The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

A Novel | Paperback | Originally published in 1971, The Exorcist became not only a bestselling literary phenomenon but one of the most frightening and controversial novels ever written. (When the author adapted his book to the screen two years later, it then became one of the most terrifying movies ever made.) Blatty fictionalized the true story of a child's demonic possession in the 1940s. The deceptively simple story focuses on Regan, the 11-year-old daughter of a movie actress residing in Washington, D.C.; the child is possessed by an ancient demon. It's up to a small group of overwhelmed yet determined humans to rescue Regan from this unspeakable fate. Purposefully raw and profane, this novel still has the extraordinary ability to shock readers and cause them to forget that it is just a story. The Exorcist remains a truly unforgettable reading experience.