What can I say about this book? I hope you don't like to snack while you read!! :)

The Eyes Are the Best Part is a horror book worth devouring. A tantalizing, juicy little horror story about Ji-won and the instability within her family. Her father left. Her mother is devastated. Yet she one day has a new boyfriend, and Ji-won and her sister do NOT approve.

There's a twist at the end that I literally gasped at. Totally binge-worthy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for this arc in return for my honest review.

Pub Date: 25 June 2024

Actual Rating 3.5

Well. I’ve never read anything quite like this before. The work starts off slowly, allowing us to get situated in Ji-won’s life and her family. Things slowly begin to unravel as we follow Ji-won’s personal struggles relating to friendships, college, her relationship with her mother and sister, and her insomnia. I do love a good psychological unraveling, and I felt like the author did a good job incorporating that aspect into this book.

The characters were okay. They mostly felt somewhat one-dimensional and more like caricatures than real people. This wasn’t the case for all of them (specifically Alexis and Ji-won), but it was for most, especially the antagonists. However, they were written well enough to not detract majorly from the experience. Part of what contributed to the simplistic/caricature-like feeling was that the author spelled out the messages/themes very plainly without any subtlety; I think a more subtle approach would have been much better for this genre.

This book isn’t a scary horror, it’s a graphic and disgusting horror. There are some scenes in this one that are not for the faint of heart. I literally started squinting and squirming while reading those scenes and had to skim, which I guess speaks to the author’s ability to write immersive and descriptive moments. Aside from those few disgusting parts, I wouldn’t really classify this as a work of horror, which was a little disappointing.

If you’re interested in a psychological suspense with some disgusting moments, then you’ll want to read this. This was a strong debut work, and I’ll certainly read more from this author. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

As someone who is really grossed out by eyes I thought this book would be too much for me but I'm so glad I gave it a chance. It was absolutely fantastic! I'm so impressed that this is Monika Kim’s debut novel.
I've been very into "good for her” books and movies lately, and I'll forever be rooting for Ji-won.
The gore is top notch disgusting- I literally gagged and had to put the book down a few times, yet finished in two days. The sense of dread built up slowly and steadily. But this book also had a lot to say and Ji-won’s experience is one of the best examples of intersectionality I've ever read.

I'd highly recommend to fans of body horror, feminine rage, and poc/immigrant experience stories.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC
4.5 stars i can't describe what exactly was so good about this i don't think it will be for everyone especially as there's not a lot of action in the first half but something about the writing and Ji-won's story kept me heavily invested. highly recommend if you want a feminist revenge story and you're not squeamish about eye gore because there's a lot

I really enjoyed this book, this is def a body horror thriller. Will defiantly recommend this book for horror/thriller lovers.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc!

This book is the definition of "I support women's rights, but I also support women's wrongs" This book did a great job at mixing the real life horrors of misogyny & racism and having really great commentary while working alongside a really thrilling and horrifying plot which included really gross scenes with eyeballs. I'm a seasoned horror reader/watcher, so most scenes that are supposed to be gross don't tend to bother me, however there were a few scenes in this book that left me feeling a bit squeamish. I also really loved how this book ended. Watching it unfold and realizing what was happening was really entertaining.

5 stars

If you like books about unhinged women who have had enough with racist White men who fetishize Asian women, then this book is for you. Ji-won's father has recently left the family and it has destroyed her mother. Ji-won and her sister, Ji-hyun, see their mother crumbling and slowly falling into the conservative conspiracy rabbit hole. One day, she tells her daughters that she read a study that Korean men are the worst daters and White men are the best. Not long after, Ji-won's mother comes home with news that she's dating a White man. George is terrible. He fetishized every Asian woman he came into contact with, leered at underage children, was a conservative freak, and misogynistic. I don't blame Ji-won for becoming obsessed with his blue eyes and wanting to eat them. This is a well-done extreme horror debut that tackles themes of racism, reality, generational trauma, and despair. I appreciated how well Ji-won was characterized. I would go several chapters rooting for her and then a major plot point about her personality would be revealed and I would be shocked. It's giving Maeve Fly, but not as deranged and cruel. Definitely cruel, but sometimes justified. I honestly hope there is a sequel.

Ji-won is thrown into a life of chaos when her Appa abandons Umma for another woman, shattering the family. It's up to Ji-won now to make sure her younger sister, Ji-hyun, and Umma are well taken care of, while maintaining her college grades too — but heartbroken Umma latches herself quickly to another man, George.

