It's been quite a while since I have worshiped a book. Part of that is because I am a writer and have forced the fanboy in me to take a backseat. I have never met A.S. King and I didn't even know PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ existed until I saw a tweet about it and I picked it up from the library.
PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ is an original story that follows Vera Dietz through her senior year in high school with many flashbacks and cameos from those around her (including her dead best friend). Never have I read a character's voice that was so honest, vulnerable, and upfront. We know every detail of how Vera is feeling, but not in an emotional annoying girly way. Vera does not want to face the music and King doesn't make her until near the end. But while Vera spends time trying to overcome the obvious obstacle in the book, she ends up growing in several other aspects of her life. Likewise, Charlie, the second main character, who may be dead but is mentioned on nearly every page in the book, has an extremely strong and fascinating voice.
With a short cast list where each character has his own (somewhat) strange agenda, PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ has made it's way near the top of my favorites list. And the cover is one of the most compelling out there. Oh, and it's a Printz Honor...haha...my copy doesn't say that, now I know.
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| Photo from as-king.com |
What book took you by surprise recently?
Expectations played a huge role in my reaction to this book. I loved A.S King's first book, Dust of a Hundred Dogs. It's everything I love in a book. So I did buy Vera Dietz when it came out. And it was totally different! The first had a unique premise and plot with great character. And Vera was extremely character driven. So needless to say, I was disappointed and didn't love it. Though, the character was very real and honest, I'll give her that. It's not the book's fault. And I think the blurbs on the outside of the book were very misleading, which I don't usually find to be the case. Again, expectations.
ReplyDeleteOoh, that does sound good! Love the cover.
ReplyDeleteNot exactly recently, but I was pleasantly surprised by The Hunger Games. I put off reading it for a long time, because I'm not generally a fan of dystopian novels, but I finally caved to a friend's insistence. So glad I did -- it was fantastic!
Hi Jon. *waving*
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about this book and must get it.
Thanks for your take.
Laura - I was looking for a place to use the words 'character-driven' in the book, but in the end I left them out. I am drawn to strong characters, even if they aren't meant to be liked.
ReplyDeleteI suspect you're excited to give EVERYBODY SEES THE ANTS a shot.
Linda - THG took me by surprise as well, but unlike you, I didn't wait. For two Augusts in a row I was going mad waiting for the next releases.
ReplyDeleteChristine - Awesome! I think you'll like the characterisms.
Loved this book! (I had no expectations before reading it, other than the good Amazon reviews). It's also toward the top of my favorites list.
ReplyDeleteI've had this book on my must-read list for a bit, but I've been overlooking it (mainly because I kind of forgot what good things I'd read about it). Thanks for the reminder. I need to get this next time I buy some books.
ReplyDeleteOMG I am in the middle of thsi one (And put it to the side to read teh wonderful POSSSESSION--b/c i just HAD to) can't wait to return to it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a book I'd like, so thanks for the recommendation. I finished The Hunger Games trilogy three months ago and still can't stop thinking about it. One of my all-time favorites!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to pick this up now. Thanks for the referral. LOL
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this book. Thanks for the nudge.
ReplyDeleteAs long as we're talking books--Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly kind of knocked my socks off, but I was pretty sure it'd be awesome and it did not disappoint!!
I have ignored this book long enough. Dude, you make this sounds amazing. I'll pick it up.
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