A review by starry
My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

dark emotional funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was the first horror novel I've ever read, and it was the perfect introduction into the genre for me. Abby and Gretchen's story hooked me from page one, and Hendrix expertly entwined the supernatural horrors of demonic possession with the everyday horrors of being a teenage girl. This was truly a page-turner, as Abby's tone is so thoroughly teen-y and unserious that even in the face of emotional bombshells, she moves on rather quickly, keeping readers with her. The horror elements in this book were definitely scary, but there was less horror than I'd been expecting. Instead, there are stunning, terrifying experiences inlaid in an otherwise very typical coming-of-age story set in the '80s. Hendrix's portrayal of female friendship felt so authentic; the girlhood in this book was palpable. I'll definitely be picking up his other books in the future. 
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