A review by misterintensity
The Beauty of the Moment by Tanaz Bhathena

4.0

Susan has just moved to Canada from Jeddah, Saudi Araba where she meets bad boy Malcolm. Malcolm is everything Susan is not, yet they quickly form a connection. While they may have a connection, both of their unresolved issues may threaten relationship before it begins. This novel is a balanced portrait of two teens and how both their baggage affects their developing relationship. Susan is adjusting to a new place; to a new school where she realizes some things don't come that easy; and to a realization that she wants to pursue a different career path than the one her parents want her to pursue. While Malcolm is still mourning his mother's death; has an estranged relationship with his father and stepmother; is a recovering from substance abuse; and has little interest in school. A recurring theme is the realization that their parents are human. This novel is told in alternating chapters by Susan and Malcolm their perspective of themselves and the people around them shifts throughout the story. While there are loose connections to Bhathena's previous book, A Girl Like That -- Susan went to the same school as Zarin -- this is a standalone. Highly recommended to those who enjoy character-focused realistic fiction.