Kirsten Miller’s novel “Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books” is a captivating and multi-layered story that offers readers much more than just a narrative about books. Miller skillfully interweaves multiple perspectives into a single, compelling tale.

Set in a seemingly picturesque Southern American town, the novel delves beneath the surface to reveal a troubled history marred by racism, misogyny, homophobia, and other social issues. These themes are addressed in a manner that encourages readers to reflect deeply on these issues. While the novel may have a quirky charm, it delivers powerful messages that resonate strongly in today's climate of divisiveness and marginalization. Miller deserves commendation for her ability to highlight these critical issues in a way that promotes thoughtful reflection.

One minor criticism is the abundance of character arcs, which can occasionally make it challenging to keep track of who’s who. However, these numerous arcs also enrich the narrative and contribute to the overall message Miller seeks to convey.

“Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books” deserves a place on everyone’s must-read list. Additionally, some of the banned books referenced within the novel are worth exploring further—I know I’ll be adding a few to my reading list.

4.5 ⭐️