THE RITE The Making of a Modern Exorcist

In the 21st century, is there still a need for exorcism, or is it an outdated concept held over from a more superstitious era? Journalist Matt Baglio offers a fascinating look at the rite of exorcism in today's Catholic Church. After taking a course in exorcism, California priest Reverend Gary Thomas, apprenticed himself to an experienced Italian exorcist. Baglio, who followed Thomas through his training, does much to dismiss popular cinematic images of demonic possession while attempting to place exorcism into the contemporary landscape of Catholicism. Although author-narrator Baglio offers chilling examples of people possessed, his reading is lackluster, without animation or enthusiasm. With such intense, well-written, and well-researched subject matter, the book would have been better served by a more skilled narrator. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2009]