The ouija board. One thing I did like about the novel was how well the character of Fr. Karras js developed. He is such a vivid character in a way that is only hinted at in the movie. The novel though is as much of a drama as it is horror. It is mostly about how this one event intersects in the lives of very complicated people

Ouija board. Pazuzu is more focused on Merrin than Karras.

Gotcha

I was like 12 when I read it. I do remember that scene with the crucifix. Lol

That scene did make me go "wtf!"

The ouija board caused her possession. For me the best parts of of the books are (1) the slow burn as everyone tries to figure out what’s wrong with regan; and (2) the demon’s manipulation of Karras (I love the back-and-forth between it and Karras on religion, etc.).

I thought the book implied that Regan's possession came about because she hated the guy her mother was involved with (with good reason, he was absolutely revolting) and then the demon killed him and she felt guilty about it. But they also implied that the original contact with the demon was through the Ouija board games with her imaginary friend.

The scary parts of Regan's possession were definitely disturbing, but for me none of the rest of it worked. The dialogue was downright ridiculous and so were several of the characters, particularly the policeman.

Exorcist was for me a great read but a tough re-read. I don't understand people who say it is devoid of humor; Blatty started out as a comedy writer, and there are a lot of jokes in it, especially involving the Kinderman character.

Another great book in a similar vein, one that predates The Exorcist, is "The Case Against Satan" by Ray Russell. I would find it hard to believe that Blatty never read it.