This is a phenomenal book about the power of education and learning to change people's lives for ever, and what might happen if we try and ignore the lessons that history has taught us. Its an easy read (and a dream to listen to on audiobook) but it conveys its message perfectly.

Lula Dean lives in Troy, a small town in Georgia, which is proud of its history and harks back to it as a golden age. When Lula finds a smutty cookbook in amongst the children's books in the school library, she starts a campaign to rid the library of inappropriate books, worried that they may taint innocent minds. The books that she and the other members of the Concerned Parents' Committee remove include books discussing LGBT issues, black history, the Holocaust and more. Lula has set up what she considers to be a more appropriate library outside her house, including books about etiquette or Confederate history.

One night, the banned books are placed in Lula Dean's library, with the slipcovers of the 'acceptable' books on top, disguising them from view. When readers pick up a book from the library, they are actually reading one of the banned books. The impact is huge, young boys learning about periods rather than being terrified their mother is dying; a downtrodden wife learning about the Holocaust through Anne Frank's diary, and so much more.

It is wonderful seeing the changes that books make for the residents of Troy and how much more empowered they feel having more knowledge. The stand out character was 85 year old Wilma Jean, a retired judge who is fed up of her family treating her as stupid and senile. She is an absolute triumph of a character, keen to show the world that she still has plenty to offer - her birthday party scene was hilarious!

Kirsten Miller has used books that are currently banned across the States; its a powerful reminder of what is at stake for young people if they do not have access to all information but instead are spoon-fed a restricted diet of books and social media stories.

This book is a little different to the types of books I normally choose but honestly, this is the most timely book you will read this year. It takes the idea of banned books and uses it to explore so many different issues - racism, sexuality, adolescence, freedom of speech, sexism, murder, terrorism - you name it, it's covered in this book. There are multiple stories told from multiple POVs and each story is entertaining in it's own right, but at the same time, the characters are all fighting for or against important issues that many people are facing today.

Some parts of this story are heartwarming but some parts are also heartbreaking - all with an incredibly strong message running through. The writing style was brilliant, I was completely hooked by the storyline and I feel like this is a book everybody should go out and read.

This is a contemporary investigation of small town Southern politics, touching on numerous societal ills - ranging from booking banning, slavery, the Lost Cause and LGBTQ+ rights.

Centred around the banning of books from both the school and public library, Miller explores the real harm that occurs when access to information and diverse stories is removed, the consequences of which are explored beautifully throughout the tightly woven plot. Weaving between the past and present, Lula Dean's Little Library... explores fixed mindset, and the long standing effects of turning a blind eye. More than anything this novel is an elegy to the power of the written word and the truly life altering opportunities of getting books into the hands of those who need to see representation.

Full of a cast of memorable characters, with echoes of contemporary American politics, Miller has written a life affirming book that ultimately showcases the hope and potential for modern society.

I absolutely loved The Change so I was really looking forward to reading this new book from Kirsten Miller.

Probably one of the most inspiring and relevant books I've read in recent times. Book lovers will know the power of words, and whilst we may not agree with everything we read, we will fight passionately for the freedom to allow people to choose what they read. Banning books seems so archaic, and narrow minded, yet we're seeing it happen in real time in many states of the US.

This book makes its point so well, while at the same time being just a brilliant story. Full of characters who find the right book at the right time, books that change their lives for the better.

What begins as a prank, is to change the town of Troy forever and will bring to the surface long held resentments and will challenge deep seated beliefs. Writing about issues of race and gender, sexuality and loneliness, Miller executes this without a hint of preachiness. I truly believe this book should be in all school libraries and I hope it makes people who might have bought into the hysteria think more objectively.

I really enjoyed this book about the American south and how closed minds and lack of education leads to prejudices and even violence. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was engaging and even thought provoking. Definitely recommend.

A Powerful and Timely Celebration of Freedom in Lulu Dean's Little Library of Banned Books

Kirsten Miller’s Lulu Dean's Little Library of Banned Books is a riveting and thought-provoking novel that takes a bold stand against censorship, weaving an inspiring tale of resistance, community, and the transformative power of literature.

In the small town of Troy, Georgia, local figurehead Lula Dean has taken it upon herself to sanitize the community’s reading habits. Under her watchful eye, books deemed “disgusting,” “pornographic,” or “un-American” are purged from public spaces. Replacing them is a carefully curated collection from Lula’s personal lending library, filled with books she deems “appropriate.”

But not everyone in Troy is willing to comply. Quietly, a group of determined individuals begins to resist, slipping banned books back into circulation. Each clandestine borrower discovers unexpected insights and transformations through their reading: from understanding Black history to finding love in gay romances, embracing mysticism through spell books, or reconnecting with timeless literary classics. As the ripple effects of these stories take hold, lives change, identities are affirmed, and the town begins to awaken.

