Fully Booked
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
Fully Booked
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast
No Result
View All Result
Fully Booked
No Result
View All Result

Home > Reviews > I Ain’t Afraid of No Demons: Review of My Best Friend’s Exorcism

I Ain’t Afraid of No Demons: Review of My Best Friend’s Exorcism

Meaghan M. by Meaghan M.
April 10, 2022
in Reviews
Reading Time: 8 mins read
1
my-best-friends-exorcism-cover
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

My Best Friend’s Exorcism DEALS

  • Amazon
    $14.99 VIEW
  • Barnes&Noble
    $15.49 VIEW
  • Walmart
    $13.42 VIEW

If there’s one thing I love more than coming of age stories, it’s horror. A novel that combines the two? Perfection. It’s all too easy to find relatable characters and experiences when you’ve lived through your teenage years and can reflect on them in an open and honest way. And while most of our demons might not be literal, I think we can all agree that sometimes high school just sucks. Be warned, there are literary spoilers of all kinds ahead.

*Disclosure: We only recommend books which we love and would read ourselves. This post contains affiliate links, as we are part of the Amazon Services LCC Associate Program and others, which may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meaghan Mains (@meaghan.me.crazy)

MBFE (see what I did there?) was actually my first foray into Grady Hendrix territory. I know, I’m a little late to the party. I first heard about Hendrix when attending a screening of Satanic Panic at last year’s Fantasia Film Festival, which he wrote the screenplay for. I thoroughly enjoyed the film, and was caught by the wry humour throughout the script as well as the genius idea of a satanic cult living in the middle of an upper class suburb. Needless to say that when I read that Hendrix was primarily an author I was intrigued, and was exceedingly curious to see what his style looked like in the literary world. 

I wasn’t disappointed. My Best Friend’s Exorcism is chock full of demonic possession, deception and 80s pop culture references. Each chapter being named after a popular song of the decade doesn’t hurt either.

Overview

For anyone who hasn’t picked this up yet, the novel follows best friends Abby and Gretchen. Inseparable since a disastrous 10th birthday party for Abby, the characters have the kind of friendship you only find at a young age. They have the best kind of relationship of early adulthood: spending all of their free days together, late night secret sharing, and the small jealousies that are pushed aside by two girls who have a close bond.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement

A weekend at the cottage for them as well as tertiary friends Margaret and Glee mean the usual teenage shenanigans: smoking, drinking, swimming in the lake and being bored. Sprinkle in a little peer pressure to drop acid and you’ve got a typical high school girl’s weekend. Gretchen wanders off into the woods, and when she’s found a few hours later, she’s different.

Gretchen was cold. Gretchen was tired. Gretchen had spent all night in the woods. They’d hang out later that night, Abby told herself. They’d rent a movie or something. Nothing was wrong here. Don’t worry. Be happy

Once back at home, Gretchen behaviour becomes more and more erratic. She won’t shower, wears the same clothes every day and begins provoking her friends and classmates into fights. In the true fashion of 1980s teen stories, parents and teachers see this as acting out, mood swings and drug use. By the time the 2000s rolled around, our media no longer portrayed adults in the same oblivious, inconsequential Charlie Brown style. A story like this takes you back to that feeling of getting into a sticky situation without your parents knowledge. Those were the days. Though to give some credit to these fictional parents, Abby’s mother has a beautifully written standoff with the school principal worthy of any family drama you’ve ever watched.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mel Evelyn 🖤 (@melinterrupted)

Gretchen’s shift from borderline asylum patient to shiny new penny happens in a snap. Suddenly she’s the most popular girl at school, looking sharp and friends with everyone…except Abby. Hendrix brilliantly navigates Gretchen’s fully possessed form; manipulating her peers and causing chaos all around her. She becomes the quintessential mean girl, but worse because of her deceptive nature. And as usual, while she’s being tormented by a malevolent entity, there’s only one person who can save her.The only person who knows who she really is: her bestie.

