"buzzed on the dopamine high of belonging to someone else,
having a total stranger choose you, someone who wanted to know you,
another person who cared that you were alive.”
– on being a best friend, My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Brady Hendrix
Grady Hendrix, author of the Orsk store turned hell-house tale, Horrorstör, has taken us for another scary-fun and disturbing journey with his new book, My Best Friend’s Exorcism. I originally picked up the book because of the title, but the design of the book served as the clincher; it mimics a 1980s high school yearbook, signatures, ads and all.
Horror fans will enjoy the book’s smorgasbord of terrible things, from uncontrollable vomiting to animal mutilation. But, the truly terrifying scenes present the demon, in teen girl form, masterfully exploiting all her friend’s insecurities – boys, bodies, friendships, and social status.
The two best friends, Abby and Gretchen, are popular. They are untroubled, complacent. They are self-absorbed as only teen girls can be. Until a night of partying, when Gretchen disappears overnight. With Gretchen’s return, Abby is slowly stripped of all her assurances and comfort. We, the horrified audience, can only watch the story unfold bit by gruesome bit.
Children of the ‘80s will enjoy the nostalgia: song references, fashion choices, devil worshippers, cult members, and being a teen before cell phones were a thing. Really, there’s nothing like a possessed teen to scare your pants off!
Rating: 89/100