Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books

A Novel

By: Kirsten Miller

Narrated by: January LaVoy

“Kirsten Miller has that rare ability to take a serious subject and make it very, very funny. I enjoyed this novel and you will too.”—James Patterson

The provocative and hilarious summer listen that will have book lovers cheering and everyone talking! Kirsten Miller, author of The Change, brings us a bracing, wildly entertaining satire about a small Southern town, a pitched battle over banned books, and a little lending library that changes everything.

Beverly Underwood and her arch enemy, Lula Dean, live in the tiny town of Troy, Georgia, where they were born and raised. Now Beverly is on the school board, and Lula has become a local celebrity by embarking on mission to rid the public libraries of all inappropriate books—none of which she’s actually read. To replace the “pornographic” books she’s challenged at the local public library, Lula starts her own lending library in front of her home: a cute wooden hutch with glass doors and neat rows of the worthy literature that she’s sure the town’s readers need.

What Lula doesn’t know is that a local troublemaker has stolen her wholesome books, removed their dust jackets, and restocked Lula’s library with banned books: literary classics, gay romances, Black history, witchy spell books, Judy Blume novels, and more. One by one, neighbors who borrow books from Lula Dean’s library find their lives changed in unexpected ways. Finally, one of Lula Dean’s enemies discovers the library and decides to turn the tables on her, just as Lula and Beverly are running against each other to replace the town’s disgraced mayor.

That’s when all the townspeople who’ve been borrowing from Lula’s library begin to reveal themselves. That's when the showdown that’s been brewing between Beverly and Lula will roil the whole town...and change it forever.

©2024 Kirsten Miller (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Small town attitudes

Loved the tie-ins by chapter to books that are challenged/banned. A great read for bibliophiles.

Another great story from Kirsten Miller

After reading Kirsten's book the Change, I didn't think I'd ever find another book that i enjoyed as much. This is a very close second favorite!

Well done!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wow! What powerful messages, shared in the best way. I zipped through it so quickly because I was really enjoying it. It’s a definite yes. I’ve already recommend it to several people.

heavy topics, handled with a gentle hand

The story is about banned books. This shouldn’t be a spoiler, since it’s in the title. The subject of challenging books in schools and libraries is handled with wit and skill. All characters are believable, the topics realistic, and the way that everything works together is handled well.

I would highly recommend this book.

Loved it!

This bit of satire handled our nation's division with wit and humor. Like a character realizes at the end, just because something is funny does not mean it's not serious.

Powerful

Written from so many different perspectives, this book gives a glimpse of what we in the South have perpetuated and protested for years. I wish this were required reading to combat ignorance and to empower both young and old minds alike!

Funny and Serious

A comical look at some very serious social issues. The author weaves several story lines together artfully to connect them by the end of the story.

A Must Listen

Beautiful story and absolutely adored. I’m calling this a must listen/or read for all.

I feel Seen!

It’s so refreshing to have a book about the south that actually reflects the south and not just the stereotypes.
This is a fun little beach read with some soul. There is a fair amount of sermonizing but it’s all in the name of showing a side of Georgians that is rarely heard from.
The narrator is excellent!

The power of books

Narration excellent, story imaginative and moving. I have already recommended it. I think it would be a great addition to book festivals.