In Please Ignore Vera Dietz, Vera is faced with some super tough choices when it comes to her friend Charlie's death. Because Charlie died after their friendship fell apart, Vera needs to decide if she wants to remain loyal to him and work to clear his name. Charlie, on the other hand, made some rough choices while he was still alive, including the decision to hang out with the Detentionheads instead of Vera, and agreeing to sell pictures and his underwear to the creepy dude in the white car. Everywhere we turn, this story is driven by decisions, both good and bad.
Questions About Choices
- What does Vera's dad always say when she brings up what's going on at the Kahns'? Why?
- Why does Vera feel conflicted about clearing Charlie's name after his death?
- How do Charlie's bad choices influence the people who love him?
- What compels Vera and her father to move on with their lives at the very end? What allows them to do so?
Chew on This
By making the choice to pursue Jenny Flick instead of Vera, Charlie loses out on his main chance at redemption.
When Vera's mom decides to leave her family behind, it forces Ken Dietz to become a single parent, and to provide for all of Vera's needs. He chooses to rise to the occasion instead of allowing there to be gaps in her life.