› Ji-won's Umma (mother) explains to her daughters that eating the eyes of a fish will bring good luck. The trio have an awkward relationship, strained after Ji-won's father abandoned them. The first part of The Eyes Are the Best Part felt like a domestic drama about her mother's depression, Ji-won's struggle during her first year of college, and her changing relationship with her fifteen-year-old sister. After a falling out with her high school friends, Ji-won is happy to meet Geoffrey and Alexis at college. One day, Ji-won's mother brings home her new boyfriend George. He's an obnoxious white man who is racist, sexist, and has a fetish for Asian women. Ji-won starts having terrifying nightmares about eyeballs and can't stop thinking about George's beautiful blue eyes...and how much she wants to eat them. 👀 Ji-won slowly loses her mind while navigating new friendships, trying to keep her family together, and fighting violent urges.
› It was interesting to learn more about another culture and I could relate to the fish-eyeball eating, as I saw many people do that while growing up in Newfoundland & Labrador. The story mentions "the four pillars of destiny" which is a Chinese astrological practice. Googling it sent me down a rabbit hole.

› Ji-won is a well-developed character. Some of the other characters felt a little cookie-cutter, but I didn't care - I felt invested in all of their relationships. The tension builds steadily and we get excellent descriptions of setting and mood. I love a horror novel that has high-quality writing and authentic dialogue. The pace was perfect for me. I didn't want to put it down. There are gross scenes, but they don't go on forever. The ending felt a little rushed, however, overall I had a great time reading The Eyes Are the Best Part.

› The Eyes Are the Best Part tackles Asian hate crime, racism, and stereotypes. It talks about dysfunctional families, infidelity, and abandonment. It talks about toxic relationships and gaslighting. It talks about stress and mental illness.
APPEAL FACTORS
Storyline: character-driven, intricately plotted, issue-oriented, own voices, unconventional
Pace: engrossing
Tone: angsty, high-drama, suspenseful, thought-provoking, dark, mysterious, gruesome, violent
Writing Style: well-crafted dialogue, candid, compelling, engaging, gritty
Character: authentic, awkward, brooding, complex, flawed, unlikeable, well-developed, diverse

Read Alikes:
Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
My sister, the serial killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang
› Final Thoughts
• The Eyes Are the Best Part is an unhinged and disturbing literary horror novel about racism, an unhappy family, and revenge that left me wanting seconds. It's one of the best fiction books I've read this year and one of my favourite horror novels. It reminded me of the TV show Dexter. I recommend this to fans of horror who don't mind some gore. Kim has said she's working on another feminist horror novel with the working title Molka (a Korean term for illegal spy cameras that video women). One of her all-time favourite books is Hunger by Lan Samantha Chang. She also enjoys horror authors Shirley Jackson, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Tananarive Due, Christopher Golden, Sayaka Murata, and Bora Chung.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Eyes Are the Best Part is challenging and gruesome, but also empowering and energizing. Following Ji-won on her journey to legitimate freedom was a treat. We meet Ji-won during a downturn in her life. Struggling in her freshman year of college, struggling to be the strength her family needs after being randomly left one day by her father, struggling with her mother's constant need to be taken care of. When her mother brings home white man George one day, things start getting worse. His treatment of Ji-won, her sister, and her mother is acceptable on the surface, but if you look too long, all the problems become obvious. He stares too long at her underage sister. He insists he knows everything about a culture he isn't a part of. His yellow fever becomes apparent and his misogyny even more so. As George hangs around more, Ji-won notices some changes of her own. She gets a hunger that only human eyes will satiate. Thus begins Ji-won's journey of freeing herself and her family from George and the other men in her life who have tried to control her and let her down.

First of all, I have never routed for anyone like I routed for Ji-won, even while she was scarfing down those eyes of those random people. She was so clever, and every time she thought one step ahead of those dudes and out smarted them, I cheered.

Warning though, this book is full of graphic, beautifully written body horror. I cringed multiple times. Those scenes were visceral and well described, but I think that's what made the book so good.

My only complaint is that I thought the brain tumor at the end was a cop out. Then, when it wasn't, I thought it was clever. Then, I was annoyed because why write it in at all? It actually just confused me at that point, like, was I supposed to be reading more into the hospital scenes then I was? I wish it would have just been left out and been made clear that this is just who Ji-won was. No fake out needed.

Overall, this was a really clever, well-written, entertaining body horro feminist read and I look forward to reading more from this author!

Ji-won's life is ripping apart at the seams one blue-eyed eyeball at a time.
The title could not be more fitting for Monika Kim's debut novel "The Eyes Are the Best Part."
It is a character-driven horror novel about a young college woman's intense fixation on the consumption of blue eyes. For anyone who is squeamish, beware; there are vivid depictions of human eyeballs.