Miller’s storytelling shines in her nuanced portrayal of Troy’s residents. Each character’s journey reflects the deeply personal and universal impact of literature, underscoring the danger of censorship and the necessity of diverse voices. The novel blends humor, heart, and an edge of rebellion, crafting a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply resonant.

Lulu Dean's Little Library of Banned Books is more than a book about banned books; it’s a celebration of courage, individuality, and the enduring truth that stories can empower, heal, and unite. With its sharp social commentary and heartfelt character arcs, Miller’s novel is a rallying cry for readers everywhere to stand up for the right to read.

A poignant and empowering read, this book is a must for anyone who believes in the transformative power of words.

With the concerning rise in book banning, sometimes advocated by those that no no better, but often based on willfil ignorance, this is a very timely book indeed and the times we are living in has given Kirsten Miller the perfect tinder to set this story ablaze.

Told in many voices, with many different perspectives, the book provided an interesting way to follow each view, learning each characters feelings facing the issue in their small town.

The fact that Lula Dean wasn't the hero of the story (and not quite the villain either) was a great take for a main character. The story shows how book banning and censorship helps no one and only adds fuel to the fire of those that would keep others in the dark to retain their own upper hand.

Wow I loved it, it brought out every emotion possible, I cried, I laughed, I despaired! This is a lovely book one of which I shall be telling my friends about. I loved every minute of it and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it ❤️

I loved The Change by Kirsten Miller and was excited to get a copy of this on Netgalley.

Completely different from her previous book, this is a mostly fun book with a serious message. We venture to the town of Troy in the Deep South, where do-gooder Lula Dean, is determined to rid it of what she deems to be inappropriate books.

Lula Dean is a stereotypical comedy baddie, her arch rival Beverly, is more woman of the people, and there is a diverse supporting cast of all ages, races, and sexual orientations, each with their own storyline linking to the overall plot.

It knits together perfectly, with loads of humour, some darkness, good overcoming bad, friendship, family, and a little magic.

I really enjoyed it and look forward to Kirsten Miller’s next!

Thanks to netgalley and @mHQStories for the chance to read this ARC

The blurb

IT’S TIME TO RISE UP
In Troy, Georgia, local woman Lula Dean has campaigned to cleanse the town’s reading habits. All the ‘disgusting’, ‘pornographic’ and downright ‘un-American’ books have been removed from public spaces. Now, the townspeople are only allowed to read ‘appropriate’ books from Lula’s personal lending library.
But a small group refuse to be told what they can and cannot read and, unbeknownst to Lula, her personal collection is slowly restocked with banned books: literary classics, gay romances, Black history, spell books, and more.
One by one, each person who borrows the books from Lula’s library find their lives changed in unexpected ways. And as they begin to reveal their new selves, it’s clear that a showdown is fast approaching – one that will change the town of Troy forever …

This book wasn't exactly what i expected from it and i'm okay with that. The premise quickly dispelled this and i ended really enjoying the vignette style stories told inside. They all came together really well and i loved seeing how the characters grew over the course of their chapter and the whole book. I loved how everything turned out and felt it was a heart warming read overall. There were a couple of moments i didn't love but nothing that was so bad i had to put the book down.

I really wasn't sure what to expect going into this book but I absolutely loved it.

I laughed, I cried, I felt it all. Wonderfully written, I will absolutely be reading more from this author.

This book is a beautiful reminder of the importance, power and magic of books,

This wasn’t for me unfortunately, despite a worthy message. I just didn’t enjoy the writing style which felt a little forced and ‘goody two shoes’ or trying too hard to be quirky in the style of those Scandinavian authors who have made success of the genre of writing about irascible elderly people joining forces with rebellious teens in a humorous way.
The story here isn’t bad, it’s just not to my taste.

This delightfully titled seemingly wholesome read takes a sharp sticky and jabs the pointy end at prejudice, sexism, racism and generally small minded folk - which the character of Lula Dean embodies in spades.

Somewhat bafflingly, Lula decides certain books are just not right for the residents of a small town called Troy, in Southern USA, deeming books like Anne Frank as 'pornographic' books and 'propaganda' and getting them banned.

Instead, she sets up her own little library filled with what she thinks are more appropriate reads - and this is where the fun begins as the actual books are swapped.

I enjoyed the style of the chapters with each persons backstory and then leading onto the book they take from the library. I had to suppress a laugh when one lad started reading a book which began with 'Are you there god, it's me, Margaret'...

There are some delightful little character driven segments, the cheerleaders for example, some of which are heartwarming and some which are sadly reflectively of some of the less educated elements of society. I started to think this had gone too far in some respects and then I remembered that Roe v Wade has been overturned and had to remind myself that these views unfortunately do exist.

