Reviews with content warning for Dysphoria - My Best Friend's Exorcism

Very meh. Not as good as I had hoped since I generally liked The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires. There were a few issues that gave racism for no real reason. And the idea of a guy writing about young girls, especially young girls in a semi-sexual-esque traumatizing way, doesn't sit super well with me. This doesn't deserve the hype. It started out semi promising, then it got pretty slow, then it picked up and was a let down.

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honeywine's review

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adventurous dark sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Loved this book, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

The story trucked along and was somewhere between medium and fast paced. There weren’t many lulls throughout the book which made it an easy read to get lost in.

Great demonic possession story.

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swannyreads's review

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dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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fallandfox's review

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

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ashleyvharris's review

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dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Grady Hendrix never misses. I decided to pick up My Best Friend’s Exorcism after reading Horrorstör which I loved. Thank God I did because this is a new favorite.

This balanced novel isn’t just about turning readers stomachs or referencing Phil Collins. The writer brings levity to grotesque, horrific moments by weaving every chapter with an underlying theme of friendship and love. But he’s not one to disillusion an audience. Nothing is perfect and, aside from demonic possession, the main characters still struggle and disagree.

When it comes to themes of friendship, Hendrix brilliantly displays how our lives and friendship change and evolve with time. The older we get, the more this picture changes. Instead of pretending that those fluctuations never occur just for the sake of the plot, Hendrix portrays these moments honestly and compassionately.

Hendrix’s writing manages to be descriptive and informative while still packing the haunting tension a good horror book needs. Every detail and scene, no matter the weight, feels engaging. Whether it’s describing the curiosities and fads of the 1980’s or setting the scene of a stomach-turning cadaver lab, Hendrix nails the vibe.

Speaking of the 80’s, a highlight of this book is by and far the nostalgia. It’s like jumping into the DeLorean and being transported back to the time of big hair and bigger personality. TV shows, clothing, cars, beauty products and more. Hendrix also deftly employs the names of popular 80’s tunes as chapter titles.

I would highly recommend this to any horror fans or 80’s connoisseurs. But let’s be honest, it’s a great read that almost everyone will enjoy (weak stomachs need not apply).

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