This was a fun little romp that lacked the zing and intensity of The Change but was still a most enjoyable ride.

In small town Troy, Georgia, Lula Dean leads the charge in banning all "inappropriate" books from public libraries. Residents inadvertently get their hands on these controversial selections anyway, and each chapter follows how these books impacted their new owner. Topics that Lula Dean and her band of followers try to shove under the rug are now emerging front and center, ranging from LGBT+ issues, white supremacy, withcraft, and basic human biology. Awareness is rippling throughout the streets, and the book banners are swiftly realizing silence may not be the best answer.

This book was both fun and heartwarming and powerful and deep. Similar to The Change, Kirsten Miller doesn't shy away from hard truths. Lula Dean was written as a caricature of a southern conservative in this day and age, but these sorts of people are alarmingly real. I loved the raw honesty and appreciated just how topical the story was. As someone who thinks banning books for children/adults/anyone is abysmal, I was primarily amused while reading this book. But, I do hope that those that think differently might learn something from this story.

This was a quick, entertaining read that hit a ton of impactful notes. I'm looking forward to whatever Miller puts out next.

I can’t remember another book that made me laugh out loud…ever! One of the many zany characters, an 80-year old named Wilma, gave her family a surprise by making a dirty cake - and that was just one of the stories within a story that was tied together in this intricate and character-driven plot about what happens when one town “Karen” attempts to have all “controversial” books in the school library removed. A five star page-turner and a must read for anyone interested in how misinformation spreads and what can be done to fight it.

Thank you Netgalley. This is my favorite book of this year so far!! A fun and quirky storyline that revolves around a small town. The issues presented in this story are prime for these troubled times we are in now. The author perfectly portrays how we can get through it if we try. Beautiful characters and an uplifting story. I adored The Change and this book is an outstanding follow up. Highly, highly recommend

This was a smart, funny, feel-good read perfect for our uncertain and troubling times. The characters were more than just caricatures of what a liberal or a conservative might be - they had some nuance. And they were able to learn and grow. I loved the come-uppance and the future casting. I loved everything about this one, and will definitely be recommending it far and wide come June.

2.5 ⭐️ round up

Ok…here we go…writing this review hurts a little…

I LOVED Kirsten Miller’s first book, The Change. Like top books ever I’ve read kind of love. The magical realism and TWISTS made a subject matter that isn’t easy or really talked about compelling and compulsive to read.

So here we have Lula Dean….and it just did not hit the same. At first I was intrigued by the story structure of each chapter being themed around a banned book. Maybe this is personal preference for too many POVs, but introducing so many new character got old and confusing at parts.

All the charm of The Change was just lost in this book, and maybe that’s because the subject matter in Lula Dean is so much more serious.

It’s in the middle for me because the creativity of the idea is great and most of the writing is exceptional. I knocked off quite a bit of my rating because of the last few chapters bringing all the stories together felt so rushed and borderline cheesy/cringey.

I REALLY had high hopes for this one, and this won’t stop me from trying her next book.

Thank you to Kirsten Miller, Harper Collins, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fun book and the topic is one that is near and dear to my heart. My only complaint is that the author portrays Lula and her ilk as ignorant, bombastic, and generally "bad" and I think issues like this really do have more nuance and more perspectives than most people are willing to consider. It's a lot to ask of an upbeat book but I would have liked to see more balance.

As a little free library steward, I was eager to read this one and it didn't disappoint.

Honestly, it could have been nonfiction with how the world is right now. I loved that it didn't shy away from the tough topics and showed how important books are to everyone and how they can positively impact to make someone not feel alone.

My only gripe with the book is it had a LOT of characters to keep track of but overall I loved it.

4.5/5

This is a very sweet and uplifting book that would be perfect for a book club who is willing to get into difficult issues while having some laughs along the way. The book tells the story of a small town, Troy, GA, whose citizens deal with very relevant issues including book challenges, fake grassroots politics, Confederate statues, Neo-Nazis, and the dark legacy of slavery. This book really strikes a unique tone in that it's serious but also cute & funny at the same time. There are a TON of characters so it might be a little hard to keep track of them all at first, but it's a really quick and enjoyable read that will spark a lot of great discussion. Sassy southern ladies abound as well.

Lula Dean has made it her mission to rid the town of banned books in the library. She has put up a little free library in front of her house and filled it with appropriate books for the people to enjoy. Lindsay goes to the library and empties out all the appropriate book and replaces it with a banned book but keeps the old dust jacket on it.

The neighbors come to the library and read a book and are changed by the book that they read. It shows the impact that a book can make on an individual and that there shouldn't be censorship in books.

I enjoyed this book so much because I am a little library steward and I do share banned books. I enjoy this author because she doesn't sugar coat the issues but she does throw some comic relief in along the way. It talks about some serious issues going on today.

