I can remember watching The Exorcist with my dad one afternoon when I was nine. It scared the living freak out of me, even though I played it cool (while hiding in the crook of his massive arm). But even though it terrified me, that story has always stuck with me. While it is not the same as the original 1973 Exorcist, starring Linda Blair, Grady Hendrix’s My Best Friend’s Exorcism is one of those books that transfixes readers. It grabs hold of them (perhaps like the demon who takes over Gretchen’s body?) and refuses to let you set it down until you are finished. (Or is it finished with you?) Full of fun, 80’s nostalgia and a compelling narrative about female relationships, My Best Friend’s Exorcism is the perfect summer read for those who want to laugh and scream at the same time.
Campy, 80’s Awesomeness
Reading My Best Friend’s Exoricism felt a little bit like watching Cabin in the Woods, which is a campy, self-aware narrative that pokes fun at the horror genre in many delightful ways. What I loved about this book, was that not only was it fast-paced, but it also set a light-hearted tone for readers with 80’s song titles as chapter titles. Setting the story in the 80’s made it seem like one of those old, slightly goofy 80’s horror movies, which I loved. And can we just talk about that gorgeous, VHS reminiscent cover that Quirk Books has going on? It’s delightful.
A Clever Framework
I’m always a sucker for anything that harkens back to the 80’s, but what really possessed me to keep on reading was the compelling narrative about female relationships that Hendrix situates within his campy, 80’s horror story. On the outside, it’s a story about a girl who gets possessed by a demon and does a lot of very gross, disturbing stuff to her best friends and her family. On another level, Hendrix touches on issues of sexual assault and male aggression without ever dropping a (delightful 80’s beat). I loved that the plot hinged on girlfriends standing up for each other despite the horrific events that happen. Even though demonic possession is (hopefully?!?) in the realm of fiction, the heartbeat of this narrative felt authentic.
Whether or not you love to be freaked out, this spooky book has good bones and a terrifically fast-paced plot. Read this book; you won’t regret it the way Gretchen regrets running off into the woods…
The Novel Shrink 