45 pages • 1 hour read
My Best Friend's Exorcism
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Book Brief
332
Novel • Fiction
Charleston, South Carolina • 1980s
2016
YA
16-18 years
Super Short Summary
Set in 1980s Charleston, South Carolina, My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix follows high school students Abby Rivers and Gretchen Lang, whose friendship is tested when Gretchen becomes possessed by a demon after a night of drinking and drug use, leading Abby to seek the help of a bodybuilder turned exorcist to save her. The novel references violence, underage substance use, mental health conditions, and disturbing imagery.
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Nostalgic
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
132,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Grady Hendrix’s My Best Friend's Exorcism is praised for blending horror and '80s nostalgia with dark humor and strong character development. Critics commend the authentic portrayal of teenage friendship and the emotional depth. However, some find the plot predictable and reliant on horror clichés. Overall, it’s a compelling mix of scares and sentiment.
Who Should Read My Best Friend's Exorcism?
Nostalgic for the '80s and craving horror-comedy, readers of My Best Friend's Exorcism will delight in its blend of supernatural thrills and dark humor. Fans of Stranger Things and The Exorcist will find a kinship in Grady Hendrix's tale of teen friendship and demonic possession.
132,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mr. and Mrs. Rivers
Mr. and Mrs. Rivers
Abby’s parents who are dealing with financial difficulties and their daughter's adolescence, partially driving the tension in their household.
Gretchen Lang
Gretchen Lang
Abby’s best friend who undergoes a drastic change, prompting a series of events that test the strength of their bond and the resources of those around her.
Mr. and Mrs. Lang
Mr. and Mrs. Lang
Gretchen's wealthy and conservative parents who prioritize their daughter's protection and their family's reputation, often to counterproductive ends.
Margaret Middleton
Margaret Middleton
A seemingly superficial friend of Abby and Gretchen who grapples with severe insecurities and societal pressures.
Glee Wannamaker
Glee Wannamaker
Another friend in Abby and Gretchen's circle, who faces upheaval in her life due to unexpected circumstances.
Christian Lemon (Brother Lemon)
Christian Lemon (Brother Lemon)
A novice exorcist who aids Abby, offering an alternative approach to the challenges they face together.
Andras
Andras
A malevolent force associated with chaos and discord, inflicting harm on relationships and fights against the story's protagonists.
332
Novel • Fiction
Charleston, South Carolina • 1980s
2016
YA
16-18 years
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