Instructions for Dancing

Evie Thomas has lost her faith in love after her father's infidelity breaks apart her family. When she receives a mysterious gift that allows her to see how romantic relationships will end just by witnessing a couple's first kiss, she must navigate this unwanted ability while processing her disillusionment. At a ballroom dance studio, Evie meets X - a charming dance partner who challenges her cynical views on romance. As they practice for an upcoming dance competition, Evie struggles between protecting herself from heartbreak and accepting the possibility of new love. This contemporary young adult novel combines elements of magical realism with an exploration of first love, family dynamics, and grief. Through Evie's journey, the story examines the courage it takes to remain open to love despite knowing its risks and impermanence.

Readers value the authentic portrayal of grief, love, and family dynamics in this YA romance. Many note the book takes unexpected turns and offers deeper themes than typical teen romance novels. The dance elements and character chemistry receive frequent mention in positive reviews. Likes: - Natural dialogue between characters - Balance of light moments with serious topics - Representation of diverse families - Development of side characters Dislikes: - Some found the magical element jarring - Pacing feels rushed in final third - Romance develops too quickly for some readers - Several mention crying at the ending - not all wanted this emotional intensity Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (46,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,800+ ratings) BookTok: Frequent recommendation with multiple viral posts Common reader quote: "This isn't just another YA romance - it makes you think about love differently and whether it's worth the risk of loss."

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🌟 Nicola Yoon wrote this novel while processing her own fears about love after learning her father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 🌟 The ballroom dancing scenes in the book were inspired by the author's own experience taking dance lessons with her husband. 🌟 Like the main character Evie, Nicola Yoon also attended a prestigious Los Angeles prep school during her teenage years. 🌟 This is the first of Yoon's novels to incorporate magical realism, with the protagonist's ability to see visions of how couples' relationships begin and end. 🌟 The book debuted at #3 on the New York Times Young Adult Hardcover Bestseller list in June 2021.