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.

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.

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

Grady Hendrix

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Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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My Best Friend's Exorcism Summary and Study Guide

Background

My Best Friend's Exorcism Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

My Best Friend's Exorcism Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-11

My Best Friend's Exorcism Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-17

My Best Friend's Exorcism Chapters 12-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-23

My Best Friend's Exorcism Chapters 18-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-28

My Best Friend's Exorcism Chapters 24-28 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

My Best Friend's Exorcism Character Analysis

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Themes

My Best Friend's Exorcism Themes

Symbols & Motifs

My Best Friend's Exorcism Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

My Best Friend's Exorcism Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

My Best Friend's Exorcism Essay Topics

My Best Friend's Exorcism

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read My Best Friend's Exorcism?

Reading Age

Book Details