I could not read this fast enough, I had to know what was going to happen next. I loved it. I will be recommending this to many people. Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the egalley.

This book is such an important read about the importance of books. In a time where ignorance and fear run rampant, this book reminds us of the power of truth, connection, and the written word. This is one of the few books I wish I could read again for the first time. I was drawn into the inner-world of the characters and the connections between them all from the very beginning until the very end. Wonderful book!

Lula Dean's Little Lrary of Banned Books is quirky. The first third of the book is humorous and reminded me of books by Fannie Flagg and Lorna Landvik. It was a delightful read, although if you believe in MAGA or think Ron DeSantis is a savior I doubt you'd like this book. The messages were clear and well thought out. I liked reading about how lives were changed.
The next part of the book becomes a bit dark. I felt like the author was told that the book was too fluffy and needed more drama. It was really long and a bit unbelievable I this part. Would a Black man really go into a home of a self proclaimed Nazi? I hope not.
The final chapters again were cute, and I enjoyed the fast forward of 10 years where it showed how the town had changed.
I give the book 3.75 stars. I'd probably give it 4.5 stars without all the middle drama

This book took me awhile to get through and not because it wasn't good, but because it deserved to be read slowly. It was beautifully written and it's a story that needs to be told and heard.

I could not put this book down! It's a hilarious story about the the age old topic of banned books in a small town and everyone's opposing views on everything from politics, BLM, CRT and other hot topics in today's society.

Someone disguises the banned books in book jackets of acceptable books in Lula Dean's small lending library (Lula is the town's adult bully). What’s interesting is how the community unknowingly borrows the "banned" books & the ones they borrow are about something that really has or is happening in their life.

Kristen Miller has hit a home run with this book! It's definitely going to be the book of the summer!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Books for an arc of Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books. This book is so timely right now. I don’t live in a state that is banning books, so this was pretty eye opening to me. The story is told from many POVS about a small town in Georgia who a group of parents are banning books from the school library. This is only the start of all the discussions and issues in this book. I keep thinking about this book. It talks about serious topics, while it also has you laughing out loud. This book comes out June 8th, pre-order it today.

“‘…stories are the most powerful things in this world. They can mend broken hearts, bring back good memories, and make people fall in love.’

‘Or convince them to do the right thing,’ Nahla added.

Betsy shot Nahla a look. ‘Sometimes. But the trick is getting to know people well enough to tell their stories. You can't just assume you know what they're like. You have to pay attention. You got to watch and listen.’”

What can be said about Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books? Just as the title suggests, you are in for a ride on a tour of small-town Southern hypocrisy & hilarity. The plot centers around the town of Troy as one woman — Lula Dean — has made it her mission to ban books deemed “unsuitable” to read. The story is told from the perspective of various Troy characters who encounter different books in Lula Dean’s little free library that has been compromised by the town’s free-thinking youth, looking to stir up a hornet’s nest of drama. Drama does ensue, and, while the plot turns serious at times, there are well-paced moments of levity and tender humanity that reminded me people I knew in my small Southern town (I especially loved Willa Jean Cummings). There truly is something for everyone in this tightly wound novel that comes together intricately in impressive ways; a great book to teach plot structure, for sure!

That said I believe its one failing is in trying to do too much. Surprisingly I didn’t have too tough of a time keeping up with the many different characters as I often struggle with in similar alternating POV books. However, I think that was because some of the characters & arcs felt unnaturally exaggerated so families stood out from one another. Yes, this is a microcosm of a fake Southern world meant to shine a light on the absurdity of the here & now where Southern people have been performing in exaggerated manners. Yet it felt like some chapters moved too fast in making their point to serve the greater narrative than providing nuance befitting their characters. As a Southern girl, it is exactly that nuance that I crave when reading books meant to capture the paradox that is “Southern hospitality.” While Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books does hold a candle to this subject, I’m still unsure whether it is a welcome open flame or emblazoning destructive force for readers who need to watch and listen to this story the most.

Grateful to NetGalley and William Morrow for the chance to read this ARC. I look forward to its release & reception among the book-ish world.

The Change was the best book I’ve read in years. I was skeptical that this would compare. As a lesbian, a lifelong avid reader, and a southerner, it gets no better than this book. Kirsten Miller nailed this one. It has her trademark humor and wit and revenge, and so much heart. I may love this one more. Don’t make me choose. Thank you so much for this wonderful book. It will be featured on an upcoming episode of Your Rainbow Reads podcast.

Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books is an amazing read. The message is so important and the story is incredibly paced. Would recommend this to any book loved.

I laughed, I cried, enjoyed every single page of this deliciously mischievous truth-telling, heart warming story. It’s only January, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up being the best book I’ll read all year. I’ve already advance ordered a copy to re-read and share widely.

Thanks to NetGalley, Kirsten Miller and Harper Collins for the privilege of previewing an advanced reader copy.