2.5 stars

The eyes are the best part was not for me. I was interested as soon as I saw this cover and then read the blurb but when I started the book the one thing I wanted to do was put the book down and do something, anything else. Usually, that's a sign that I'm not enjoying the book but I decided to continue reading because its only 288 pages and its an arc.

I would have been happier without reading this but I can appreciate the story and it did hook at some points in the story. Also, totally unrelated to the book but I was eating something almost every time eyes and (ummm the plot of this book) were talked about in this book, so at least it did make me want to throw up and was horror-y!!!

Would recommend for someone that wants a short read and a chilling story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The Eyes are the Best Part” by Monika Kim is an absolute masterpiece that seamlessly blends horror with rich cultural elements. As someone who enjoys learning about different cultures, I was particularly captivated by the detailed insights into Korean traditions and folklore through the lens of the characters. The Korean characters and their heritage add a unique depth to the story, enriching the narrative.

The horror elements are executed flawlessly, making the book creepy in the best possible way. Every chapter is filled with suspense and eerie moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. The way Kim builds tension and crafts her scares is reminiscent of an A24 film – atmospheric, haunting, and utterly unforgettable. This debut novel is nothing short of amazing, and I can’t wait to read more books by her.

I read it all in one day because I simply couldn’t put it down. I received this book as a gift from NetGalley and Erewhon Books, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to discover such a talented new author. If you’re a fan of psychological horror with a cultural twist, this book is a must-read!

What a nasty and insightful body horror novel. I liked how gross this book could be at times. but how it also takes on some pretty heavy and relevant societal themes like racism and misogyny and feminine rage overflowing. I really enjoyed Ji-won as the protagonist, and I really enjoyed her descent into madness and violence as she starts to become obsessed with cutting out and eating eyes (specifically blue eyes, a bit of a nod to THE BLUEST EYE I would imagine, with is fantastic). I will absolutely be keeping my eye out for more books by Monika Kim, as this is a great debut and really brings something new to horror fiction!

Not only do I support Women's Rights, but I also support Women's Wrongs.

Ji-Won, a freshman in college, is the eldest sibling who is forced to step up when her father leaves his mom for another woman. This book is both tragic and, at times, unreliable as you're forced to question whether or not what she's experiencing is real life, or her vivid dreams.

As you read through the book, the author catalogues Ji-Won's descent into madness that is rocketed by her mother's new boyfriend -which we all quickly realizes has a fetishization with Asian women.

I recommend this book for lovers of horror, that want a bit of gore but not too much. This is the sweet spot. The ending is vague enough that could easily turn into a sequel if the author chooses to down the line.

Thank you to both NetGalley and Erewhon Books for letting me read this eARC ahead of the publication date.

Bleak, dark, gruesome, and emotional horror. It's got just a bit of coming-of-age from the main character and her sister. I loved the sort of downward-spiral vibes and the sense of losing control. The whole eyeball thing was brilliant and gnarly and gross and fascinating. I did not like the romance. My biggest complaint is just that it's way too long. This would have been a fiery punch of a book if it was a novella. The ending is AMAZING. This is a bipoc, creepy horror not to be missed!

Thank you to NetGalley and Erewhon Books for an eARC to read and review voluntarily.

The Eyes Are the Best Part was a fun, rage fueled ride. This book made me so mad (but that was the intention!). I read this book in less than 5 hours and wanted the absolute best for these women. I definitely loved the gory parts, and I wish there had been more of it. But overall, I liked this book a lot more so than loved it. At times, things just seemed a little too convenient. Everything was being guided by the plot and not by realistic character actions/reactions. The ending was abrupt, but I found it satisfying. It was incredibly readable with minor issues over how the plot moved along.

This book was one that I had to read and digest very slowly, because it absolutely delivered in being uneasy, creepy, gross, and unnerving. It had a very powerful and unsettling atmosphere. Definitely one of the most violent and horrific books I have ever read, with strong commentary on racism, sexism, and fetishization.

The ending absolutely delivered in a way I didn’t see coming.

"A fool and his eyes are easily parted." I requested this book primarily because the title and cover are so disturbing I was immediately intrigued. And the story did not disappoint. It's as disturbing and gory as a book with a human eye separated from its head on the cover should be.
We meet Ji-won and her Mother and Sister after her Father has abandoned his family for another woman. A few months afterwards her Mother announces that she's seeing someone, a white man named George. George is a disgusting person with the most enticing and delicious looking blue eyes who fetishizes Asian women. Once Ji-won realizes it's up to her to protect herself and her family from the disgusting men in the world, her mental stability quickly begins to spiral as she plots revenge against men who think "...that we are demonstrably inferior to our male counterparts. We are smaller, weaker, stupider. When we succeed, it’s only because men allow us to." Ji-won seeks to prove those fools wrong.
I read this story in one sitting! Ji-won is a fascinating unhinged fmc that I couldn't wait to read more of her descent into madness.

I will never look at eyes the same! This was such a unique, well written feminist horror story. The slow slipping of sanity was palpable as the book became darker and darker. If you enjoy an unhinged storyline, this one is for you. I will definitely read more from this author..

4.25 stars

Ji-Won is furious. Her father just left her, her mother, and her sister for a younger woman. She's struggling in school for the first time in her life. She has no friends. And her mother has totally lost it, glomming on to a new man, George, who is literally The Worst. Pushed to the brink by having to put up with a patriarchal society that sees her as nothing but a fetish object, Ji-Won begins to focus her simmering rage on George, and starts to have nightmares--or are they dreams of desire--of eating a pair of bright blue eyes. Familiar eyes. George's eyes.

