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

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.5

Such a fun yet horrifying book at the same time. I had a great time listening to this audio book. The narrator did an excellent job. I love when the narrator does some voice acting a bit. I feel it helps me get into the story more. This was a unique take on possession and exorcism. It's set in 1988; 80s references are littered all throughout. I think that was such a fun idea. There were a good handful of descriptions in this book that gave me body chills.

The tapeworm scene with it coming our her mouth and then her dog ripping it out the rest of the way! Omg what a spine chilling scene that was. Also Gretchen shooting her dog was super sad, especially after she got exorcised and had to come to terms with what her body did while possessed. I also think the rape aspect of the possession was a unique take I haven't seen before. I feel it did add to the story because that is something every high school girl, and women for that matter, had to worry about. It added another level of emotions to the story that I could connect to. I also love that at the end, Abby exorcised Gretchen with the power and love of their friendship. I loved all the 80s references throughout their friendship that Abby used to get the demon out. By the power in Phil Collins! That made me actually laugh! I almost forgot about the scene with the whole ass hairy arm that comes out of Gretchens mouth when getting exorcised. That was so creepy and I remember having out loud reactions to that part. 

Overall I think this is a unique take on the classic exorcism story. Even with it being about high schoolers, it didn't feel young adult to me, which I very much appreciate. If you enjoy 80s references and a fun twist on a classic horror trope, I would absolutely pick this one up!