I like the premise of this book, in that books can help people in real life; banned or not. I'm not quite so keen on the rampant racism that's once again spewing from the USA: it makes me *really* uncomfortable.

Lula Dean lives in a small town in Georgia and now that her twins have left home, she essentially interferes in everyone else's lives in her attempt to "make the world safer". She sets up a little free library outside her house and lives begin to be changed as people read the books they've borrowed.

The end of the story isn't really a surprise to the reader, although the town wasn't expecting it.

If this book is a commentary upon racism in the southern states, they should take it as a wake-up call and learn from the mistakes of others.

In small town, Troy, Lula Dean and some ‘ Concerned parents’ band together To try and ’ Improve’ The Morals of the towns people by banning books which they consider to be perverse and non-American in their outlook.

So goes the tail of Troy, And has some concerned citizens decide to share their opinions through Lula Dean’s little Library. Had set up her library to share the contents of her personal Library with the townsfolk in order to better them and leave them in the path of goodness. (According to her own opinion).

Although this is a fictional story, it could be set in any small community Where people believe they know better, that they judge others, and that they can use their power to control the thoughts and ideas, and actions of others

I enjoyed the story and I hope the message will travel far and wide, that hypocrisy, and judgemental attitudes should not be the Way to live.
Thanks to #NetGalley For the opportunity to read this digital copy, and listen to the audible of this book and exchange for an honest review.

Told with with nuance this almost fairy tale proves the power of books for all. Interesting take and look at how though out history people have tried to silence what they don't understand. Good audiobook with narration that matches the tone and pace of the novel.

This book not only covers the topic of many banned books it also offers a great historical insight into America’s past. The way it covers the benefits of the different banned books is really clever. I really enjoyed to read how bigots were challenged.

This audio was an absolute joy! One of my favourite books of 2024 easily - right from the off I was completely captured and invested in this story.

Whilst the main themes of the story are sensitive, significant and powerful, they are tackled in such a way that this story is uplifting and filled with humour. I was filled with all the emotions whilst reading and I found myself compelled to keep listening.

I’ll be championing this book to whoever will listen, I absolutely adored it!

Lula Dean’s Library Little Library of Banned Books is a compelling exploration of the impact of book banning and fear/misinformation in a small town.

Despite the very heavy topics it touches upon, the writing style made for a fast paced and easy read. I thought the author handled the issues of spreading misinformation, limiting access to books, hatred and hypocrisy in a thoughtful and nuanced manner.

I really enjoyed the compassionate approach the author took with her characters, in showing the complexity and nuance of the experiences that shaped their beliefs. As a reader, I found myself more open to reflecting upon the different viewpoints and social influences, rather than getting frustrated. I loved the authors note at the end of the book explaining the motivation for this story. The narration was engaging, and engrossing. It was easy to discern the different characters - no mean feat with so many!

I’d highly recommend this to anyone looking for a captivating and contemplative read with a strong dose of social commentary.

Thank you Harper Collin’s UK Audio and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

This is very much a book of its time! It will open up conversations about racism, LGBTQ and white supremacy.

The narrator was clear and the story was easy to follow.

The characters are interesting and all stand for different themes which prove to divide and incite hatred or prejudice against others. I was fascinated how a list of ‘banned’ books could stir up so much feeling in one small town and bring about change. The final twist of Lula Dean’s fate was hilarious- she got what she deserved. I could picture her come-uppance with such clarity.

This book is not didactic or instructional; it is a fun, thought-provoking read. You cannot help but giggle at some of the ridiculous small-minded opinions and habits of the people in Troy, but what the story shows is the importance of reading and education to be a force for the better.

Lots of controversial and potentially inflammatory themes but they are perfectly presented and addressed. If only real life issues could be resolved so reasonably.

This is a book that everyone should read though it could be hitting in places.

I enjoyed this liberal fairytale, in which good triumphs over the evil of book banning through the mechanism of placing banned booked inside the dust-jackets of some horrors of colonial literature.

The author has really thought through the right book for the right reader and uses this as a conduit to tell us about the townspeople and the types of solace and help they need.

