A review by april_reads
Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller is my favorite read of the year so far.

Lula Dean is on a mission—she wants to make Troy great again. After discovering a pornographic book in the baking section of the library (which she’s told was just a prank by kids), she launches a crusade to ban books she deems inappropriate. She rallies many of Troy’s residents to her cause and even sets up a Little Free Library in front of her home, stocked with "wholesome" books promoting traditional gender roles, patriotism, and Southern pride.

But someone has other ideas. Secretly, they begin replacing Lula’s curated books with the very banned books she despises—disguising them with wholesome book jackets. As the townspeople unknowingly read these titles, they are exposed to new, progressive ideas, while Lula remains blissfully unaware of the switch.

Mirroring much of what’s happening in America today, this book brilliantly highlights the hypocrisy, racism, and misogyny promoted by the MAGA movement—and how we can push back against these archaic beliefs.

Hilarious yet deeply insightful, this one delivers a powerful message. Highly recommend. And if you voted MAGA? I double recommend—you just might see a bit of yourself in these pages.
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