In a downward spiral, Ji-won struggles to grapple with reality and is often overwhelmed. Instead of focusing on college, she instead starts salivating over a pair of blue eyes, George's. The same blue eyes that invade her space and peace of mind, the same that ogle other Asian women while he's out on a date with Umma. Ji-won's dreams and hallucinations start taking over her mind in the real world, and soon enough she finds a tangible need to satiate her strange desires. I've always loved body horror manifesting as a result of messed up family dynamics, and these two aspects are constantly intertwined throughout the books. The very systems that marginalized groups abide by to achieve the American Dream, are actively harmful, as Ji-won and her family are expected to be submissive, tolerate fetishization and microaggressions, all the while sticking to patriarchal values that both pervade in the Western world and Korean culture. It's also interesting to see allies like Ji-won's friend, Geoffrey, perform in order to get brownie points, only to disguise his same bigoted views as pretentious allyship.

Monica Kim is very heavy-handed in exemplifying these points; we're entrenched in her thoughts that frequently turn into a polemic to remind us of her Asian American struggles. While I adore the way body horror seeps into Ji-won's mind as well as the themes that are conveyed through the book, I do wish that there was more subtlety. I think at some points it felt a bit ranty, and the themes are spelled out too much as if to make sure that the audience understands what Ji-won is going through. Based on the horror aspects, it's clear that Monica Kim is super talented in showcasing the dilemma caused by Ji-won's family dynamics that are emblematic of a much bigger societal issue. But unfortunately, the more drama/literary elements fall short for me. It's a shame that a lot of the horror parts also take place in Ji-won's head, leaving certain action scenes that happen underwhelming.

This is overall an entertaining and fun read with the kind of gore and motifs I look for in horror and I appreciate the grisly combo of food that's supposed to be like comfort food in a way, turned into an obsession that haunts Ji-won. It just slightly missed the mark for me personally as it's too on the nose. Thank you NetGalley and Erewhon Books for the eARC, all opinions are my own.

This book creeps into you and doesnt let go. Ji-won is such a compelling main character and the narrative is very strong. Initially, I thought it was a little slow but I just needed to trust the process. Will be reading more of Kim's work.

It's been awhile since any book has given me the 'squick' factor, where I've had to pause before continuing to read, but The Eyes Are the Best Part certainly delivered that. Don't get me wrong -- I mean that as a compliment. It's refreshing to read something that surprised and generated such a visceral reaction. The rage author Monika Kim imbues in her protagonist is palpable.

Phenomenal work! Completely addictive. Highly recommend and will be purchasing for my libraries. Can't wait to read what comes next!

Euuuugh this made me feel so slimy! Ji-won's slow spiral from tightly-wound, uber-responsible daughter to serial killing eyeball cannibal is weirdly relatable and far, far too detailed for comfort. We watch Ji-won's grip on sanity slip while juggling her mother's willful blindness to her racist and objectifying boyfriend, her hyper-cognizant little sister watching everything, and the friend who, well, may or may not be a friend. And then that ending!!!!! Hooo, that was a ride.

Thanks to NetGallley, the author, and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

bro wasn’t lying when she said the eyes are the best she tried and tested it
read it if you like
- unhinged women,
- books with female rage,
- revenge, gory details

I started this book thinking it would be a quirky litfic about a child going through hard times and finding herself. Man was I wrong!

The story begins with Ji-won, a Korean-American, who has a disturbing life at home, her father has left the family and Ji-won being the eldest daughter now feels responsible for her mother and younger sister. Things are already shaky for the family until Ji-won's mother introduces the girls to her boyfriend -- a white guy who has a thing for oriental women, and no, age is not a concern for him. Ji-won and her younger sister feel objectified and unsafe in their home. Outside her home, Ji-won has to go through her day listening to racist remarks as well.

Understandably, Ji-won is angry, she is in a rage, but she also feels helpless, she can't help herself, she can't save her mother or sister from the man in their house. So the story takes a turn as Ji-won finds a very unconventional way of taking her revenge on the world.

The story is full of slow-burn horrors, eyeball obsession, has you on the edge of your seat, will making you feel bad for the main character, but also disagree with her actions, and then root for her safety as well.

I didn't love the characters or their actions, but it was a thrilling horror and an amazing debut by the author!

Check trigger warnings before you read it and come with a strong stomach!

THE EYES ARE THE BEST PART by Monika Kim

Genres: Thriller, Contemporary, Crime

I don’t even know where to start trying to explain my thoughts about this book. It’s classified as a horror, but in my opinion it’s really not. Horrible, yes. Horror? No. And with “horrible” I actually mean what the protagonist did was despicable. She’s despicable, period. To be honest, all the male characters in this novel is despicable, but I think that’s intentional.