This is a visceral, gross-but-in-a-fun-way horror following Ji-Won's mental spiral that is the epitome of supporting women's rights, but more importantly women's wrongs. Pun intended when I say I ate it up. If you're squeamish you will not like this, but if you're looking for a short, snappy, feminist horror book that feels fresh and unique, definitely check this one out! I actually read the author's query draft on r/PubTips months back and was so excited to see it avaiable on NetGalley because the premise really stuck in my head, and I was not disappointed. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Eyes Are the Best Part is a disturbing novel about racism and misogyny.
I really enjoyed reading it, but it did get very graphic at times. I enjoyed the writing and the commentary. I do feel like the ending was somewhat rushed although I was still satisfied.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington books.

Wow! What a ride and it seems we may get a sequel!!! The Eyes Are the Best Part is a wild and crazy fever dream of a novel. Lets just say I'll pass on the eyes after the descriptive enjoyment expressed by Monika Kim. The book is the best part in this case!

A gripping and spiraling story of much deserved revenge.

Ji-won is dealing with a lot when it comes to her family. Her father unexpectedly leaves them, leading her mother to unravel and turn to another man whose intentions aren’t so good. As time goes, Ji-won begins uncovering her mother’s new boyfriend’s secrets, and plots his downfall in honor of her mother and younger sister.

Beyond the fun gruesomeness of Ji-won becoming unhinged, this book had great commentary on sexism, fetishism, and class as we learned what she would go through on a daily basis being a Korean woman. I really enjoyed the serious topics underneath the wildness of her becoming a revenge seeking serial killer, which made me really appreciate her giving some of these men what they deserved.

I just wish there was more detail on their father leaving and her descent into madness/obsession. It really feels like it happens overnight! I also wish there was more going on in the end. It was wrapped up so quickly and perfectly, which left me raising my eyebrows.

Overall, I had a good time reading this book and look forward to reading more from Monika Kim! I definitely recommend if you’re looking for an unhinged or weird girl revenge story. 4 stars :-)

Thank you to Erewhon books and Netgalley for the ARC!

If you like slow descents into madness and women revenge stories, this one is for you. It gets weirder and weirder as it goes on but you can image the level of horror from the title and cover alone.

This digital ARC was provided by Netgallery

I liked the book & managed to read it fast. It reminded me of The Vegetarian. The ending felt somehow flat. Idk what I was expecting.

Not really scary/gore-y.

Overall a fun read :)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. The Eyes Are the Best Part follows
Ji-won, a college student who’s live drastically changes. She is introduced to her mother’s new boyfriend, who is not a great guy. This leads to a plot of revenge. I always enjoy a good revenge plot, so I liked that aspect of the book. I do feel like it was a bit of a slow burn up until about 65%. I had a tough time getting into the book and considered not finishing it. Once I got into the part where Ji-won becomes a serial killer, that’s where it became interesting. I found myself routing for her, while being disgusted by her actions.

I heard so much about this book that maybe my expectations were too high. I was bound to be let down. Overall, I like the themes. I just felt that most of the time it plodded along until it just walked you over the head with one of them....and then it started plodding along again. It took far too long to read for such a short book. There was a lot of down time and almost no subtlety. Not a terrible book. Not one I want to revisit.

💥💥 Book Review. 💥💥

The Eyes Are The Best Part
By Monika Kim

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had me saying, What did she just eat??? This story of Ji-who was very compelling on how she showed the struggles and maintaining composure in a very chaotic time in her life. Monika Kim inserts psychological horror into her squeamish narratives. I love how you can find the rubric tag throughout the novel. This book is a great and considerable undertaking. If you want to feel something gelatinous and mushy, read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Erewhonbooks for providing me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic! Ji-won is my favorite type of character. I loved getting to know her and her descent into what she becomes. Ji-won was a fascinating unreliable narrator.
This book actually grossed me out, but I am squeamish when it comes to eye stuff. It's like the one thing that will get me everytime. I love to push my boundaries and I am so happy I did because this book is a great read. The characters are well-developed and interesting. The storyline is intriguing and the execution of reading about Ji-won becoming more and more unhinged was done well.

The Eyes Are The Best Part is a feminist psychological thriller that follows 18 year old Jiwon, who is going through it all. Her father decides abandon the family one day, leaving Jiwon to deal with her grieving younger sister and her mother. Her mother soon hurtles into a relationship with George - a white guy with a filthy fetish for Asian chicks 🤢 As the emotional trauma builds, Jiwon soon develops an insatiable appetite for eyeballs, specifically blue ones.

This book made me squirm. It was disgustingly good and I flew through the pages so quick. The novel is pretty fast-paced, and the older-child of-an-immigrant-family syndrome is REAL in this one. 

I particularly enjoyed the themes of familial roles, loneliness and grief. The central themes weaved together perfectly as made evident by the relationships forged by the protagonist, which gave another layer of depth to the plot. I like that the stigma of remarrying in Asian culture played a big part in antagonising George, and made his western mindset seem almost undeserving of the love and attention rendered by Jiwon's mother.

However, the one thing that fell short of my expectations was how Jiwon's almost love interest quickly becomes an antagonist after one short conversation. I felt that the shift was pretty abrupt and made the climax and ending almost too convenient.

Overall, this book was a pretty good read and relatively easy to get through. If you're into sickly body horror and psycho-thrillers, You're gonna want to read this when it hits the shelves on 25 June! 👀

Thank you NetGalley and Erewhon Books for providing this eBook in exchange for an honest review.