Veronica by Mary Gaitskill

Excellent writing, unsettling topic. Disgusting details of wasted lives. I bought my copy used, and it came with one of those clear plastic book covers, the kind that libraries use. I wanted to handle it only by the plastic cover, like a book condom, so I wouldn't get infected. Now if I could just disinfect my mind and get rid of some of the images she drew, but I am afraid they are deeply filed away and will pop back up at the worst times. So I don't recommend reading this unless you are of strong character.