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Please Ignore Vera Dietz (2010)

by A.S. King(Favorite Author)

3.93 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0375865861 (ISBN13: 9780375865862)

languge

English

genre

Fiction

publisher

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

review 1: With its opening of a teen’s death and Vera’s loss and betrayal mentioned, I had some initial qualms about how much angst I was getting myself into. Mercifully, my fears went unfounded and I encountered a well-made main character in Vera, someone with real life history and challenges, realistic inner thought, and believable family and school situations. She and her single dad have one another, on somewhat awkward terms, and both feel the weight of Vera’s mother’s abandoning them several years ago. The death was Vera's lifelong next door neighbor and until recently, best friend, Charlie. He has his life problems, as well, different than Vera’s but as realistic. With his death, Charlie is held responsible for a crime he didn’t commit. Vera is left very isol... moreated and facing the usual complications of being a teenager. A high school student would likely find lots to relate to here, but in its realism, it is not a good school book, mostly for cursing and addictive behaviors that transpire. The story it told primarily by Vera, but with chapters by her father, dead Charlie, and an inanimate object. There are times when Charlie communicates with Vera from the other side, too, pushing Vera to exonerate him among other things. The issues of ignoring difficult situations vs. Vera’s natural idealism come to play nicely. Handled notably well are Vera’s complex emotions and progress in becoming an adult. While the story flows well and interesting things happen, and some of the life philosophy provided by Vera’s father is thoughtful, it is that emotional growth that makes this a good read. Recommended with the language and situation caveats above.
review 2: Good, interesting realistic fiction for high school age readers. Vera struggles to keep herself on track during her senior year of high school as she continues to deal with her mother walking out on her and her dad, the domestic violence next door, and the untimely death of her best friend. She dabbles with alcohol and dates a man who is too old for her as she attempts to figure out who she is and what her path will be. less

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