Instructions for Dancing cover
Book

Instructions for Dancing

by Nicola Yoon

2021•EN
About the book

Evie Thomas gains a supernatural ability to witness the entire trajectory of a couple’s romance, from the first spark to the eventual breakup, just by watching them kiss. Disillusioned by her father’s infidelity and the guaranteed heartbreak she foresees in every relationship, she attempts to discard her romance novels. Her perspective shifts when she enrolls in ballroom dance lessons at La Brea Dance Studio. There, she partners with Xavier, a musician who challenges her fatalistic outlook. As they train for a competitive dance showcase, Evie must decide if the inevitable ending of a relationship nullifies the value of the experiences shared during the middle.

Readers interested in contemporary young adult fiction and magical realism will find a pragmatic examination of grief and risk. This book serves those who grapple with the fear of loss or the cyclical nature of family heartbreak. It provides a framework for accepting emotional vulnerability despite the certainty of change. Readers walk away with a perspective that prioritizes the immediate joy of human connection over the anxiety of a predetermined conclusion. It offers a sober but hopeful look at how to participate in life when the outcome is already known.

Reading profile

Practical, inward-looking and clear-cut; an easy read.

Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?

Details
Published
2021
Language
EN

More by Nicola Yoon

See all →

Books like Instructions for Dancing

See all 12 →

Your library, beautifully understood.

papr turns your books into a reading persona, chapter insights you can listen to, and a quiet way to find people who think like you. Free to join.

Get papr — it's free
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play