Written with a light touch, it’s very much a wish fulfilment story. And I really do wish that those who want to strip library shelves could be converted from their beliefs.

Three word review: books bring freedom

What an absolute joy to listen to. It is super sweet in parts and funny. It does highlight some issues that unfortunately follow us through the years that make you think. Overall, I loved Lula Deans little library of banned books by Kirsten Miller. Thanks NetGalley and publishers.

Thank you NEtGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of the audiobook

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which explores the power of books in shapen people's lvoes and expanding our world.
Using the very real issue of book banning in the US as the starting point (I thoroughly recommend you have a look at the American Library Association's section on it) it explores resiliance, mental health, hate ideologies and the importance of social justice.

An unmissable read for book lovers !

I've just loved reading this book. It's uplifting, sweet, and funny but covers some serious issues, too. It's very thought-provoking how people jump on the bandwagon and want things banned, removed from history, etc.

It was a very entertaining and enjoyable listen. The narrator was very good.

The cover and title caught my eye and could tell it was going to be an interesting listen and I flew through it! It is definitely a book for book lovers and found it well written and humorous in parts. Would highly recommend. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the audio arc.

Thank You, NetGalley and the publishers for letting me listen to this book.

I loved the title and it caught my attention so I had to request for it and I wasn't disappointed.

This book is for anyone who loves reading.

I absolutely loved everything about this book.

Really, Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller was a discovery for me. I cannot recommend it enough.

Thank You!

This took me a while to warm up to and initially I wasn't keen on how many different stories there were (each person who has been impacted by the library has their own chapter) but I soon got to know the characters and how their lives were intertwined. I thought the author did a great job of bringing up some raw truths of the world such as racism, slavery and rape. It was thought provoking and interesting. I wasn't hooked but I did want to find out more.

Great audiobook - the narrator did the story justice and I enjoyed listening while commuting. The author is a great storyteller that represents the juxtaposition of polarising views in the United States, and the impact it has on communities and families. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance audio copy.

Netgalley let me borrow another corker, this time@in audiobook form! This novel is based on the ripple effect through a town in Southern America from a prank where a local teen replaces the naff books in her neighbour’s little free library with titles that some of the more fearful members of the town banned. While a fun listen, the book also deals with important themes like racism, homophobia and fascism.

I struggled with the narrators and couldn’t keep up with which character was which, I will wait to buy a copy. I was enjoying the plot as far as I got

An interesting (if at times a bit twee) look at the fate of one small town in Georgia when Lula Dean, a woman who has felt ignored for too long, decides to become the town's arbiter of decency and the consequences when others fight back.

I listened to a very well read audio. The narrator, January Lavoy, had a good clear voice and the differences between characters was very good. I liked listening to her mild Southern drawl and she gave just enough drama to the text which could have easily fallen into melodrama at times.I also had a hard copy and it was great to swap between the two. It was an excellent book for audio though.

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 would definitely recommend this book and the audio to anyone.

Thankyou to Netgalley, Harper Collins HQ and Harper Collins Audio for both the hard copy and the audio. Very much appreciated.

This uplifting novel certainly doesn't shy away from difficult and upsetting topics and I think that's why I loved it so much.
Set in a small town in Georgia, Lula Dean takes matters into her own hands when she feels that the children are being corrupted by books in the twon library. This starts a butterfly effect through the town and each chapter shows how this touches on other people's lives.
This book will definitely get people talking, I think it would be perfect for a book club. Especially the way it is written, it almost lulls you into a false sense of security before hitting you with a few home truths.
Racism, sexism, homophobia, terrorism and indoctrination are all explored.
This will have you laughing. It will have you angry and it may even make you shed a tear. I highly recommend picking this one up.

This audio hits on some serious subjects, but also manages to be pretty funny.
Book banning never made a whole lot of sense to me, and this takes the idea to extremes.
This talks about a lot of the problems currently in America, and also talks a lot about the more enlightened way we think today.
Gives a lot of pause for thought , but not so heavy that you're not going to raise a smile or two.