‘Exorcist’ Is Still A Horrifying Tale Of Demon Possession
About 20 years ago, the nation was both repulsed and attracted to the book and movie versions of William Peter Blatty’s “The Exorcist.” Although by today’s standards, much of what happens in the novel is tame, there is still enough shock value left to grip explorative readers. This is, after all, the story that helped bring projectile vomiting to the forefront.
Film actress Chris MacNeil’s daughter Regan has been possessed by a demon known as Pazuzu. (Truly mind-blowing for the ‘70s, but child’s play for today’s “Fallen.”) Among her new talents are mind-reading, talking backwards and in tongues, and the infamous head spinning. Chris turns to help from Father Damien Karras, a priest whose faith is being strongly tested after the death of his mother. (Which would probably be small potatoes for “Nothing Sacred.”) Regan’s condition worsens as the evil being inside her refuses to allow her to sleep, so Chris and Father Damien bring in Father Merrin, just in from Northern Iraq, who has dealt with the demon before, only this time, as Pazuzu tells him: “You’re going to lose.”
A word of warning: The demon acts like a demon would, so if you do not want to read profanity, or other controversial situations, this book is not for you.
But for the reader who craves ground-breaking plotting and characters, and who isn’t afraid of the dark, “The Exorcist” is strongly recommended.
“Eeyore’s Gloomy Little Instruction Book”
“It’s bad enough being miserable, but it is even worse when everyone else claims to be miserable, too.”
Such a line can only come from Eeyore, the pessimistic donkey who pals around with Winnie the Pooh. And now, such lines are available in “Eeyore’s Gloomy Little Instruction Book.”
The book, copyrighted by the Trustees of the Pooh Properties, uses the popular “Life’s Little Instruction Book” format to brighten our days with quotes from A.A. Milne’s storybook and lines that certainly sound like they could come from Eeyore: “Having your missing tail recovered is all very well and good. But remember that it will have to be reattached. With a hammer and nail.”
The book perfectly captures the glory of all that is Eeyore, and will please all Pooh-loving generations.
Not only does it provide a window to return to more innocent days guilt-free, but Eeyore uses a lot of what most of our generation bows to: sarcasm.
Just imagine withering enemies with a frosty line like “If you’ve been invited to a party, it’s probably a mistake. Make sure they don’t blame you if it rains.”