Recs if you like Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books...

In honor of our queen Dolly Parton's tragic passing, I present to you, a list that includes books she has shared she loved, books that give me Dolly vibes, books she herself has written and books about her... basically just a big ol' Dolly appreciation list. Recommendations welcome!! In the meantime, pour one out for an icon, you'll catch me watching Steel Magnolias and sobbing. Rest in power, Dolly.

books w/ full names in the title (mostly fiction)

Bibliophilia at its best - books about books, readers, libraries, bookstores!

“Censorship is telling a man he can’t have a steak just because a baby can’t chew it.” — Mark Twain

Fiction about book banning, censorship, and intellectual freedom. Bans off our books!!!

Looking for nonfiction? Check out my list The First Condition of Progress!

Ah yes, this ol' issue that has plagued librarians and bookstore clerks for decades.

And sometimes you find the right book, but... can you even call that shade blue?

All about books, bookstores, bookshops, bookclubs, libraries, writers, readers - All things Books! Books! Books!

A variety of books recommended by a librarian (appropriate for students aged 11-16 as well).

Titles with full character's name. I haven't read all of those books, and I'm open to suggestions.

Fiction and Non-Fiction for Troubled Times

Books about authors, literature, or with books as a general theme

Books about books, bookstores, libraries, and human nature. All genres and ages

Books according to people on the internet (reddit/facebook) that scratch a similar itch to the show Desperate Housewives.

Novels that give a slice of life, a look into love, or just generally give you a raw feeling in your heart when reading.

Here are some books all about books, librarians, and libraries! Some books just happen to take place in a library or have librarian characters involved.

These books feel like premium peak millennial Obama-era hope in the current Cheetoh-ruled world. They are what my best hopes of current reality are, with maybe a bit of magic thrown in. Reading and re-reading them is keeping me functioning right now. For the most part 😜

Bad things happen but these marginalized characters take it on and win in a way that satisfies me. I will save the books where bad things happen to bad people to another list!

books with full names in the title; all genres

This is one of a few lists I'm making to help me organize my ideas for HRCYED 3.0. Feel free to take inspiration or comment with more ideas.

Specifically: a bunch of great books with fantastic narrators.

(Started on July 3:rd 2026 - will be added to, promise!)

Top contenders for this year's Reading Challenge! The goal is a well-rounded reading experience (nonfiction, romance, mystery, biography, memoir, poetry, series, etc.). Take inspiration for your own lists or recommend titles for mine!!