Praise for ONLY THIS BEAUTIFUL MOMENT: “This story, told in three points of view from three generations of the same family, is nothing short of masterful. This is the kind of story that young adult literature is made for—a story of the heart, of the very real human struggles young people face and that adults try to—but never truly—forget.” — ALA Booklist (starred review)
“Nazemian expertly bridges the past and the present, exploring racism, homophobia, and relations between the United States and Iran along the way. His elegant prose propels this historically resonant and culturally nuanced family drama. A stunning intergenerational coming-of-age story.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Nazemian combines interconnected narratives spanning three generations of an Iranian family in this ambitious read….Via the trio’s intimately realized alternating perspectives, Nazemian paints a transcendent and complex portrait of generational grief and self-discovery, expertly interweaving the boys’ individual experiences with homophobia, racism, and U.S.-Iranian relations to deliver a touching family drama.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Three generations of an Iranian family have secrets and stories that, when finally shared, open metaphorical doors long closed and heal relationships that have scarred into distant hesitancy….This is a book about family, intergenerational trauma, love, and reconciliation set within two countries, a story that emphasizes the idea that where we are from is deeply influential in our identity making, while acknowledging that we are also formed out of who we love and who loves us.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“Only This Beautiful Moment is a queer epic, a defiant piece of art that transmutes the rallying cry of “we’re here, we’re queer, get used to it” into even more beautiful poetry that will almost certainly change the lives of those who read it.” — BookPage (starred review)
“Only This Beautiful Moment is a triumph. A touching story about family and identity, secrets and generational trauma, and, most of all, the love that brings us together.” — Arvin Ahmadi, author of How It All Blew Up
"Only This Beautiful Moment is the must-read book of 2023. Abdi Nazemian has managed to write a multi-generational story that is both universal and specific to the Iranian queer experience. I couldn't put it down. I can't stop talking about it and neither will you." — Firoozeh Dumas, New York Times bestselling author
“An absolutely mesmerizing exploration of grief and self-discovery. Abdi Nazemian is an unforgettable voice whose work reads like a gift to the queer community and beyond.” — Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“A beautifully interwoven tale of self-discovery, forgiveness, and love. Abdi Nazemian expertly shows the generational ripple effects of our choices and demonstrates how we can create positive, lasting change.” — Jason June, New York Times bestselling author of Out of the Blue and Jay’s Gay Agenda
“Only Abdi Nazemian can craft such a beautiful story about grief, the weight of addiction, and first loves. Iranian best friends Kam and Bodie will capture your hearts while the L.A. desert will haunt you. A true masterpiece!” — Lilliam Rivera, award-winning author of Never Look Back
“All the sweet and salty joys of candy, but with the nourishment of a home-cooked meal. This is a joyous and suspenseful reminder of the possibilities—and complications—of the human connections that make a life worth living.” — Eliot Schrefer, National Book Award finalist
"A teen boy finds himself after a tragic loss... a poignant and enjoyable whole that sensitively but honestly explores relationships, grief, identity, and addiction. A bittersweet and sincere coming-of-age story."—Kirkus — Kirkus Reviews