When I saw the cover for this book, I was incredibly excited to read it. The title also had me very curious. Let’s face it: the book cover and title is awesome.

There’s a lot to unpack here, but what it boils down to for me is that I was confused as heck throughout the entire story. What is Ji-won’s motivation for eating eyes? Why blue eyes specifically? This is never explained, and that was the one question I kept asking while reading; the one to which I needed an answer.

I could understand Ji-won’s anger and resentment towards her father for leaving them. How that turned her into a serial killer obsessed with eating blue eyes? No idea.

The other big thing was that I felt disconnected from the characters as well as the plot. None of these characters are remarkable in any way. It felt as though I was reading this entire book with a frown on my face. I couldn’t figure out, for the life of me, what was going on with this girl. Don’t even get me started on the relentless dream sequences. There are way too many of those in this book.

It wasn’t all bad though. The parts I did enjoy were the ones in which Ji-won takes revenge on those who she considers wronged her or her family. At the same time, I couldn’t understand why she was being horrible to her friends. It is explained, but I wasn’t convinced. I hate saying bad things about a book, but this is honestly the best I can say about it – that the chapters about revenge were the only enjoyable parts in this story.

My first thought after I read the final sentence at the end was “huh”. This story is just weird. I mean, I’ve read some disturbing things in my time and this is nowhere close to being the worst of it, but man, this book is just…well, weird.

I think bookclubs will have a marvellous time trying to figure out the main character.

Trigger warnings are given at the start of the story so readers who are sensitive to certain themes will know what to expect. The writing isn’t great, but this author has potential and I’m actually curious to see what she’ll write next.

2.5 Stars from me.

Speaking directly to the author here: I loved this book, but I do think you ruined trying fish eyes(and hopefully all other kinds mentioned in the story) for me forever.

It’s stories like this that are why I read horror. It’s not just a mindless gore fest. It explores real issues while also giving you a slow build psychological horror.

Only read if you want a good story that will anger you, disgust you, and might get you some questions for reading in public.

After she tries a lucky fish eye for the first time, Ji-won begins having disturbing yet intriguing dreams full of eyeballs. Her waking life is stressful, and her dreams provide a satisfying escape. Her father had an affair and left her mother. Her mother has started dating a horrible, white man. Her sister is distraught. Ji-won’s grades at college are suffering.When people start dying, Jo-won gives into her urges, and now she wants more.

I devoured this book in enjoyment comparable to Ji-won’s pleasure at eyeball eating. I got invested quickly, and honestly, was rooting for Ji-won against these lackluster men.

The character arc is fascinating, and the supporting characters are well developed. There are a couple of twists and turns that help with plot propulsion and tension. All around, solid horror.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Selling Pitch:
Do you want a repetitive and lazily written revenge thriller about snacking on eyeballs?

On my do not read list.

Pre-reading:
What a cover. I know nothing about the plot, but I’ve heard it’s v gory.

Thick of it:
Men ain’t shit.

Oh no. Is the feast dad? (Not yet.)

That’s a lot of emotional abuse.

It’s giving nice guy™.

Tbh bored. Not into the writing style.

Oh god, ew

Not to be completely tone-deaf deaf, but I am now craving Chinese food.

Filial piety can get fucked. Respect is earned not given.

Toothpaste ice cream

Blue eyes like the cover.

EW.

Did she just hallucinate and murder someone?

I love tomato season, but I am so grossed out.

I wildly dislike Geoffrey.

Lesbians?

Oh, real shocker that Geoffrey doesn’t like other women. Man, fuck that guy.

Ew

Everything is blue 🎶

I’m boreddddd

This reads like YA.

How does that not come up with like racist search results or the evil eye, you know?

Listen, I am never team Geoffrey, but I’m gonna need the book to explain to me why it’s rude to get her chopsticks. Is it just because it’s so impersonal to her likes and interests? From a practicality standpoint, it would be a good gift. Here’s something you can use every day. That’d be sweet if the gift giver wasn’t such an asshat.

This book is so fake woke and preachy.

Yeah, and if you do that, then he’ll murder you.

This isn’t a good for her. Like she’s just sinking to his level.

Gaslight Gatekeep Girlboss.

You’re not like other girls sin

I am exactly like other girls. Other girls are the best.

I feel like Geoffrey or her sister has to be following her. (Yup.)

It’s a little American Psycho with the is it real or is it all in her head? But like it’s so lame.

I fully just gagged. Granted, I’m eating while reading this like an idiot, but I did just gag.

She’s gonna be full of some nasty infections.

Hey Google, can you get pink eye on your tongue?

