As a book-lover, I can’t really resist a Little Free Library - but in all the times I’ve visited one, I’ve never experienced what this town in Georgia goes through…

Book-banning is a hot topic, & in this scathing & comical satire the author expertly captures a wide variety of issues with a diverse cast of characters. History is unearthed & lives are changed when the woman spear-heading the movement to remove “inappropriate” material from the local library sets up her own lending library with “quality” books inside. Unbeknownst to her, someone secretly slides the slipcovers off all of her “good” books & puts them on banned ones, giving the borrowers a number of surprises…

I adored this book! It made me angry & it gave me hope & it somehow is also extremely funny. The way the author connected the townspeople was complicated & ingenious, & people featured at the beginning of the story coming back up again towards the end led to multiple awesome conclusions. I also really enjoyed that all the chapters had titles :)

Thank you very much to NetGalley & William Morrow for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely LOVED The Change by Kirsten Miller, so I jumped at the chance to read her latest novel about hot-topic book banning. As a Little Free Library owner, reader and mother of a little, this topic really makes my blood boil.

The premise of the book is wonderful, I enjoyed the book titles for chapter headings, and there were definitely moments that made me laugh out loud. Overall, however, I felt like this book fell a little flat for me. I get where the author was coming from, but it felt like she pushed each hot-button topic a little too far at times and pulled in every type of person that’s considered controversial. I get that it’s satirical, but this felt overly done. I wish that there had been more plot versus tiny snippets of each character in the town.

While I struggled with this one, I think this book is perfect for people passionate about reading and getting books in the hands of young minds. I don’t agree with banning in the least, and am grateful to the author for tackling such a meaty and controversial topic.

Thank you to Kirsten Miller, William Morrow and NetGalley for a digital ARC of the book for an honest review.

I loved Miller's first book - seriously loved it. This seemed like a departure, but it did remind me of The Change in a few ways. Mostly in how people come together, I think.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this one. At times, it seemed almost too in your face, too didactic, but it's not wrong.

I think I'll be reading all of Miller's books, so get cracking on more! (Just kidding, but not really)

This was a great story, but took me a while to get into it. Doesn’t compare to her book from 2 summers ago, but still absolutely worth the read.

This book needs to be on everyone’s summer reading list! Witty, bold, and timely, Kirsten takes a touchy topic and faces it head-on with zero apologies necessary. This book is wildly entertaining with wonderful characters who have vastly different ideas on book banning. Lula Dean is trying her best to make a name for herself in town and banning all the books she deems inappropriate is definitely making waves. Her nemesis, Beverly, is on the school board and doesn’t agree with Lula’s views. When Lula puts up a little free library in her yard containing all the books she finds wholesome, a local “troublemaker” sees this as an opportunity. Under the cover of night, they swap out the books in the library with books that have been banned, covering them with Lula’s dust jackets. This small act will either tear the town apart or bring them together in ways they never saw possible.

This book needs to be on everyone’s summer reading list! Witty, bold, and timely, Kirsten takes a touchy topic and faces it head-on with zero apologies necessary. This book is wildly entertaining with wonderful characters who have vastly different ideas on book banning. Lula Dean is trying her best to make a name for herself in town and banning all the books she deems inappropriate is definitely making waves. Her nemesis, Beverly, is on the school board and doesn’t agree with Lula’s views. When Lula puts up a little free library in her yard containing all the books she finds wholesome, a local “troublemaker” sees this as an opportunity. Under the cover of night, they swap out the books in the library with books that have been banned, covering them with Lula’s dust jackets. This small act will either tear the town apart or bring them together in ways they never saw possible.

I flew through the audiobook in a day and was once again awed by the sheer talent of January LaVoy! The character voices and personalities she creates are always top tier and this performance is no different! If you haven’t listened to January yet, let this one be your first and then promptly go and listen to Kirsten’s The Change because January knocks that one out of the park too!

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow!

Kirsten Miller has written both a laugh out loud and thought provoking book. She takes you on a tour of the little town Troy and gives you an in depth look at the lives of it's citizens. Which it just so happens that close to every closet in that town has a skeleton or two....or three.

Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books is a story of strong personal beliefs and the consequences that come with the inability to view any other perspective but your own.

This was a joy to read and Kirsten made it easy to fall in love with not only the town of Troy but also the mix bag of people who live there.

First of all, The Change by Kirsten Miller was one of my favorite books of last year and has characters that will forever live in my mind (I am dying for her to write a sequel just so I can be with the three main characters a little longer!)

