Reviews

THE EYES ARE THE BEST PART: A Novel by Monika Kim

j0die_stevens's review

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dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

arrykin's review

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dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

vinomanscott930's review

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3.0

Good story, poor execution. Too much time spent on worthless parts of story. Ending was OK. Part of it I saw coming. Decent, but not great read.

lsan999's review

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dark fast-paced

4.0

beastreader's review

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5.0

I was first drawn to this book by the cover. I had to read it. It did not disappoint. I was hooked and the slow development of Ji-won from daughter to ki!!er was really good. Yet, it was not just about her killing, there was a deeper meaning behind the ki!!ings. To be I thought that the reason Ji-won was attracted to "eyes" is because they are the windows to the soul.

I don't blame Ji-won for her resentment towards her mother, Umma new man, George. George is despicable, crude towards Ji-won and her sister, Ji-hyun and other cultures. Every time that he opened his mouth I wanted to st@b him with a fork. The way that he did not even want to take the time to learn how to properly pronounce Ji-won and Ji-hyun but call them JW and JH had me seeing red. As an Asian myself, this really pissed me off.

Let's just say that it almost was like I could hear the squish and taste the saltiness of the "eyes. This is how great the author was at writing this story. Giving my really good, descriptions to conjure visual and sensory images. This book needs to be on your must-read list for 2024!

lexaprose_'s review

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5.0

This is a "good for her" body horror masterpiece. 

The story rages against the patriarchy, white saviorism, performative activism, and Asian fetishization. 

This novel brought out the same fiery passion in me that I experienced while reading Slewfoot.

Some of the themes present in the story reminded me of Chanel Miller's Know My Name. I wish Ji-Won had been around during Chanel's experience. 

An impressive debut from an author who is destined for success; palja be damned. 

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this ARC. I screamed when I saw I was approved for this one!! 

rilakkumas's review

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4.0

thank you netgalley for the opportunity to receive the advanced reader copy for this book.

i really enjoyed this book and how it explores sexism, colonialism and racism through the eyes of jiwon. jiwon's thought pattern and internal struggles reflect the problems of what it means to be a korean woman surrounded by white men mainly.

it was a bit of a slow start for me but once i got hooked, it went fast paced. seeing jiwon's breakdown and continued delusions was captivating. at the end i cheered jiwon on in her destruction of men who took control of her and her familys lives.

i can't wait to buy the physical copy when this comes out.

colorfulleo92's review

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5.0

Got this arc for review on netgally. When I saw the cover and blurb I was instantly intruiged and wanted to read it. Its unhinged and brilliant, loved reading about the family and the ending chapters have to be my favorite of the year.

katieellis7's review

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dark

4.0

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