61 pages 2 hours read

Nicola Yoon

Instructions for Dancing

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Instructions for Dancing, 17-year-old Evie Thomas gains the mysterious ability to foresee the romantic outcomes of couples when they kiss. Disheartened by her parents' divorce, she meets Xavier "X" Woods in a dance class. As she navigates complex relationships and her growing feelings for X, Evie learns to accept love despite its risks and inevitable endings. The book mentions the death of a teenage character.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Nicola Yoon's Instructions for Dancing is lauded for its engaging narrative and heartfelt exploration of love and loss. Reviewers praise the relatable characters and emotional depth, although some find the plot twists predictable. The integration of magical realism is often highlighted as a charming addition, despite occasional criticisms of pacing. Overall, it's a compelling read for young adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Instructions for Dancing?

Readers who savor romance with a touch of magic will delight in Nicola Yoon's Instructions for Dancing. Fans of To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han and The Sun Is Also a Star by Yoon herself will appreciate its heartfelt exploration of love and destiny in a contemporary setting.

RecommendedReading Age

12-17years

Lexile Level

HL650L

Book Details

Genre

Romance

Magical Realism

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Values/Ideas: Fate

Relationships: Family