So I went into this one with some high expectations obviously! And Kirsten Miller didn't disappoint (although The Change still sits above this one for me - it's just the best!). This is a book that at its core is about a small town, a busy body woman named Lula who loves to stir up trouble and uses her power to create a book ban at the local library, and the townsfolk who come together to fight the ban. But oh it's so much more than that. This book deals with a LOT of hot button issues that are relevant in our society today. But Miller does this in a way that you are not beat over the head by these issues, but rather introduced to characters throughout the town that you connect with and fall in love with - and also utterly disagree with too - that are directly impacted by these issues.

At first, I had to get into the groove of each chapter introducing me to a new character in the town and had to get my bearings to remind myself who they were as they would tie into each other's stories throughout the novel. But once I did - I could not stop reading! I was so invested in these characters, their relationships, their flaws, and the way they changed and learned throughout the novel.

Kirsten Miller is now an autobuy author for me and I will read anything and everything she writes!

Thank you to Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book's heart was in the right place but the execution makes it a "preaching to the choir" read more than anything that would sway readers on the opposing side. I say this as, like the author, I am a southern-reared liberal who emerged from a family with views radically different from my own. At the very beginning, I thought I could maybe recommend it to some of my right wing relatives, but as the book progressed I found it to be far too heavy-handed in the examples it gave of the baddies. I'm not saying I don't agree with what's said, but if the goal is to get misguided readers to see the errors of their ways, this book isn't it, sadly.

Aside from this critique, if you do want to read a book that holds up an example of a more just society that embraces EVERYONE being free to be who they want, it's a nice "good triumphs over evil" read for those who already value that type of world.

The story is an interesting one and was written in response to the increasing amount of book banning going on in the USA. Although I'd have to say its not just an American problem- it is worldwide. The wider premise of the book is to show that history is not what you may think it is - there's a famous quote about history always being written by the victors. The history in Troy, Georgia is of a very personal nature as very different people discover their shared history.

The book, on the whole, is an easy read even if the contents are quite astonishing at times. For example I was bewildered by why any of the books would be banned but then I'd read quite a lot of them.

The book is quite funny at times but it is sending a clear message of tolerance, understanding and being judgemental when you don't know the true facts. For that alone it should be applauded.

I loved so much of this book. I was primed too: The Change by Kirsten Miller was my favorite novel in 2022.

But wow did I hate the plot point of the arrest. Too often, I see Little Free Library stewards defacing books (i.e., stamping them) in an effort to police those taking books from their LFLs. The idea of someone *being arrested* for using a LFL was too much for me. (As was Miller needlessly killing a character.)

I also felt that, as written, Lula's heart wasn't really in this campaign for banning books. She wanted attention and this was a way to get it. I understand that this is fiction but in a world in which people are actually, forcefully pushing to ban books, this portrayal felt unrealistic.

To be sure, Miller's writing is still for me, and Wilma was a delight. But the plot of Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books just wasn't for me personally. I imagine this book will work better for many others (especially those who have given the actions of LFL stewards and book ban supporters much less thought than I have). 3.5 rounded up

I'm glad I read the description of this book before starting so I knew it was supposed to be satire. Otherwise, it might gave seemed a bit unrealistic and over-the-top. I *loved* that this book was basically a love story to books, libraries, and librarians! I *loved* how it was described how each book changed a different character's life. It was at times serious and at times amusing. There were maybe a few too many characters, but overall a fantastic read! If only all the book banners would read it and maybe finally understand why books are so important...

Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books is unfortunately incredibly relevant. As someone who just had to explain to my friend visiting why the book banning has become so dangerous and prevalent in the US, Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books is timely. But we don't want it to be. It's a story which stands up for and celebrates the power of books. For books to help us give us courage, a needing respite, information that is denied to us.

I started recommending this book after reading the first chapter. Definitely my favorite book of the year. Had me gasping and guffawing, but Miller keeps the fine balance between heart-wrenching and lighthearted just right, as she shows the transformative power of books, and both the personal and community levels.

Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books follows a variety of characters in a small southern town after a group of people ban books from their local library. I don't typically love keeping track of several characters, but Kirsten Miller somehow managed to make me care about characters in just one chapter each in the beginning. By the time they all start to weave together, I had a list and enjoyed making the connections. I've lived in the South my entire life, and unfortunately some of the antagonists appear all too familiar. I've lived the moment with the parents watching the news. To remain closed-minded is to deprive ourselves of our humanity.

Chock-full of humor and characters to root for, Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books is entertaining from start to finish.

