It is one of the most ancient, arcane, and to some, embarrassing rites of the Roman Catholic Church. Yet the number of priests in Italy trained as exorcists has risen tenfold over the past decade, and they are still unable to keep up with the skyrocketing demand for their services. Award-winning foreign correspondent Tracy Wilkinson reveals that "devil detox," as some call it, is a booming industry, complete with motivational speakers, international conventions, and plenty of controversy. At the center of this surprising movement is Father Gabriele Amorth, an energetic octogenarian who has spent decades leading a campaign to reestablish exorcism as a regularly performed rite of the Church. Through extensive interviews with him, as well as with highly placed Church officials, scientists, and ordinary Catholics, Wilkinson reveals the profound impact of this growing trend within both the Church hierarchy and the lay community.
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"Truthfully, I only got halfway through before I had to read other things (not because I was bored with this, but because I HAD to read them), but look forward to the day I re-read what I've already read and read the rest. It provides a rarely-seen side of Catholic belief and practice. "
— Jessica (4 out of 5 stars)
“Fascinating and full of surprises.”
— Booklist[Shelly] Frasier's reading style mimics the credible female author reporting on a topic many will find incredible.
— AudioFile" Very informative! I now know everything that I will ever need to know about exorcism. Ever. "
— Alyssa, 1/19/2014" Odd how some traditions linger "
— John, 1/16/2014" An interesting look at an ancient Church practice from a secular journalist who shows judgemental skepticism over true, unbiased journalism. Even so, the interviews and first-hand accounts with exorcists and the exorcised made her bias tolerable. "
— Edward, 1/5/2014" The strangest thing about this book is that it's poorly written. You wouldn't think the Los Angeles Times' Rome bureau chief would use the word "dastardly" without irony. Also, it betrays an ignorance not only of Catholicism but of basic philosophical concepts like logic. Disappointing. "
— Tom, 12/10/2013" Truthfully, I only got halfway through before I had to read other things (not because I was bored with this, but because I HAD to read them), but look forward to the day I re-read what I've already read and read the rest. It provides a rarely-seen side of Catholic belief and practice. "
— Jessica, 12/10/2013" Pretty interesting. Sometimes creepy. Read it all and decide for yourself how much is legit. "
— MaryJeanne, 10/3/2013" The research only covered a narrow portion of the topic of exorcism (it was specifically on the Italian exorcists). It could have been a little broader but it was a quick read and held my interest. "
— Megan, 5/17/2013" If you think Christians are superstitious imbeciles, and you don't really concern yourself with actual facts, you might enjoy this book. You'll already have two things in common with its author. "
— Scott, 9/5/2012" A short introduction with historical background and case studies. "
— Carolin, 7/9/2012" This book was okay. It was a quick, condensed history of exorcisms, exorcists, and their patients. If you're looking for the thrills of "The Exorcist", this is not for you. "
— Monica, 4/13/2012" Strange little book about exorcism. I am missing the reason of this book. Not clear what it wants to tell its readers... "
— Kristof, 12/17/2011" Very good, but to honor an Exorcist who is not in union with the Church is practicing his ministry in a grave way. The protection and safety of the Church in critical in such a topic. "
— Renee, 8/17/2011" Very good, but to honor an Exorcist who is not in union with the Church is practicing his ministry in a grave way. The protection and safety of the Church in critical in such a topic. "
— Renee, 11/20/2008" Very informative! I now know everything that I will ever need to know about exorcism. Ever. "
— Alyssa, 8/20/2007" The strangest thing about this book is that it's poorly written. You wouldn't think the Los Angeles Times' Rome bureau chief would use the word "dastardly" without irony. Also, it betrays an ignorance not only of Catholicism but of basic philosophical concepts like logic. Disappointing. "
— Tom, 5/5/2007Tracy Wilkinson is the Rome bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times and she is the winner of the Polk Award for Foreign Reporting for her work in Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s.
Shelly Frasier has appeared in many independent film and theater projects in Arizona and Southern California and has done voice-over work for commercials and animation projects. She trained at the Groundlings Improv School in Hollywood and South Coast Repertory’s Professional Conservatory in Costa Mesa, California. She has performed at theaters throughout North Hollywood and Orange County.