Overall this thought provoking and intelligent celebration of literature and mocking of archaic views is a great read. My thanks to the author, NetGalley and HQ Stories for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed the structure of this book, with a chapter getting to know each character and book, and the overall message of the book. It was a bit heavy handed in some places, but overall I really enjoyed the story and how everything came together at the end - and loved some of the characters, particularly the ballsy cake-baking Wilma, and Lindsay, the orchestrator. Lula was deliciously hateable and sadly there are women like this who do exist, even though she’s portrayed like a charicature.

I did struggle to remember all the names of the characters which popped back up as there were so many, but that’s on my terrible memory!

A rather wonderfully satirical book for our increasingly censored times. It centres on those brave enough to stand up against the banning of books, which is not uncommon in 21st century United States. Kirsten Miller’s comedy is set in Troy, a small Georgia town where the local busybody Lula Dean is determined to ban any books she feels are unfit for children, ie “pornography and Communist propaganda”, including "The Diary of Anne Frank" and anything to do with queer storylines. When someone accuses her of not having read the books she’s intent on blacklisting, Lula Dean decides to set up her own wholesome lending library (titles include "The Southern Belle’s Guide to Etiquette") in her front garden – with consequences.

Packed with colourful characters in the local community, this is a funny and charming celebration of literature and reading as eyes are opened and lives are transformed!

A brilliant book! I loved Kirsten Miller's The Change, and this book is just as accomplished. There are so many characters in this book and every single one of them is completely true to life, textured and interesting. This seems to be quite an impressive achievement.

The novel is set in the small town of Troy, in the South of the US, where quite a few residents hold the kind of opinions stereotypically associated with the South - prejudiced, small-minded and right wing. However, this by no means describes everyone. And when one resident, Lula Dean, decides to wage war on 'pornographic' books and 'propaganda' in the town's library, it starts to become apparent just how many people don't share her views.

Lula sets up her own library in her front yard, filled with ridiculous titles that she has deemed to be 'wholesome'. When Lindsay, a gay student who would no doubt come under Lula's fire, decides to switch the books the fun begins.

The book launches into the story without preamble, beginning with someone who turns out to be a fairly minor character. It's a good way into the story. Through the battle with Lula and her followers we discover more about her past in the area, and her run-ins with other characters.

The writing is at times hilarious and ridiculous, right wing ideas really come in for a battering. I especially liked the send up of transphobic views, with Lula bemoaning the fact that people should be able to decide who they are for themselves and have freedom in their lives. 'Without the Lord of the Flies, kids wouldn't be getting kidnapped or groomed or given double mastectomies.'

There are lots of touching elements to the book, with characters growing in confidence as they come to realise that more people in the town agree with their progressive ideas than they might have thought. There are many great characters. The black postman, Delvin, has become something of a hermit because he has seen the hate that too many people harbour. He is transformed when he realises he has more allies than he thought.

Ken and Kari, a couple who are taken in by fake news, are brilliantly drawn, and I love how Miller shows that they aren't in fact reactionary, just ordinary people who have been taken in a little by the media. Crystal discovers her husband Russell is having an affair and, rather than this mark the end of her life, she embraces the spur to transform things and instead decides to remember the best of her marriage, while accepting that their relationship has reached its natural end.

Lawyer Wilma is brilliant as is Beverly, head of the school board. Both take on Lula and also give confidence and encouragement to younger people to stand up for themselves too.

There are many more characters I could mention but this review would go on way too long. Suffice to say this is a brilliant novel with a great message that leaves the reader with hope for the future.

📖NetGalley Review

Beverley Underwood and her enemy Lula Dean reside in Troy, Georgia, where they were born and raised. Now Beverley is on the school board, and Lula has become a local celebrity on a mission to rid the public libraries of all the books she deems inappropriate, none of which she had read.

The author does a great job of developing these characters as real-life complex individuals, and they are completely believable. Each character reads for a different reason - they may be curious, bored, seeking inspiration or comfort. A book allows us to see ourselves and others more fully.

The ending is exactly the one most of us are looking for when it comes to book bans. There is something for everyone in this book; I recommend it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Huge thanks to HQ and Kirsten Miller for providing an eARC via NetGalley; this is my unbiased review.

WHEW, this was a great read. I wasn't sure what to expect from the beginning of the book, but it was honestly such a good read. I laughed, I teared up a bit, and with the current situation with books lately, it was a very timely read. Absolutely enjoyed it and hope to read more by Kirsten Miller!

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

Well.. I couldn’t put this down. The author has an incredible way of talking about a serious topic in a very funny way. This created a light, emotional, funny and thought-provoking plot, peppered the whole way through this book. Whilst there are main characters who appear throughout, each chapter seems to be focused on a different person or family dynamic that is directly impacted by the book banning, or simply discrimination in a small southern American town. Censorship, unfortunately, is something that is a real concept in the world we’re living in - it’s always been there, but I’d like to think that those people are the minority. Books, whether fiction or non-fiction allow us to learn, see a different point of view, feel empathy, and allow us to be confronted with our history which we must learn from - good or bad. I loved this book, it was powerful and a must-read.