Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

Our read for June is The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty.

The Exorcist is a 1971 horror novel by American writer William Peter Blatty. The book details the demonic possession of eleven-year-old Regan MacNeil, the daughter of a famous actress, and the two priests who attempt to exorcise the demon.

The novel was inspired by a 1949 case of demonic possession and exorcism that Blatty heard about while he was a student in the class of 1950 at Georgetown University. As a result, the novel takes place in Washington, D.C., near the campus of Georgetown University.

I’m hoping to start this soon, just wondering if I’m brave enough! :) At least we’ve got long light evenings in the UK so not quite so scary as the long dark ones of winter.

For the same reason Georgina I have never read or seen the movie!

Georgina, you are really brave to even consider this book. It is not on my TBR even.

To be fair I’m the one who suggested it, it’s been on my TBR for a while but I’ve been to chicken to start it. I’ll hopefully start later tonight. Is anyone else joining me? Somehow it would seem slightly less scary if someone else is reading it too.

I HIGHLY recommend the audio version with William Peter Blatty actually reading it.

I first read this aged 11, and saw the film when it came out.

I got it from my mum's bedside table and it was one of my first dirty books, featuring the infamous scene where Regan, the 11 year old demon-possessed girl, is masturbating with a crucifix whilst spouting obscenities.

In fact, mum's beside table was a treasure trove with all manner of books teaching me things no one else dared talk about.

Those demons have a lot to answer for.

I finished this today and I thought it was brilliant. I didn’t find it terrifying, more disturbing and unsettling, but the writing and story had me hooked. There are snippets of humour even in the darkest scenes and the story left me guessing the whole way through.
I found the audiobook Alicia and it is brilliant, thanks for pointing that out. Sometimes when authors read their own books I’ve found it really disappointing (I love Neil Gaiman books but I’m not a fan of his narration!) but this one was perfect.
Jazzy - I think if I’d read this at 10 I would never have picked up another book again! I’m not sure I would have understood a lot of what was going on at that age though (I had quite a sheltered childhood).
It certainly wasn’t what I was expecting and I really enjoyed it.

I finished this today and I thought it was brilliant. I didn’t find it terrifying, more disturbing and unsettling, but the writing and story had me hooked. There are snippets of humour even in the darkest scenes and the story left me guessing the whole way through.
I found the audiobook Alicia and it is brilliant, thanks for pointing that out. Sometimes when authors read their own books I’ve found it really disappointing (I love Neil Gaiman books but I’m not a fan of his narration!) but this one was perfect.
Jazzy - I think if I’d read this at 10 I would never have picked up another book again! I’m not sure I would have understood a lot of what was going on at that age though (I had quite a sheltered childhood).
It certainly wasn’t what I was expecting and I really enjoyed it.

Georgina I am glad you found it different than what we thought!

I believe I was sheltered with regards to my parents allowing us at certain ages to read or watch. They pretty much followed the ratings. I watched The Wizard of Oz at 11 and was scared to death. Had bad dreams and all. I chose to stay away for longer than most.

Horror is not my thing whether in book or movie form. Thanks Mom & Dad!

I read this recently -maybe last year(?)- and it is one of my favorite horror books. Because I love horror, the eerie way the book describes the possession gave me goosebumps. You guys will enjoy it a lot!