Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

I didn’t want to finish this . . . I wanted to finish this, but I was afraid of the creepy guy Charlie was selling his underwear to . . . um, yeah; I know—it’s bad.  But, the creepy guy, Tom, isn’t really what this book is about.  It’s about Vera:  trying to avoid her destiny, trying to change her destiny, figure out how to live with regret, or do something about it. 

The writing is excellent.  I love the different points of view presenting the story.  Vera, main character, is a pizza delivery technician, potential alcoholic and mourning friend.  Charlie, Vera’s dead best friend, betrayed her.  Ken, Vera’s dad, a self-help king, is an abandoned son and husband trying to do the right thing while raising his daughter.  The Pagoda, a red, neon lit building standing watch over the town, provides perspective and commentary.  

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