bookworms- have any of you seen the TV show Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist? It's a feel good show with copious amounts of music and lots of heart. The main character, Zoey has a superpower in that she sees and hears people break into song and dance while sharing their inner thoughts. Instructions For Dancing is a bit like that. Evie is our protagonist and she develops a superpower where if she sees a couple kiss, she has a vision of their relationship's beginning, middle and end. To Evie, this is both a blessing and a curse. This is a YA book and it is a sweet one, at that. Evie is a very likable high school senior with a small circle of friends. She grows as a person throughout the book, falls in love for the first time, realizes her parents are not perfect and learns to trust her heart instead of shielding it. Ballroom dancing is a large part of this book and for me, it added to the old-fashioned (in a good way) and magical essence of the book. Instructions For Dancing is about saying yes and taking chances. Yoon has written two other books that were optioned into movies. It would not surprise me if the same is true of this one. Pub date is 6/1/21. Thank you to @netgalley and @delacortepress for the complimentary ARC of this book. My opinions are solely my own. #netgalley #goodreads #bookstagrammer #bookreviewer #instructionsfordancing #delacortepress #nicolayoon #ya #booksandmrdarcy #withhernosestuckinabook❤️📚

This is a fairly light love story about two Black teens who meet while learning how to ballroom dance. Having read Yoon's two other books, I wasn't expecting it to be so light and I also wasn't expecting the magical element to the book. This will be a great, fun escape-type of book for teens this summer. Appropriate for ages 12 and older - there is some teenage drinking.