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

dark emotional 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? Yes

4.5

Brilliantly paced, this nostalgic ode to the ’80s really captures that high school feeling of friendship and teen spirit.

The writing is steeped in realism, locking you into the narrative. The characters are unique and loveable, so every moment is memorable with them. I’d have loved to have spent even more time with the friendship group, as it is just so real. It is a really fun time. 

The horror itself wasn’t as freaky or grotesque as I had expected, but honestly, not an issue whatsoever. It involves devil possession making someone act really antisocially, which might sound boring, but Hendrix keeps it freaky but also humorous.

In my opinion, the ending is
bittersweet. The good guys win, but perhaps the real horror is adult life. The girls move on, keeping in touch long-distance how they can. But they are never as close again as they were before that night at Margaret’s house. I was left feeling melancholy and nostalgic for my own high school and university friends who, while some I keep in touch with over the phone, many I haven’t spoken with since despite all the promises to each other that wouldn’t happen to us.


So really, a wonderful book that I heartily recommend for a great bit of slice-of-life X horror set in realistic portrayal of the 1980s USA. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings