Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon follows main character Evie, former lover of romance novels, currently grappling with the futility of love in the face of her parents' divorce. Following a mysterious interaction with a strange woman at a little free library, Evie finds her way to a dance studio, where she's convinced to partner with the drop-dead-gorgeous, lives-life-in-the-moment X for an amateur ballroom dancing competition.

It's 4am. I finished this book about twenty minutes ago. I'm still weeping. I saw a couple reviews ahead of time that mentioned how absolutely heartbreaking this book is, so I knew what I was walking into. About a quarter into the book, I figured out pretty much exactly what was going to happen. Even so, my soul was absolutely shattered. I don't think I've cried over a book this much in a very, very long time.

One of Nicola Yoon's particular skills is convincing you to care deeply about her characters. Another is weaving grief and joy together so seamlessly you feel both at once. Both skills are on full display in this absolutely gorgeous novel. And it's not just grief and joy about the romance in this book (or her backlist titles, to be honest); it's about the griefs and joys of friendship, of parenthood, of sisterhood. It's about the griefs and joys of being alive.

I won't get into the losses I've felt in life; everyone has lost something, everyone loses something or someone at some point. But I do want to say that Evie gave a voice to the grief I've had in me for the things and the people I've lost, gave tangible words to those amorphous and difficult and beautiful feelings for the first time. I'm leaving this book knowing myself better than I have in years.

I don't know what else to say other than I couldn't recommend this book more, and I'm going to continue recommending this book for probably the rest of my life. It hurt me, and it made me laugh, and it made me feel seen. This story will stay with me forever.

I adore this book about love and breakup's. I loved that she was able to see the future when a couple is kissing. I loved the friends . I adored that she was able to see into each of her friends relationships. I loved the mom and dad even divorced they still parented. I love the sister. what can I say I loved this book and the dancing and romance with X. I loved that she tried to be good child but made choices that helped her out.

I have liked ALL books by Nicola Yoon I have read. I was concerned about Instructions for Dancing because of its title, which made me thing it was going to have a plot about dancing. Yes, it had some dancing, but the book felt wholesome, with characters I truly enjoyed dealing with issues that many kids have to face. I truly liked X. Would be nice to read a sequel.

Thanks to NetGalley for the preview of Instructions for Dancing.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55600878-instructions-for-dancing

An absolute delight of a book to read!! But, it will also hit you right in your feels in ways you do not expect, that ending, holy cow!! It is funny, touching, warm, bittersweet and heartbreaking. It is such an easy story to immerse yourself in as the characters are so vibrant and real. Evie is a senior in high school and her friends are planning their last months and summer together. Evie's home life has endured a radical change as her dad had an affair and she and her mom and sister have moved into an apartment. Her trust in her father has completely broken and that affects how Evie looks at everyone's relationships. A strange encounter gives Evie an extraordinary gift and leads her to a dance studio where she meets a wonderful group of people including Xavier, a gorgeous musician who she reluctantly falls for. I truly adored Fifi, she brings such energy and humor to the story. I love Xavier's optimism and 'say yes to everything' view of life and the relationship between X and Evie is so beautifully written. All of Evie's emotions, and changes of heart are so understandable and the joy she discovers is wonderful, which makes the ending all the more wrenching. Highly recommend this marvelous book!!

“Happiness is tricky. Sometimes you have to fight for it. Sometimes though it sneaks up behind you, wraps an arm around your waist and holds you close.”

Nicola Yoon is an auto-buy author for me. I loved her previous two books, but was a little weary when I read the synopsis for this one. It seemed a tad too much fantasy for my liking. But a few chapters into this book, my notions were proved wrong and I fell in love with the story and the characters.

Evie is struggling with the news that her parents are getting divorced after her father has cheated. She used to love romance novels, but they've now lost their luster after watching her parent's marriage implode. Evie just wants her old life back, but can't seem to find her way. When she donates her books to a Little Free Library and grabs a book entitled "Instructions for Dancing," her world is turned upside down with the visions about the romantic future of others when they kiss. As she starts to predict the short lifespan of the relationships around her, she must weigh the whether it's worth starting a relationship of her own, especially when she doesn't believe in love anymore.

I love Nicola Yoon's writing. She is an absolute master with words and I find myself feeling every emotion right along with the characters. This book was anything but predictable. I had no clue where the storyline would go next. Evie's group of friends were so fun and X was the perfect fit for her, just when she needed it most. The two helped each other heal, both from very different kinds of grief, which moved their relationship forward.

Instructions for Dancing was a surprise hit for me and I am so glad that I picked it up. It was the perfect mix of romance, fantasy, and real life. The story touched my soul in unexpected ways and completely wrecked my heart. I absolutely loved it.

Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Such a sweet, thoughtful story. This was a joy to read. Thank you for the opportunity to read it early

I absolutely love Nicola Yoon's work and could not wait to read her latest book! Thank you to partner Netgalley for the ARC of this one; Nicola Yoon's Instructions for Dancing releases on June 1st, so preorder your copy today!

The question at the center of this book is a hard one -- should we continue to love others even though all love essentially ends in loss? It's a heavy question that resonates throughout this book. As the story begins, we find Evie packing up her previously beloved romance books; she plans to donate them. Although they are lovingly organized by sub-genre and have been her treasure, after learning about her dad's affair (which has remained secret from her sister) and watching her parents' marriage deteriorate and end in divorce, she finds she has no room left in her heart for love stories.

And yet after an unusual encounter with a quirky elderly woman at the local Little Free Library, mysterious forces are at work, and Evie discovers she has a surprising new magical ability. This mystical skill adds to Evie's complicated feelings about love and romance. In an effort to figure out more about the strange new skill she possesses, she winds up at the local ballroom dance studio, where she meets X, the grandson of the studio's owners. X has also seen his share of hardship, but he maintains a "yes" attitude and continues to embrace the positive parts of life undeterred by setbacks. Despite this encounter with X and the cracks in Evie's stoic exterior, she remains steadfastly determined to keep her distance:

"I know how this looks. it looks like we're bantering, like sparks are flying between us like in witty, old romantic comedies. It looks like the start of something. But I promise you, there are no sparks. Nothing is on fire here."


As X and Evie get to know each other better, it becomes harder and harder for Evie to maintain her resolve to stay away from romance for good. And yet the more that she learns about love, the more she worries about what the stakes are for the people who are in it. Evie comes to see that there are no easy answers in relationships, and yet she also learns more and more about how much people need each other. Along the way, there's lovely banter, amazing friends and family, and more than a little dancing.

I shed more than a few tears during this beautiful book. I loved Evie so much, and X is amazing. I also adored the secondary characters, each of whom were richly crafted. Nicola Yoon continues to amaze me with her phenomenal skills! There are so many gorgeous passages, but I'll leave you with these words from Evie's dad... and with the not so subtle suggestion that you go read this amazing book!

"But I know that to love is human. We can't help ourselves. The philosopher-poets say love is the answer, but it's more than that. love is the question and the answer and the reason to ask in the first place. It's everything. All of it."

I was first drawn to this book by its title and cover, and also realized I've read some other books by the author, Nicola Yoon. But it was so much more than that, it was INCREDIBLE! It had it all: a romance, family dynamics/drama, a twist, a lil magical realism. It was just so lovely and I didn't want to put it down. I loved Evie, the main character, and how she grows throughout the story, and deals with themes of forgiveness and change. Evie's love interest, X, is just so charming and adorable, I was obsessed with the two of them! I would highly recommend reading this one, even if you aren't super into YA. Definitely one of the best YA stories I've read in a while!

This story follows Evie, a high school senior wholly disillusioned with the idea of love after her parents' recent divorce. And when Evie suddenly finds herself able to see the stories of couples' romance in her mind after witnessing them kiss -- a romance that seems to always end in heartbreak -- her belief in the happy endings romance novels show fades even more.

In trying to figure out what's happening to her, Evie finds herself at La Brea Dance studio, learning any and all kinds of ballroom dancing with a boy named X. A boy who just might be the key to finding answers -- and opening her heart.

This quick read flew by, a cute story of magical realism with a plethora of deeper layers and emotional questions. Main character Evie is stubborn but relatable and her journey of growth was laid out wonderfully. X is the kind of boy everyone wants to be friends with, the irresistible open-hearted charmer you can't help but love.

Y'all. This book surprised me. There's a twist that I guessed was coming but was not prepared for how wholly and completely I fell apart at its reveal. (My boyfriend literally stared in shock as the tears rolled dripped onto my Kindle.) An evil choice that is masterfully executed, that ending elevated this book to another level.

A YA contemporary hiding deceptively bittersweet moments, be prepared for love, laughter, and plenty of longing. And be sure to have the tissues on hand for this one.

Do not hesitate, pre-order this book now. (Actually there's a pre-order contest through Barnes and Noble .). I had expectations, huge ones, and Instructions for Dancing, surpassed them. I have ordered multiple copies for my library but I'm afraid I won't need them because everyone is going to rush out and buy themselves a copy. Like all of Nicola's books this isn't light. It packs an emotional punch, all wrapped up in a dreamy cover. Be prepared for that. Now, my lips are sealed.

I loved this book but it also broke my heart at the same time. If you love Nicola Yoon's other books - this one will not disappoint.