Article Continues Below Advertisement

Grentchen’s hand stopped moving, and Abby couldn’t help herself: she looked down. Rushed letters were written upside down so that the words faced her: not me not me help me not me

HTML tutorial

Through all of the built up tension and supernatural occurrences worthy of any possession story (regurgitated tapeworms, massive bird suicides and a bodybuilding exorcist), the constant thread that holds the story together is Abby’s determination to save her friend. Their relationship is the heart of the story. I think that the deeper message in this story is not to do with being possessed by a demon, but about the course of friendship, and how those we meet at a young age stay with us forever, even if our relationships don’t progress the way we thought that they would. It’s realistic about it’s portrayal of friendship, love and he general course that our lives can take as the years go by.

ReadNext

Book-Cover-Heroes-by-Stephen-Fry

Heroes by Stephen Fry – Book 2 in the captivating ‘Greek Myths Retold’ trilogy

rosewater book review

Rosewater: Book 1 From the Wormwood Science Fiction Trilogy

Final thoughts

This novel made me feel genuine emotion; it made me reflect on my relationships past and present, and to feel love for them. Time goes by, and people lose touch. But everyone you meet has an impact on you, and stays with you throughout your life in some way – no matter how minor it may seem. I for one can’t wait to see how this story translates to the big screen, since a film version is already in the works.

Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement

So yes, My Best Friend’s Exorcism is like a teenage version of The Exorcist. It has a nostalgic horror that’s quite dreadful at times, and harkens back to Heathers and A Nightmare on Elm Street. But mostly it’s about love, growing up and the unbreakable ties of a friendship spanning 75 years…all wrapped up in permed hair and a faded denim jacket.

The Review

My Best Friend’s Exorcism

9.4 Score

My Best Friend's Exorcism is a spooky romp into demons, 80's nostalgia and the power of teenage friendship.

PROS

  • Wonderful depiction of friendship
  • Great atmosphere
  • Solid nostalgia factor

Review Breakdown

  • Setting 0
  • Character Development 0
  • Scare Factor 0
  • Coming of age Story 0
  • Summer Reading 0

My Best Friend’s Exorcism DEALS

We collect information from many stores for best price available

Best Price

$13.42
  • Amazon Amazon
    $14.99 Buy Now
  • Barnes&Noble Barnes&Noble
    $15.49 Buy Now
  • Walmart Walmart
    $13.42 Buy Now
Article Continues Below Advertisement
Article Continues Below Advertisement
Tags: Horror
ShareTweetShare
Meaghan M.

Meaghan M.

Loves tea, cats, and really fuzzy socks. Always searching for the next horror novel to keep her up at night.

Related

women-in-horror-feature
Editorials

Women in Horror: The Female Impact on the Genre

November 3, 2021
Wolf silhouette against a full moon
Editorials

Werewolves: Misunderstood Monsters Explained

November 1, 2021
Paranormal darkness
Reviews

The Dead and the Dark: A YA Paranormal Delight for This Halloween

Next Post
stephen_king_top_10_books-min

Top 10 Stephen King Books To Read Before You Die

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Connect withD
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of
guest
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
guest
1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Connect With Us

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
5 least favorite classic books - literary podcast

Why These 5 Classic Books Are Our Least Favorite

May 6, 2022
classics-month-feature

Our Favorite Classic Books

April 10, 2022
Black Authors

7 Black Authors Whose Work You Should Be Reading

March 28, 2022
stephen king carrie feature-min

How Stephen King Almost Threw Away His Most Successful Book

October 27, 2021
modern fairy tale

House of Hollow Review: A Marvelously Mysterious Modern Fairy Tale

4
Featured Image Design New

Female Science Fiction Authors You Need To Read Right Now

3
best-stephen-king-books-min

What is considered Stephen King’s best book?

2
Book VS Novel

What Is The Difference Between A Novel And A Book?

2
the great gatsby the book was better fully-book literary podcast

The Book Was Better: Chatting The Great Gatsby (2013)

May 21, 2022
Classic hardcover books

What Are The Benefits Of Reading Classic Literature?

May 14, 2022
american literature themes podcast feature

Defining Themes of American Literature: A Discussion

May 13, 2022
banned books

Banned Books: 7 Classics Banned in Different Countries

May 13, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT

Instagram

Follow Us!

