Jay's Journal, which is presented as an autobiographical account, tells the story of a depressed teenage boy who becomes involved with a Satanic group. After participating in several occult rituals, "Jay" believes he is being stalked by a demon named Raul.

Several readers have challenged the authenticity of this story, noting that the editor of this book, Beatrice Sparks, has filled the same role on many other "actual, anonymous diaries of teenagers" that explore such sensational themes as drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, and prostitution. These books, the most well-known of which is Go Ask Alice serve as cautionary tales.