Reviews

The Beauty of the Moment by Tanaz Bhathena

mrsbofe's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was sweet and had a wonderful story. The characters had depth and continued to grow as the plot progressed. It was a refreshing book with wonderful characters that were enjoyable and fun! Would recommend!

stardustreader's review against another edition

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3.0

A very simple and cute story about this girl who left her country and became a permanent resident of Canada. She is new in the country, in her school and she has a new way of her life.

paper_elytra's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a great high school romance. Ingredients include: new school, new country, parental pressure, big crush, and a helping of artistic ambition. I enjoyed reading this book.

sthuti_26's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

After reading Girl like that which bought me into tears this is the perfect comeback. The female protagonist Susan moves to Canada from Jihad and tries to navigate her life in a country without rules and only freedom. The male protagonist Malcolm is a bad boy (not completely) whose heart is just healing from a terrible breakup and promises himself to stay away from girls especially girls like Susan who are driven, intelligent and no nonsense. 

Susan tries to stay away from boys.
But the fate brings them together...

The story is worth reading. It talks about acceptance, love and heartbreak in a beautiful way...It shows how families can be mended and how they can be broken....It shows how the most unexpected people can help you during your worst times...

It deserves 5-star and more the author's writing is amazing. The 2 pov really gives the story a great and broader meaning and helps us to understand why the characters did what they did...

At last why fit in when you can stand out...

ohkayreads's review against another edition

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3.0

The book is pretty good. It was an enjoyable read. I liked the ending. It was pretty realistic. The main theme of the story is that- you must do what you love and what makes you feel happy. This sure is a great message to spread, but could have set a good example for the readers by making the protagonist follow her dreams in a more realistic way. The ending was not happy ending, rather it was a more 'wait and watch' ending. Overall a great read if you have nothing more interesting or if you need a mindless read in order to detox from other series.

jodierose14's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25


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readtoinfinity's review against another edition

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4.0

Great character with a lot of backstory. It is very engaging and an interesting plot. It really is a coming of age story and following your passion.

bookishzelda's review against another edition

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I really enjoyed The Beauty of the Moment, it’s a sweet story about relationships and family. Also how culture and religion play into who we are and how we act.

I thought the culture part of the story was so interesting. I realized how little I know about Indian culture and I loved every second of learning about it through the story. I also looked up more about Parsi and Desi. I really thought the tidbits about what it’s like in Saudi Arabia and even Canada. I want to read more books like this. Just even the characters misunderstanding about each other and there is one part where Susan explains her name. I just thought everything was presented in a way that for someone like me who doesn’t know these things could understand.

The family element is so strong in the story. I loved that, I loved that it really shows different types of family dynamics. I might have not been happy that Susan’s parents were deciding her future. I could also see though that they just want her to have a successful life. Especially her mother that gave up things in order to marry and have children. I think that is something that is completely relatable. My mom did the same and she was happy with her choice but she was also insistent about me going to college (I was the first in my family to go to college, I have 3 older brothers). I can tell you my dad wasn’t necessarily happy that I went to a Liberal Arts College for my Journalism degree. Ha ha. So I loved how the book showed that yes we are all made up of different cultures and things but the heart of a family is important to everyone.

I loved the characters!!! Especially Malcolm. He is a such a cool and sweet boy. He’s someone who has had trouble in the past, especially after dealing with his mom’s death but the way he picks himself back up. I love that he stands his ground on things he is trying to improve about himself. He’s just so open and honest it’s hard not to like him.

I also really like Susan. She is shy and reserved at times but can really take care of herself. She’s smart and works hard but also loves her art. I loved seeing her really come out of her shell.

I really loved the story. There are so many things about it that mesh so well together. I love that when the conflict comes up in the romance, there isn’t a magical easy fix. The characters have to really work on themselves to find a way back from it. I thought the book had some really great storytelling!!

I really enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it for you contemporary read list.

fionak's review against another edition

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4.0

Totally charming and emotionally satisfying.

Nothing ground-breaking or amazing is presented, merely an adorable romance with a couple of non-white kids told in alternating points of view. The characterization is solid, the pacing perfect, but the dialogue is weak at times. Overall, the book's strengths outweigh its flaws by a wide margin and I highly recommend it.

A big fat thank you to MacMillan who kindly sent me a copy of this book for review.

briannasam's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5