Beauty of the Moment by Tanaz Bhathena is told in alternating viewpoints between two teenagers, who have nothing in common. Susan is the new girl from Saudi Arabia, trying to fit in with a new culture. Susan and her mother moved to Canada, so Susan could get a better education. Her dad stayed behind in Saudi Arabia to tie up loose ends before making the move. Susan strives to conform to her parents’ expectations, but she has her own ideas for her future.
Malcolm is East Indian and has a “bad boy” reputation. He started acting out by being late and skipping school after his mom died from cancer. He has an estranged relationship with his father and stepmother, who he thinks does not understand him.
As different as Susan and Malcolm are, they both come to terms with mistakes they have made and decide who they want to be. Despite their personal struggles, they come together and fall in love. This is their love story.
