Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

Here's a quick bite from the book's goodreads page: Vera’s spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie Kahn. And over the years she’s kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything.

So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone—the kids at school, his family, even the police. But will she emerge to clear his name? Does she even want to?

My Take
 
Wow, Vera is quite a character!  I enjoyed this book a lot.  The characters were vibrant.  The writing was engaging. 
 
My heart went out to Vera once she and Charlie parted ways.  I loved how Vera wasn't willing to compromise herself or her beliefs for anyone.  She knows who she is and she won't be anything less.  This book dealt with some kinda' heavy issues, but kept the humor in things too.  I loved Vera's sarcasm. 
 
I think the only tiny nitpicks I have about it are 1- I kept waiting to hear the history of the Pagoda and I don't think we ever did.  2- I wanted to know what was in the envelope (you'll know which one I'm talking about if you read it).  It would have tied things up nicely in the end for me.  All in all, I loved this book.  The cover even kinda' rocks. :o)  I'm giving it 3 1/2 smooches!