The gore descriptions are very repetitive.

It’s always cat dudes.

Prophetic dreams are such lazy writing.

If you’re so good at technology, can’t you just look up the history of the file?

I’m so checked out from this book.

This isn’t how the police work. This is so frustrating.

Post-reading:
What an absolute dud.

Here’s your disclaimer: I am never a good for her girly. I am firmly in the cool motive, still murder camp. The book reads like a jaded revenge fantasy because all men are just inherently evil. And that’s fucking lazy. For an unhinged protagonist and narrative to succeed for me, it’s gotta be coupled with biting social commentary. It needs to at least dip its toe into satire territory. It’s gotta have that nuance.

This doesn’t. I’d argue that aside from the repetitive body horror, this reads YA. It’s hard to pin down an age for the characters. The three family members read exactly the same. They have the same voice. The gore made me gag at one point, but it really loses any brownie points when you continue to describe the horror the exact same way with the exact same phrases.

The plot is simultaneously meandering and godawfully predictable. You’ve read or watched this plot before. It’s not doing anything new.

And the messaging is shit. It infantilizes and victimizes her mother and absolves her of any guilt. She’s a grown woman who’s a massive emotional manipulator. She’s not innocent here. Our main character sucks. She’s incredibly unlikable and unsympathetic.

The book is plotholey when it comes to police investigations and basic security footage. It’s tone-deaf when it comes to rape culture commentary. The solution is not to become a predator in the exact same way that men are. The solution is not to gaslight and frame people for crimes they didn’t commit.

Nothing about this book worked for me, and I don’t think you should pick it up.

Who should read this:
No one
Revenge thriller fans

Do I want to reread this:
Nope. Wouldn’t pick up the author again either.

Similar books:
* The Fetishist by Katherine Min-revenge thriller, examination of the fetishization of Asian women
* How to Kill a Guy in Ten Ways by Eve Kellman-poorly written revenge thriller
* Man’s Best Friend by Alana B. Lytle-poorly written revenge thriller, gaslighting
* The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh-poorly written revenge thriller, gaslighting
* The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden-poorly written revenge thriller, gaslighting
* None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell-poorly written revenge thriller, gaslighting
* The Maid’s Diary by Loreth Anne White-poorly written revenge thriller, gaslighting
* No One Knows Us Here by Rebecca Kelley-poorly written revenge thriller, gaslighting
* A Tidy Ending by Joanna Cannon-poorly written revenge thriller, gaslighting
* American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis-only in that it’s also psychological horror

While many have called this a "female American Psycho", I think both books lose some complexity in calling this that - it's it's own book, a harrowing, weird fever dream that's not as scary as it is surprising and tender in equal parts. The ending came too fast!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Overall I enjoyed this propulsive “good for her” story and was captivated from start to finish. I appreciated how the author highlighted themes of cultural appropriation, misogyny, and performative activism as well as Asian fetishization. I also loved the final twist. I also felt that the body horror was very well done and uncomfortably visceral. The reasons I didn’t give this one five stars were:

1.) The writing was very basic in my opinion and not very “quotable” which is something I look for in 5 star books. However, this did make it easier to follow and quicker to fly through so this could be a positive for a lot of people.

2.) There were a couple of tiny details that weren’t explained & some very minor plot holes that weren’t tied up.

Other than that, I loved this book and would still recommend it if you have been “eyeballing” it 😜. Thank you to @netgalley and @erewhonbooks for the eGalley!

CW: “Mukduk”/unaliving, c@nnibalism, violence

SYNOPSIS:

Ji-won’s life tumbles into disarray in the wake of her Appa’s extramarital affair and subsequent departure. Her mother, distraught. Her younger sister, hurt and confused. Her college freshman grades, failing. Her dreams, horrifying… yet enticing.

In them, Ji-won walks through bloody rooms full of eyes. Succulent blue eyes. Salivatingly blue eyes. Eyes the same shape and shade as George’s, who is Umma’s obnoxious new boyfriend. George has already overstayed his welcome in her family’s claustrophobic apartment. He brags about his puffed-up consulting job, ogles Asian waitresses while dining out, and acts condescending toward Ji-won and her sister as if he deserves all of Umma’s fawning adoration. No, George doesn’t deserve anything from her family. Ji-won will make sure of that.

For no matter how many victims accumulate around her campus or how many people she must deceive and manipulate, Ji-won’s hunger and her rage deserve to be sated.

I really enjoyed this book. I'm a big fan of books that discuss the creepy, weird, and abnormal, and this book covered all of these bases. The complexity of Ji-won left me devouring every second of this book.

Thank you for giving me this copy!!