I received an ARC from William Morrow via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Beverly Underwood and her arch-enemy, Lula Dean, reside in the tiny town of Troy, Georgia, where their long-standing rivalry takes a dramatic turn. Beverly, now a member of the school board, finds herself at odds with Lula, who has become a local celebrity by spearheading a campaign to purge the public libraries of "inappropriate" books—none of which she’s actually read. In an effort to replace the books she deems "pornographic," Lula starts her own lending library in front of her home, filled with literature she considers worthy. However, Beverly’s daughter, Lindsay, has other plans. By night, she secretly fills Lula’s little free library with banned books disguised with “wholesome” dust jackets, leading to unexpected and transformative consequences for the townspeople.

Kristen Miller’s newest release is an emotional and gripping novel that dives deep into the impact of censorship and the power of literature. Set against the backdrop of Troy, Georgia, the story is both a heartfelt exploration of personal freedom and a fierce defense of the written word.

The narrative brilliantly unfolds as each chapter reveals the journey of a different banned book into the hands of unsuspecting readers. These disguised books begin to change the lives of Lula’s neighbors in profound ways, from the local postman to the prom queen, housewives, a young football star, and the former DA. As these characters delve into the forbidden texts, they experience personal growth and newfound perspectives, highlighting the transformative power of literature.

Lindsay’s nightly escapades turn Lula’s seemingly harmless library into a clandestine beacon of rebellion and enlightenment. This small act of defiance sparks a larger movement within the town, culminating in a dramatic showdown between Beverly and Lula as they both run for mayor. The stakes are high, and the resolution is both satisfying and thought-provoking, illustrating the profound impact that access to knowledge can have on a community.

Miller’s writing is engaging and her pacing is steady, ensuring that readers remain hooked from start to finish. The blend of humor, drama, and heartfelt moments provides a well-rounded reading experience that resonates on multiple levels. The characters are richly developed, with Beverly and Lula’s rivalry serving as a powerful catalyst for the story’s events.

I was deeply moved by this book and found it nearly impossible to put down. Kristen Miller’s ability to take a small-town setting and expand it into a universal message about the importance of literature and freedom of access is masterful. "Luna Dean's Little Library of Banned Books" reaffirms the belief that restricting access to books is an affront to personal freedom and growth. This novel is a testament to the enduring power of the written word to expand minds, hearts, and entire communities.

Kristen Miller has crafted a story that is both timely and timeless, with characters and a message that will stay with you long after the final page is turned. This book is a must-read for anyone who cherishes the freedom to read and the transformative power of literature.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

One of my favorite reads this year! I loved how the author connected all of the town people’s stories and the different POVs in some chapters.

What an unexpected delight of a book! The author sauntered across a tightrope where a misstep would fall into farce or preaching. When Lula Dean dove onto banning books as her cause, she was hoping to finally get the respect she felt she deserved. Then someone replaced all the books in her wholesome little library with the titles she had pulled off the library shelves. Only they left her sanctified covers on the banned books. As residents borrowed books, they. often found the hidden titles eye opening in unexpected ways. Yes many of the characters were stereotypical Southerners, but therein lies the humor and ultimately humanity.

Lula Dean advocates for a whole bunch of books to be banned and over many objections, she wins and not only gets all sorts of books removed from local libraries and schools but she also puts up a little Free Library with all her "acceptable books" inside. One mysterious hero sneaks into the Little Free Library and replaces all of the books with the banned books by exchanging the dust covers so it appears that the town citizens are taking books that are approved but they're not. And they read the books anyway. The beautiful mayhem that takes place is addicting, sometimes disheartening, sometimes extremely satisfying. Told from different perspectives of different townspeople, this book was just. so. good.

#arc
#netgalley
#luladeanslittlelibraryofbannedbooks

LULA DEAN'S LITTLE LIBRARY OF BANNED BOOKS by Kirsten Miller is meant to be a comedy. The story is set in small town Georgia with a plethora of stereotypical characters, including Lula Dean, a fanatic who wants to ban books like Maus, Are you There, God? It's me, Maragaret, Nickel and Dimed, The Diary of Anne Frank, Speak, and Beloved. Almost all of those are actually taught in our curriculum. So, while it may be difficult to understand the reasoning behind these book challenges, Miller soaks her readers in misogynist, racist, and Nazi views. It's depressing, not funny even though this satire was a LibraryReads selection for June. Lula Dean is craving attention and power when she decides to run for mayor against Beverly Wainwright Underwood, the local school board chair and mother of Lindsay, a gay college freshman. While briefly home, Lindsay uses dust covers from books in Lula Dean's little lending library to camouflage several banned texts. Miller is clever in the pairings (e.g., The Art of the Deal dust cover hides Maus) and in the townspeople's transformations resulting from reading these hidden books. However, the text is difficult to wade through even though Miller may have good intentions in highlighting how "keeping people scared and ignorant is an effective means of controlling them." Pick up a banned book instead! 2.5 stars