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

dark funny tense medium-paced
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

“For Abby, "friend" is a word whose sharp corners have been worn smooth by overuse. "I'm friends with the guys in IT," she might say, or "I'm meeting some friends after work."

But she remembers when the word "friend" could draw blood."


As can be expected from the cover and description, My Best Friend's Exorcism is a pulpy 80's horror film in book form; fun, cheesy, and with a healthy dose of horror. As someone who is not American and was not alive during the 80's, the heavy reliance on American-centric 80's nostalgia didn't really do anything for me— nevertheless, it was a fun way to explore the moral panic around Satanism. It is important to note that the rampant misogyny of the 80’s make for difficult to read instances of victim blaming and rape apologists.

I enjoyed reading about the characters though they did not have a lot of depth beyond '80's high school student' to the point they felt a little like caricatures. It's well written story but a little overcrowded with high school drama and 80's tropes and clichés.

I did enjoy this tale about the power of friendship overcoming literal demons, though I wasn't blown away by it.


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