This Friday I completed "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King.
This novel was about an 18 year old girl, Vera, whose best friend turned bad, Charlie, died from mysterious circumstances. It may just sound like another "boo-hoo-my-friend-died-what-will-I-do-now" book. I'll clear that up right now: it's not.
I found myself realizing that Vera had it totally terrible, despite living in a somewhat safe suburb. The novel narrates her life after the death of Charlie, however it doesn't give you all the details until the end, keeping you on the edge of your seat and wondering how on earth it will all turn out. The way the author played out the information was perfect (and mischievous might I add).
This story was plagued by intriguing yet realistic problems ranging from drinking problems to dealing with annoying recipients of pizza delivery. Vera has to deal with everything from losing her best friend to a group of misfits to the domestic violence in the house next door. The issues in this book cover just about every real world problem you could imagine: but it isn't overwhelming!
One of my favorite things about the novel is that there was no major conflict for the main character herself. She had multiple minor conflicts (if you'd dare to call them minor) that helped obscure us from the truth, and that was the real conflict: within the reader instead of the character. Vera knew exactly what happened, but she can't just come out and say it because of all of the other problems she is facing.
My second favorite was that, while most of the story was narrated by Vera, you get the occasional word from Charlie (yes, when he's dead), her father (explaining his reasoning), and even the old, abandoned building that teens use for sneaking away. The little notes from the other characters helped you piece together the story of Vera Dietz and how she takes charge of her own life.
The sheer realism of this epic story grips you and leaves you cast out into the real world with a whole new perspective. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't appreciate the book, except, maybe Voldemort. But I'm pretty sure he's no longer among us so we're good. Ooh sorry I got sidetracked but that was kind of funny so I'll keep it there. The characters are amazingly developed, the emotions real and understandable, and best of all, not your ordinary book. It has earned is 4.5/5 stars respectably and with force as strong as the will of Vera herself.
This novel was about an 18 year old girl, Vera, whose best friend turned bad, Charlie, died from mysterious circumstances. It may just sound like another "boo-hoo-my-friend-died-what-will-I-do-now" book. I'll clear that up right now: it's not.
I found myself realizing that Vera had it totally terrible, despite living in a somewhat safe suburb. The novel narrates her life after the death of Charlie, however it doesn't give you all the details until the end, keeping you on the edge of your seat and wondering how on earth it will all turn out. The way the author played out the information was perfect (and mischievous might I add).
This story was plagued by intriguing yet realistic problems ranging from drinking problems to dealing with annoying recipients of pizza delivery. Vera has to deal with everything from losing her best friend to a group of misfits to the domestic violence in the house next door. The issues in this book cover just about every real world problem you could imagine: but it isn't overwhelming!
One of my favorite things about the novel is that there was no major conflict for the main character herself. She had multiple minor conflicts (if you'd dare to call them minor) that helped obscure us from the truth, and that was the real conflict: within the reader instead of the character. Vera knew exactly what happened, but she can't just come out and say it because of all of the other problems she is facing.
My second favorite was that, while most of the story was narrated by Vera, you get the occasional word from Charlie (yes, when he's dead), her father (explaining his reasoning), and even the old, abandoned building that teens use for sneaking away. The little notes from the other characters helped you piece together the story of Vera Dietz and how she takes charge of her own life.
The sheer realism of this epic story grips you and leaves you cast out into the real world with a whole new perspective. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't appreciate the book, except, maybe Voldemort. But I'm pretty sure he's no longer among us so we're good. Ooh sorry I got sidetracked but that was kind of funny so I'll keep it there. The characters are amazingly developed, the emotions real and understandable, and best of all, not your ordinary book. It has earned is 4.5/5 stars respectably and with force as strong as the will of Vera herself.
This sounds like an excellent book. Where did you find out about it? I will probably read it in the future, but not only that its amazing that the author was able to incorporate a dead character into the story so well. This is a good review!
ReplyDeleteI actually found it in the Goodreads suggestions and borrowed it from the online ebook library! I'd definitely reccommend it. :)
DeleteThis book sounds fantastic! I'll definitely put it on my to-read list, ever growing as it is. It's described well here, not too revealing but just enough to make you want to read!
ReplyDelete(Great ending comments by the way, made me laugh.)
This book sounds like something I'll have to read! So far, scrolling through your blog has made me laugh so many times! You're hilarious! You really made the "boring book review" thought in my head go "poof"! I love it! :D
ReplyDeleteI like those types of books that keep you wondering until the very end.
ReplyDelete-Nina
I absolutely love the quote you had at the beginning!
ReplyDelete