In “My Best Friend’s Exorcism,” author Grady Hendrix uses demon possession to explore the changes in relationships between teenage girls.
Halloween Countdown – 31 Scary Moments – Oct. 2
Grady Hendrix's novel "My Best Friend's Exorcism" offers a terrifying vision of evolving teen relationships
October officially marks the beginning of Scary Season. With this in mind, the Pepper Bough is celebrating with a daily dose of creepy moments sure to make your hairs stand on end. Come celebrate with us . . . if you dare.
Grady Hendrix is one of the most prolific and prolifically entertaining horror novelists working today. Every one of his novel’s is a delightfully creepy read, however the one that stands out the most is his 2016 coming of age novel “My Best Friend’s Exorcism.”
“Exorcism” tells the story of two teen girls—Abby and Gretchen—who are inseparable best friends despite living very different lives in their South Carolina hometown. After a teen drug experience that goes a little off the rails, Abby begins to notice changes in Gretchen. At first these changes are just a little wonky and erratic, like cross words, but eventually Gretchen becomes someone so different that Abby is convinced her friend has been possessed by a demon.
Kirkus Reviews called this book “William Peter Blatty’s infamous ‘The Exorcist’ (1971) by way of ‘Heathers.'” They are not wrong. “My Best Friend’s Exorcism” is a terrifying study of teenage friendships gone sour and how they pick up the pieces.