I read this book during the summer of 1972 when I was 11 years old. We went to Fort Wayne, Indiana to visit my Aunt and Uncle. Typically, I stayed in my cousin's room as he was away at college or somewhere. This particular summer, he had left a paperback version of The Exorcist and I had been dying to read that book. My parents would never allow me to read it so I would slip into his room, proclaiming I needed a nap, and read it in secret every chance I got. I devoured the book, reading long into the night. The subject matter fascinated me. Was it really possible for a young child my age to be possessed by the Devil? Could this happen to me too? The descriptions of her descent into madness were chilling. I was hooked from the very first chapter, enjoying the development of each character.

Looking back, this was significant for me on several levels. The plot was probably enhanced by the fact that I read this forbidden book while my family played cards and chatted in the other room. I also don't know that I had ever read a book so quickly before - even now, the faster I read a book, the more I feel I have enjoyed it. And finally, it scared the bejeebies out of me! I'll never forget that weekend and this book that made me feel like an adult, even if I did have to lock the door and hide under the covers.