THE EYES ARE THE BEST PART by Monika Kim

The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At the beginning of this week, I started reading a book but couldn't get into it, so I decided to pick this up... and was hooked instantly.

When Ji-won’s father leaves, her family starts to fall apart. Umma is depressed, Ji-hyun is scared, and she wants to protect her mother and sister. Then George enters the picture. A shitty man who sweeps Umma off her feet, but is obviously hiding things. If only he didn't have such pretty blue eyes...

Bizarre. Surreal. Addictive. Gross.

What a trip this story turned out to be! Ji-won's voice is strong and takes the reader deep into a seriously dark and creepy psychological story. At times, it feels like a fever dream that made me wonder if the things she narrated were actually happening in real time.

There's also a real sense of family shown via the crumbling pieces of what is going on in her life. Situations that affect her studies and personality. I especially love how many times she blindsides the reader with glimpses of terrible traits, as well as some strange surprises that put her motivations into perspective.

Not to mention how the story deals with everyday racism and sexism. Plus white savior complex.

I also love the ending! Those final chapters are so well written and unravel at a great pace. There are also a few twists and a malicious, but very satisfying, ending.

Enjoyed the hell out of this one! 👀


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