This book follows Evie Thomas as she navigates her parent's divorce and decides love is no longer for her. This is only affirmed when she develops the "power" to watch a couple kissing and see how their love started, and how it ultimately ends. She struggles when she meets X, her future dance partner, at a dance studio. Not wanting to fall in love, this book follows Evie as she struggles to maintain her distance from X.

This book is a delight - it is sweet and magical. And just when you think you have it figured out, Yoon drops a bombshell that leaves you torn and yelling at the wall. I absolutely loved this book and the ending will stay with me for awhile!

Nicola Yoon has a habit of tugging at your heartstrings and Instructions for Dancing is no different. I first read Everything, Everything and was captivated by her voice and her talent for characters. Evie and X are compelling characters. The added aspect of her visions makes her complex and to me, X was such a question mark in the beginning. I really enjoyed this story and their journey together.

Synopsis: Evie Thomas 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.

Falling for X is definitely not what Evie had in mind. If her visions of heartbreak have taught her anything, it's that no one escapes love unscathed. But as she and X dance around and toward each other, Evie is forced to question all she thought she knew about life and love. In the end, is love worth the risk?

Such a sweet and fun book. Yoon tugs on your heartstrings, and it's been a while since I've read her earlier work, but this is such a lovely read that just wraps you in a hug.

This was adorable. It had its difficult, heartwrenching moments but it has a good message and you just felt better for reading it.


I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I love Nicole Yoon and this newest book didn’t disappoint. What a beautiful story about finding your way back to joy and love after life flips upside down.

From page one, I fell in love with this book. Evie experiences so much growth and I loved every page. Excellent and I will be recommending it to so many teens!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

my thoughts while reading:*
1: there are 60 chapters. 60. how
2: I’m hooked
10: “If he were furniture, he’d be a really nice looking shag carpet.” lmao this book is funny!
15: oooh that explains the title
30: I want a martin
45: alright alright alright, we’ve got a tall, newly-single hottie in a band.... sounds like a love interest to meeee
63: and the plot thickens! a dance contest!
72: he’s BLOCKING THE SUN FOR HER yeah ok I love x already
75: ha! this mini chapter is such a clever way to move the plot forward quickly!! now I see how there are 60 chapters
93: X GOT DEPTH. love an honest, upfront guy with a backstory
114: a beachside bonfire sounds incredible right now
120: YES GIRL, KISS YO MAN
127: noooooo! nooooo!!!!
160: thought there'd be more dancing
185: YES for realistic text convos
209: ok wait. how do they have time for 3 hour dance practices every morning when evie is in school?
210: ahh. they practice at night
237: UM OKAY NO ABSOLUTELY NOT THAT CANNOT BE A REAL FUTURE I AM CRYING THIS IS NOT ALRIGHT THIS CANT HAPPEN NO NO NO NO NO
262: graduations are so sad ugh
279: okay good ending 😭 be still my hopeless romantic heart
280: OKAY YEAH THAT WAS GOOD 😭 nicola yoon always delivers. I'm crying actual tears

overall: ok WOW this was good!! there was a surprising lot of depth and backstory. evie's "superpower" to see visions of people's relationships was creative, fun, and heartbreaking. x is the dreamiest dreamboat to ever exist. evie's relationships with her family melted my heart. and her friends! martin is a gem. ugh. wow this was really good... I just finished reading and am too emotional to write a legit review. please do yourself a favor and read instructions for dancing. you will absolutely not regret it!

*these page numbers are based on the advance readers copy edition.

I reviewed this book based on the author. I struggled with the book. (I don't know if my students would struggle.) I have found that sometimes WHEN you are reading is important. I couldn't connect to the characters or content. Honestly, I am even struggled with genre. This would be a book I would want a few of my students to read to see their thoughts.

I received a digital galley from Penguin Random House Intl to review.

Instructions for Dancing is a unique love story indeed. There's a lot of things to like about it apart from the swoon worthy romance as it also deeply tackles family and friendship relationships and reminds us of our capability to forgive. It has a solid representation for POC and LGBTQ characters and the cover is one of the most stunning ones I've seen so far. Yoon also indicated that she wrote this book during a pretty hard time in her life. I thank her for reminding me to live in the moment and cherish everything that I have. I'm rating this 5-star because I was left emotional especially at the end and I bet it's a feeling that'll cling to me for quite some time.

I picked this book up expecting a cute little romance, and came out of it emotionally destroyed in the best way possible. The characters were charming and relatable, the premise was cute, and the book was full f heart and excellent messages about love and living in the moment. I'd never read a Nicola Yoon before this, so I was really excited to dive into some of her work. I was certainly not disappointed! At the risk of going on and on about this book forever, let me just leap right in.

