The Exorcist

**”A horror story for all midnights.”* *—*** The Boston Globe*** **Inspired by the shockingly true story of a child’s demonic possession in the 1940s, William Peter Blatty’s iconic novel focuses on Regan, the eleven-year-old daughter of a movie actress residing in Washington, D.C. When sweet Regan’s behavior turns sinister, a small group of overwhelmed yet determined individuals take it upon themselves to rescue the poor girl from her unspeakable fate. Timeless and terrifying, *The Exorcist* is a story that has gripped the public zeitgeist for more than half a century. ** Originally published in 1971, ****it remains one of the most controversial novels ever written. A literary phenomenon soon after its release, it spent fifty-seven weeks on the* New York Times* bestseller list, seventeen consecutively at number one. It also became a wildly popular motion picture, garnering ten Academy Award nominations. On the opening day of the film, lines of fans stretched around city blocks. In Chicago, frustrated moviegoers used a battering ram to gain entry through the double side doors of a theater. In Kansas City, police used tear gas to disperse an impatient crowd who tried to force their way into a cinema. The three major television networks carried footage of these events, and CBS’s Walter Cronkite devoted almost ten minutes to the story. *The Exorcist* was, and is, more than just a novel and a film: it is a true landmark of American culture. . . and a reflection of our innermost fears. Purposefully raw and profane, *The Exorcist* continues to engross and disturb readers. It remains an unforgettable reading experience that will continue to shock and frighten new generations of readers.