Review: Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Vera Dietz is a senior in high school still reeling after the death of her best friend Charlie.  The two have been inseperable since they were young, but recently Charlie joined up with a different crowd & shunned his friendship with Vera.  Vera loves Charlie, she always has.  But she also hates him.  Hates him for casting her away like a piece of trash, hates him for betraying her, hates him for dying.

Vera had a pretty difficult childhood; she’s the product of a teen pregnancy, born to a stripper mother & an alcoholic father. Her mother ultimately left Vera & her father. She’s ridiculed at school because of this; she’d much rather be ignored so she can fade into the background.  She simply wants to get through high school without leaving a mark.

Charlie had a pretty horrible childhood as well.  He lived close enough to the Dietz that Vera could hear the yelling.  Where Vera was able to rise up and survive her trying youth, Charlie turns to behavior that is destined, and ultimately, destroys him.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz is broken up into three narratives and vaccilates between the past and present. The majority of the story is told by Vera herself. One can’t help but admire Vera’s character.  She’s smart, witty, strong and, like many people, flawed.  She makes many bad decisions on her path, but nothing that isn’t atypical for a teen.

Another voice is that of Ken, Vera’s Dad.  He tries to explain how his life ended up the way he did, even using flow charts to chart his path to destruction.  He’s unable to refer to his wife Cindy by her real name, referring to her as Sindy instead. 

The reader also hears from the Pagoda, a popular spot on the hill that overlooks the town. 

Please Ignore Vera Dietz is “real”, involving real teens with real problems.  No fantastical creatures or mythical lands. It is brutally honest, a book that must be read. Teens should read it so they can see the feelings they have of lonelinees & despair aren’t unique unto them.  Adults should read it because, despite her age, we could all learn a little from Vera Deitz. 

Please, please do not ignore Vera Dietz.  It is a book that will stay with you, perhaps buried, but will reappear & remind you of it’s powerful impact when least expected.