Please Ignore Vera Dietz book review

    A. S. King's "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" delves into the complex life of its titular character, a high school senior grappling with the sudden death of her best friend, Charlie Kahn. The narrative unfolds in a dual timeline, alternating between Vera's present-day struggles and the events leading up to Charlie's demise. King's unique storytelling technique, coupled with her exploration of themes like grief, friendship, and self-discovery, has garnered critical acclaim, earning the novel nominations for several literary awards.     King skillfully crafts her characters, providing depth and complexity to Vera and the supporting cast. An example would be Vera Dietz, with her raw vulnerability and relatable struggles, becomes a captivating protagonist. King's portrayal of secondary characters, such as Charlie and Vera's father, adds layers to the narrative. The reason behind this is by grounding her characters in reality, King successfully elicits empathy from readers. However, some supporting characters lack the same level of development, leaving certain relationships feeling underexplored. While the main characters shine, the novel would benefit from a more nuanced exploration of its supporting cast.     The novel adeptly navigates complex themes, primarily focusing on grief, forgiveness, and the search for identity. An example would be King uses Vera's journey to highlight the multifaceted nature of grief, weaving it into the fabric of the narrative with subtlety and depth. The reason behind this is the exploration of themes resonates emotionally, creating a poignant narrative that lingers in the reader's mind. However, at times, the delivery feels heavy-handed, with symbolism and metaphors becoming overly explicit. Despite occasional heavy-handedness, King's exploration of themes contributes to the novel's emotional resonance.     A. S. King employs a distinctive writing style, blending first-person narration with unconventional elements like a Greek chorus. An example would be The use of the Greek chorus, represented by Vera's observations and commentary, provides a unique lens through which readers view the unfolding events. The reason behind this is King's writing style enhances the narrative's impact, creating a memorable and thought-provoking reading experience. However, some readers may find the non-linear structure confusing, impacting the overall cohesiveness of the storytelling. While King's writing style adds an innovative layer, it may pose a challenge for those seeking a more straightforward narrative.     "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" is a poignant exploration of grief, friendship, and self-discovery, offering a unique narrative experience. Readers who appreciate character-driven stories and are open to unconventional narrative structures will find this novel compelling. However, those seeking a straightforward plot with well-rounded secondary characters might be left wanting. Despite its flaws, King's ability to capture the complexities of human emotions makes the novel worth exploring for those who enjoy contemporary young adult fiction. ⅗ stars