<i>Instructions for Dancing</i> follows the story of Evie Thomas, who has given up on love after catching her dad cheating on her mom with another woman. After the news of their divorce, Evie decides she's through with love and donates her romance novels to a Little Free Library. While there, she meets a mysterious woman who encourages her to take a book called <i>Instructions for Dancing</i> from the library. From this point on, every time Evie sees a couple kiss, she is shown a vision of how their relationship will end. Desperate to be rid of this unwanted power, Evie goes to the address listed on the book for answers... and is immediately volunteered to be an amateur competitor in a dance competition to help a failing dance studio. She soon finds herself swept up in her own whirlwind romance when she meets the charismatic and charming Xavier, who becomes her unwitting dance partner. It's up to Evie to figure out what her mysterious visions mean... and she might just learn to believe in love again after all.

I'm not even sure where to start with this book, as I absolutely adored every second of it from beginning to end. I am a notorious sucker for romances, especially those with relatable characters. What makes Evie relatable is her cynicism for romance. She loves the <i>idea</i> of being in love, but has become jaded from seeing so many relationships end in heartbreak. On top of this, she is kind and trusting, but finds it hard to forgive someone after she's been hurt or wronged. As someone who also loves romance in theory, I find myself constantly needing to be reminded that not all real life romance ends in disaster. From the very beginning, Evie became a character I could really root for, and I loved her hilarious little one-liners about "not being in a romance novel" (I'm kind of a sucker for fourth wall jokes).

Another thing I loved was Yoon's unapologetic description of the diverse cast of characters, right down to their natural hairstyles and skin tones. I may not be a person of color, but I understand how astronomically important it is for black and brown girls and boys to find themselves represented in media. What's better, Nicola Yoon is herself a black woman, making this very much an "Own Voices" novel. Though race doesn't play a big part in the book, there are occasional references to cultural prejudice. An example can be found when Danica and Evie go to their new step-mom's bridal shower, when Evie remarks that it must be weird to see so many black women dressed up for a garden party. Though race isn't a huge issue in this book, I really appreciate the casual representation of both black and LGBTQ+ characters (in Sophie and Cassidy) in the narrative.

As this is a romance, I would be remiss if I didn't also talk about how adorable the romance was. Xavier (or "X") is jokingly described as "the perfect romance novel love interest," though he really is a wonderful character. Much like Augustus Waters in <i>The Fault in Our Stars,</i> X is a quirky risk-taker who prefers living in the moment to worrying about the future. He's also incredibly sweet, and has a passion for music that he hopes will help him become famous one day. From the first time they meet, Evie and X have fantastic chemistry, and both feel like real people that the reader could easily be friends with. Their banter is absolutely adorable, and I love that their romance never feels rushed or insincere. I also like how they help one another to grow; Evie encourages X to finish his education, while X encourages Evie to live for the moment and let her guard down for the sake of her relationships. Their relationship throughout the book begins as a strong friendship, and I like that they represent a healthy teen relationship.

I'll also briefly touch on the non-romantic relationships in the book, as I think they're just as important to the story. At the beginning of the novel, Evie's attitude towards love leads her to hurt those around her, barring her from good experiences because she fears she will only be hurt. Once again, I really related to her relationship with her dad, as my relationship with my dad is equally strained. Evie struggles to forgive her father for what he's done, but still craves the strong bond they once had. Similarly, when Evie learns that Cassidy and Sophie's break up will ultimately end the group's friendship, she chooses to push them away rather than face the hurt. This is not only relatable, but leads to the book's most important lesson: that love is worth it even if it ends in heartbreak. This not only applies to romantic love, but to the love shared by family and friends as well. I really enjoyed seeing that message tied together throughout Evie's relationships, and that it focused on more than one type of love.

While I won't spoil this book for anyone (as I think everyone needs to read it), the ending had me shedding quite a few tears. It's both touching and bittersweet, and really drives home the message that living in the moment is extremely important. While I was not expecting this book to be sad (I wanted a cute, harmless romance darnit!), what I got was a surprising life lesson that made me reflect on my own relationships. If it could do that for me, a 28 year old adult, I can only imagine the wisdom it could offer to a young teen girl reading this book.

As I said above, I really could rave about this book for several more paragraphs. In the interest of time, however, I will say I HIGHLY recommend this to fans of realistic romance. While there is a small magical element to the story (after all, real people can't see the future), the heart of the book is very much rooted in reality and the human experience. This book is perfect for high school fans of romance (there is some swearing and slightly sexual content), especially those who love a book that will make them cry. I truly think it's one of those books that will stick with me, as the lessons really are universal. This book might have also cured me of just a little of my cynicism, reminding me that real love exists and is worth the risks we take to obtain it. After this book, I REALLY need to read Yoon's other work, as I can clearly see why she's become so popular in the YA scene. This book was a pure work of art, and I can't wait until everyone else is able to read it as well.