My Best Friend's Exorcism: A Novel

Grady Hendrix does a great job at discussing serious topics that the world panicked about in the 80s. This novel comes with its own 80s playlist. It was creative, funny and original. The novel provides excellent character development, making them all memorable. In My Best Friend's Exorcism, Grady teaches us how to summon the demon Andras. We also learn that the next Halley's Comet is in 2061. Can't wait to see it! 🌠 🔭

I absolutely loved My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix. At first, it felt like a fun, slightly campy 1988 throwback. The pop culture references made me laugh and smile, but they also highlighted some of the harsher realities of the time. The attitudes toward the LGBTQ community and the fear surrounding AIDS were frustrating and uncomfortable to read — but in a way that felt honest and true to the era. The way adults dismissed Abby when she tried to ask for help was especially infuriating, and that realism made the story hit even harder. Yes, this is a supernatural horror novel. And when it finally goes there? It goes HARD. The first half carefully builds the foundation, and then the ending absolutely does not let up. It’s intense, unsettling, and completely gripping. But underneath the possession, the horror, and the chaos, this is really a story about friendship. About loyalty. About loving someone enough to fight for them when no one else will. And that’s what made it so powerful for me. This officially takes the top spot as my favorite Grady Hendrix book. I loved it.

This is my second read from Grady and so far I love his writing style. This book gives you major 80s horror movie vibes. I loved the imagery at times it really felt like you were apart of the story. One part in particular gave me goose bumps was the beginning of chapter I would die for you when the demon speaks in tongues. Man it was crazy hearing the voice changes when listing to the audiobook. Great book.

Disgusting, shocking, hilarious, and awesome! I'm such a fan of Grady Hendrix!

Abby and Gretchen have been friends since the fourth grade. One night (as teenagers in 1988) they are at a friend’s house boating, swimming, tanning, and experimenting with LSD when a very naked Gretchen jumps into the water and ends up getting lost in the woods. When her friends find her the next morning, she is disoriented and not behaving like herself. As the days go by, she becomes more and more different until it’s clear something happened to Gretchen in those woods. Abby is determined to find out what.

This is a book for those that love the nostalgia of the 1980s. However, research your trigger warnings beforehand because some of what happens in this book is disgusting and there is one very upsetting moment involving a dog.

While I enjoyed it, there is something about it that holds me back from giving it 5 stars, but I can’t put my finger on what! Maybe the ending was a bit anticlimactic with the final confrontation? I don’t know! However, definitely a solid horror read!