The Exorcist: A Terrifying Classic of American Horror

Name: The Exorcist: A Terrifying Classic of American Horror
Rating: 8.15 (98 reviews)
ISBN: 9780062094360

By William Peter Blatty

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"A horror story for all midnights." —The Boston Globe

"Read the book. It’s an experience you will never forget."—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The phenomenal #1 bestseller that inspired the classic motion picture, a landmark of supernatural horror that remains the most terrifying and unforgettable novel ever written.

Originally published in 1971, The Exorcist is a bestselling literary phenomenon and remains one of the most frightening and controversial novels ever written.

Based on true events of a child’s demonic possession in the 1940s, The Exorcist tells the story of eleven-year-old Regan MacNeil and her mother Chris, a famous actress and doting mother. When Regan’s personality unexpectedly shifts and she starts exhibiting disturbing, often violent behavior, her desperate mother is driven to seek help from two Catholic priests, men who will risk everything—including their own souls—in a terrifying rite of exorcism to free the girl from the ancient malevolent force possessing her.

Purposefully raw and profane, this landmark of classic horror still has the extraordinary ability to shock readers and cause them to forget that it is "just a story." More than fifty years after its initial publication, The Exorcist remains a truly unforgettable reading experience.

A great read for spooky-season nights
A perfect addition to any Halloween reading list

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Published Oct 4, 2011

400 pages

Average rating: 8.15

98 RATINGS

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ValerieRuiz

Apr 06, 2026

8/10 stars

When Regan begins exhibiting violent and disturbing behavior, her mother becomes desperate for answers beyond medical explanation. As Regan’s condition worsens, it becomes clear that she is possessed by a demonic entity. Father Damien Karras, a priest struggling with his own crisis of faith, is called in to assess the situation. Ultimately, he joins veteran exorcist Father Merrin in a harrowing battle to save Regan’s soul from the powerful demon controlling her. This one was a Not-So-Buddy-Buddy-Read with my husband and it ended up being perfect for October! The atmosphere was eerie, unsettling, and everything I wanted from a classic possession story. While the writing style was a bit difficult at times (very dense and old-school), the overall plot was absolutely wild. It had me creeped out, shocked, and fully entertained the entire time. We ended up watching the movie too, which honestly I didn't like- they skimmed over a lot of details and parts. The book is always better! Trigger Warnings: Demonic possession, violence, child endangerment, medical trauma, graphic language, self-harm, death, gore, sexual content, psychological terror, religious trauma, bodily harm

Cynthia M.

Mar 28, 2026

8/10 stars

In conclusion, The Exorcist is a novel that deserves to be read and reread. It is an experience that transcends the horror genre, offering a relentless and raw investigation into the conflict between reason and faith, and how innocence can become the ground for a cosmic battle. The missing fourth star is a small tribute to its complex nature, which may not please everyone but will, without a doubt, leave no one indifferent.

I highly recommend reading the 40th Anniversary Edition, revised and corrected by the author himself, which represents the definitive version of the novel as Blatty intended it to be remembered.

Danica Raven

Mar 18, 2026

9/10 stars

The author's writing style makes for some very vivid imagery. It is a classic for a reason. It has been a while since I've seen the movie, but it was a more complex plot than I recall. It is more than simply good conquering evil, It is flawed characters doing the best they can in a terrible situation. For that reason it works better than many other demonic possession books I've read.

siemelle900

Nov 28, 2025

10/10 stars

I won’t say anything about the plot because if you know, you know. I don’t imagine there are too many people who don’t know! If you’ve seen the movie, it’s just like that only you can see this as an extended director’s cut. Both the film and the novel are disturbing and downright unsettling/upsetting in places. The novel is a little worse on that front but sometimes words pack more of a punch. If you are not easily disturbed, this is actually a really good read that’ll make you think and question.

JadeRose

Jun 28, 2025

10/10 stars

Movie is definitely completely different the book!