Although the pacing of the novel is slow, Kim does a wonderful job at building tension and grabbing the reader's attention. I personally could not stop reading once I got started.

Apart from the main plot, Kim explores themes of racism, misogyny and the fetishization of Asian women. She depicts these themes through the actions of some of the characters in the novel. These scenes will make you angry and at times make your skin crawl until Ji-won takes her revenge. Please note although there are some graphic scenes I did not find any of them to be gratuitous.

I really enjoyed The Eyes Are the Best Part and I can't wait to see what Monika Kim does next.

Content Warnings: Consumption of human eyeballs, fetishization of Asian women

Publication date June 25th

Thank you to Kensington books and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of this book.

what starts out as a contemporary drama about a korean-american family quickly spirals into one of the more unhinged thrillers i've read. college student ji-won is repulsed by her mom's racist new boyfriend, but he also ignites within her an intense craving to eat his beautiful blue eyeballs. she's just completely unraveling and the descriptions are disgusting and the whole storyline is weird, but i ate it up (ironically). i loved how layered it was, with a lot of social commentary on the racism experienced by asian women, as well as the heaviness of loneliness that was weighing down on all the characters. quick-paced, with the help of short chapters, and a main character to really root for in spite of it all.

This was a letdown.

I was entirely underwhelmed by the first 70ish % of this book. It did ramp up in the last 30%, but that still didn't save it for me overall.

I found this book pretty repetitive and only mildly entertaining. I understand what the author was trying to say and convey, however I just think it fell flat. I did not hate the book at all, I just wish it had been more horrific and overtly disgusting rather than a racial and social commentary. NOT SAYING THOSE ARE UNIMPORTANT ISSUES TO WRITE ABOUT, I am only saying that in accordance with the way this book is being pitched.

This was an incredible read made to be devoured in one sitting. There were multiple times I gagged at the descriptive imagery of body horror. Amongst the gore, there are multiple levels of horror-entwined social commentary. Kim builds a sense of dread with each progressing chapter, toeing the line between unlikeable female character and “Good for her”. This will be a hit for fans of unhinged femme rage, as well as “descent into madness” lovers.

I will add my Instagram review when i post it on release day

When her father abandons her family and her mother brings home a new man... one girl will begin to spiral and her appetite grows... and her need so does her body count. Ji-Won's entire life implodes when her father leaves their family because he has met a new woman. Her mother is fragile and begins to spiral and Ji-Won must look after her younger sister as well. Ji-won is dealing with failing college grades as well.... and something awakens in her after her mother has her eat a fish eye... as it is said to bring luck... yet Ji-Won has begun to develop a darker craving... human eye balls. Ji-Won soon begins to be plagued by darker urges and dreams, and her spiral isn't helped by the fact that her mother has latched onto a new boyfriend, a boyfriend that has suddenly moved in, has eyes on both Ji-Won and her sister, and is disgusting. Ji-Won knows that she'll have to protect her family while also dealing with her growing hunger for eyes... and when opportunities present themselves and her urges take control... soon the body count around her campus begins to grow. Ji-Won knows she'll have to find a way to cover her tracks but a certain classsmate is fixated on her... and now she has two men she'll have to deal with that put her life at risk. Can she figure out a way to reclaim control while also satiating her new hunger? Oh I love a coming of age girl spiral, I loved the horror and descent into the darker craves that was told in this. I had a fantastic time reading this and it definitely gave me RAW (french horror film) vibes and I had such a fun time reading it. Ji-Won was such an interesting character to read and the horror in this was fantastic! I would absolutely recommend this for anyone who enjoys a coming of age horror story.

Release Date: June 25,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Kensington Books | Erewhon Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Weird fiction with unhinged, feminine rage will ALWAYS be my jam.

The Eyes Are the Best Part follows Ji-won, a college aged Korean American girl who has experienced significant life changes, including her parents separating, a new (gross) man in her mom's life and a falling out with her close friends.
When she begins to obsess and thirst over eyes, the same eyes as her mom's new boyfriend, we see her grip on reality weaken, we get glimpses of her past, and her increasingly fragile psyche.

I thought this was such a wonderfully written and thrilling novel. I was hooked and finished it in 2 sittings. Jaw was on the floor for pretty much the last 20% of the book. Monika Kim does an amazing job writing a female character that many can relate to. (burnt out gifted kids who are also eldest daughters, who think the weight of their family's future is on their shoulders say "heyyyy")

An amazing commentary on the Asian American women and how society, specifically men view and place stereotypes on them.

With amazing descriptive detail and a female character you maybe shouldn't be rooting for, (but you are), The Eyes Are the Best Part is a fantastic novel that will stick with you long past its shocking finale.

Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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!