  • We’re halfway through the week, and what a crazy season this has been so far! 🌷
What do you do to de-stress when you have a lot going on?
•
•
#bookworm #bookstagram #bookblogger #bookishcanadians #bookpodcast #booksofinstagram #bookblog #bookcast #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #podcasting #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #reading #springreading #destress #fullybookedca
  • Feelin Jazzy 🎷 on this Monday morning; we always love finding a  reinterpretation of a classic
•
•
•
#bookstagram #bookichcanadians #bookblogger #bookpodcast #bookblog #bookworm #bibliophile #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #readmorebooks #reading #podcasting #literature #literarypodcast #casualbookworm #classicliterature #classicreading #thegreatgatsby #fullybookedca
  • New Episode! 🎙This weeks episode of Fully Booked is all about Romeo + Juliet- specifically the 90’s adaptation starring a pre-Titanic Leo 📜We’re talking bright colours, a post apocalyptic looking California beach and floppy hair, amongst other things
Link in bio!
•
•
#podcast #bookworm #bookpodcast #bookish #bookblogger #bookstagram #bookishcanadians #booksofinstagram #podcasting #literature #shakespeare #romeo+juliet #reading #bibliophile #fullybookedca
  • Fully Booked has officially come to your podcast platforms 🎙📚You can check out our weekly episodes on the site, or wherever you get your podcasts! We’re so excited to dive into this new medium and can’t wait to keep talking about our favourite things-books 📖Link in bio to find out more!
•
•
#bookstagram #bookpodcast #podcasting #bookishacanadians #bookworm #bookblogger #bibliophile #bookblog #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #reading #fullybookedca
  • A little spring fantasy for your Monday Mood 🦄
•
•
•
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookishcanadians #bookblog #bookworm #bookblogger #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #springbooks #springreads #fantasybooks #fantasyreading #fullybookedca
  • Spring has sprung 🌷mostly anywayWhat are your favourite springtime reads? We love a good fantasy story 🧙🏻‍♀️ something witchy but more nature focused
•
•
#bookstagram #bookworm #bookishcanadians #bookblog #booksofinstagram #bookblogger #bookreccomebdations #bookstagrammer #bibliophile #tbr #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #reading #springreads #springbooks #springreading #fantasybooks #witchbooks #fullybookedca
  • Happy Friday! What are you into reading right now? 📚Thrillers and mysteries are creeping into the tbr pile this spring 🌸 and I’m more than ok with it
•
•
#bookstagram #bookish #bookblogger #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #bookworm #bookblog #bookpile #bookishcanadians #tbr #bibliophile #readmorebooks #reading #readersofinstagram #springreading #springreads #mysterybooks #thrillerreads #fullybookedca
  • What was the last book that disappointed you? 📚I wanted to like this one, I really did. It got a slight bump for the twist, but otherwise was full of unlikeable characters and was too drawn out for me 😬
I know so many people love it but it just wasn’t for me
•
•
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookblog #bookworm #booksofinstagram #bookblogger #bookreview #tbr #bookpile #bibliophile #bookishacanadians #readmorebooks #reading #readersofinstagram #folkswhoread #springreading #fullybookedca
  • Monday Magic 🪄Are you drawn to any folklore or traditions connected to your heritage?
I’ve always loved Celtic folklore and old stories, and want to explore them in more detail in the future 📖
•
•
#bookstagram #bookworm #bookblogger #bookishcanadians #bookstagrammer #bookblog #booksofinstagram #tbr #bibliophile #newbooks #readmorebooks #reading #readersofinstagram #celticbooks #folklore #springreading #fullybookedca
Fully Booked

Copyright © 2020-2021 www.fully-booked.ca

Important Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Friend’s Links
  • Privacy Statement
  • Impressum
  • Disclaimer

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Book Reviews
  • Best Book Lists
  • Author Interviews
  • Editorials
  • Book Genres
    • American Literature
    • Black Literature
    • Classic Literature
    • Fantasy
    • Folklore Books
    • Horror
    • Mystery
    • Nonfiction
    • Romance
    • Science Fiction
    • Summer Reads
    • Winter Books
    • Women In Literature
    • Young Adult
  • Podcast

Copyright © 2020-2021 www.fully-booked.ca

wpDiscuz
Manage your privacy

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Statistics

Marketing

Features
Always active

Always active
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
Manage your privacy
We use cookies to offer you a better experience, analyze traffic, and at times, serve the best possible and relevant advertisement to you. By continuing to use this site, you agree with the use of cookies in accordance with our linked policies below.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
Manage options
{title} {title} {title}
-
00:00
00:00

Queue

Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00