My Best Friend’s Exorcism

It’s my favourite time of year again and of course I’m going to read ‘My Best Friends Exorcism’ again (for the twentieth time!) 

I simply adore Grady Hendrix and his original style of writing; it purveys not just horror motifs but also a good dose of humour too. Therefore, if you’re looking for something different to read this spooky season, I would highly recommend this book (spoilers ahead!) 

We are introduced to Abby and Gretchen, like chalk and cheese the girls are different in every way from wealth to looks however it’s undeniable how strong their bond is. Of course, with every High School saga there are the archetypical back characters such as: Margaret the popular cheerleader, Glee the brains of the group and Wally the detestable Jock. Although my secondary school experience was in the mid 2000’s, these figures are still relatable. 

The group partakes in a Ouija board (big no no people!) and although the details aren’t defined, an entity is invited in to our realm and attacks Gretchen when the girls become separated. 

Almost immediately we see changes in Gretchen’s behaviour, she is withdrawn and drained, a mere shadow of herself which understandably worries Abby. Almost overnight we see a metamorphic transition from this figure in to the popular girl who rejects Abby and isolates her from the group. Now we think is this demonic or just an unfortunate side effect of puberty and out growing childhood friendships. We soon see Gretchen’s diabolic nature seep through which is also recognised by Christian Lemon (part of the Lemon Brothers, Faith to Fitness act who visit the school.) 

Christian confirms Abby’s worse fears in that a demon resides within Gretchen and the only way to expel it would be to conduct an exorcism. This does not go to plan which leaves Christian to flee and Abby alone with the demonic entity.  

Alone and unsure of what to do next we see her reject Christian’s traditional exorcism techniques and use her own instead: 

 “By the power of Phil Collins, I rebuke you!”

By the power of The Thorn Birds – she cried – by the sacred strength of My Sweet Audrina and Forever…

By the power of lost retainers and Jamaica and bad cornrows and fireflies and Madonna, by all these things I rebuke you” 

Instead of the power of God, it is the power of friendship which expels the demon from Gretchen’s body. A demonic entity is normally ejected if the exorcist has complete faith in God; despite the demons attempts to isolate Gretchen and ruin their friendship, Abby’s faith and love for her friend is what saves her. 

Overall, I would rate this book a 4.5, it’s homage to 80’s horror flicks are what drew me in but the development of the characters is what kept me engaged.