Book Review: Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books, Kirsten Miller (2024)

Kirsten Miller's Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books is a triumphant, hilarious, and deeply moving satire that brilliantly tackles the timely and important issue of book banning. Miller has a rare talent for taking a serious subject and infusing it with humor and heart, making for a truly unforgettable reading experience.

The story revolves around a cast of eccentric and endearing characters in the small Southern town of Troy, Georgia, all of whom become unexpectedly intertwined through a secret act of rebellion. What begins as a petty feud between two women—the meddlesome Lula Dean and the ever-so-clever Beverly Underwood—quickly evolves into a powerful testament to the transformative power of books. As banned titles secretly make their way into Lula’s "little free library," readers get to witness, chapter by chapter, how these stories impact the lives of everyone in town.

Beyond the clever plot, the novel shines in its ability to create fully realized, nuanced characters. From a high school football star grappling with his identity to a woman discovering a hidden part of her family's history, each person who interacts with the library finds a piece of themselves within its pages. While the book doesn't shy away from serious topics like racism, homophobia, and censorship, it handles them with a sense of hope and wit that leaves you feeling uplifted and inspired.

This is more than just a funny book; it's a rallying cry for the importance of reading, the freedom of ideas, and the belief that a single book can change a life. It's a reminder that community can be a powerful force for good when people are willing to open their minds and their hearts. A must-read for anyone who has ever found solace, strength, or a new perspective within the pages of a book.

Carolina Dean 
12th House Books

Conversations with Robots: How I Used A.I. to Identify My Core Values and Life's Purpose.

Celebrating my 52nd birthday, I decided to give myself a new challenge: to start a daily journaling practice. While I've kept various notebooks over the years, I've never committed to writing every day. To guide me, I'm using The New Diary by Tristine Rainer, which outlines different writing modes and techniques for self-exploration.

As I began journaling, I noticed a recurring theme: I wanted to live a more intentional life. To understand what this meant for me, I used a technique called automatic writing. Through this process, I realized that an intentional life is one where I'm in control, not just reacting to whatever comes my way. I also discovered that to live this way, I need to:

• Define my values and purpose.

• Align my actions with my values.

• Cultivate self-awareness and mindfulness.

Unsure how to start defining my values, I turned to a resource that wasn't around when Rainer wrote her book: artificial intelligence. I prompted an AI to act as a life coach and ask me a series of questions to help identify my core values. After an hour of answering questions, the AI analyzed my responses and outlined my core values, which it then summarized into a personal statement.

My Core Values

The AI's analysis revealed my core values are personal growth, resilience, connection, and compassion.

• Growth: I believe in constant self-improvement through daily rituals like journaling, gratitude, and mindfulness. These practices help me recenter and connect with myself.

• Resilience: My journey to becoming a published author taught me that my voice is valid and that I can overcome adversity to achieve my dreams.

• Connection and Community: Although I value my alone time, I feel most alive when sharing experiences with others. I believe we are all interconnected, and true happiness comes from these shared moments.

• Compassion: This value is at the heart of my belief that all life is sacred. It drives my desire to make a positive impact on the world, whether through small acts of kindness or larger efforts like creating jobs or providing healthcare.

The analysis also highlighted a personal challenge: while I value connection, past experiences have made it difficult for me to fully trust others. Acknowledging this barrier is part of my journey toward living my values.

A Guiding Principle: Compassionate Contribution

Using my core values, I gave the AI one final prompt: "Analyze my core values and reduce them down to one single guiding principle for my life."

The AI's answer was compassionate contribution. This phrase combines my core values into a single, actionable principle. It's a proactive, outward-looking concept that suggests my personal growth and resilience are not ends in themselves, but tools to help others. Compassionate contribution means moving beyond just feeling empathy to actively using my resources, skills, and talents to make a positive difference in the world.

Looking back, I realized I’ve been practicing this principle my whole life. Friends and family have often described me as "free-hearted," and I have always been driven to help others in both small and significant ways—from offering a listening ear to mentoring and volunteering. My core values are a compass, and compassionate contribution is my true north, guiding me to use my unique skills to bring harmony and care to those who need it most.

This journey has been a powerful reminder that our values are more than just words; they are the foundation for a meaningful life. While the path to living with intention is ongoing, having a clear guiding principle like "compassionate contribution" provides a strong sense of purpose and direction. By continually reflecting on these principles, we can ensure our actions are aligned with our deepest beliefs, leading to a life filled with purpose and positive impact.

Carolina Dean 
Compassionate Contributor 

Links:

• The New Diary, Tristine Rainer
• Tristine Rainer
• Diary (Wikipedia) 

The Truth Is Out There... And It's in This Book

Have you ever felt a chill when you hear a weird noise in the woods, or caught a glimpse of something that just couldn't be real? If so, you've already stepped into the world of cryptozoology.

Cryptozoology is the study of hidden animals—creatures that haven't been proven to exist. The evidence for them comes from stories, folklore, and sometimes a few clues. It's a field where science meets mystery, and it's all about finding out if these creatures are real.

To learn more, check out "Cryptozoology A to Z" by Loren Coleman and Jerome Clark. It's an incredible guide that covers the history of cryptozoology and lists all sorts of mysterious creatures. The authors, both well-known in the field, don't just give you a list. They dig into where the stories came from, their cultural importance, and what the scientific community thinks about them.

The book covers everything from the famous Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster to the less-known Mokele-mbembe. It’s a treasure chest of information.

What makes this book great is that it's balanced. While it celebrates the thrill of discovery, it also looks at evidence with a critical eye. The authors help you tell the difference between real mysteries and hoaxes.

This book shows that our world is still full of wonders. It reminds us to keep an open mind and question what we think we know.

Whether you're new to cryptozoology or a long-time fan, "Cryptozoology A to Z" is a must-have. It will spark your imagination and make you wonder about the undiscovered parts of our world.

So, the next time you hear a strange sound in the leaves, remember the hidden world that Coleman and Clark reveal. You can find "Cryptozoology A to Z" and other books at my Etsy store. 

Carolina Dean 

Links

• Cryptozoology at 12th House Books 
• Cryptozoology at Wikipedia 
• International Cryptozoology Museum 

The Crossbones Amulet

Have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders? The unseen forces of negativity and bad vibes pressing in on you? In a world filled with such things, people have long sought out tools and talismans for protection. While many of us might think of crystals or religious symbols, there's a lesser-known, yet fascinating amulet with a very humble origin: the crossbones amulet.

This intriguing charm is crafted from something you might find on your dinner plate—the two bones from a chicken wing. These bones are carefully tied together to form an equal-armed cross, transforming a simple leftover into a powerful object of protection. It’s believed to act as a kind of spiritual shield, warding off evil and absorbing the negativity that comes your way.

There's a beautiful simplicity to this amulet. Unlike other charms that might be made from precious metals or stones, the crossbones amulet is a reminder that protection doesn't need to be ornate or expensive. It’s an act of intention, taking something ordinary and giving it an extraordinary purpose. It's a personal talisman, unique to the person who creates or carries it.

But what happens when this little amulet has absorbed all it can? The lore surrounding the crossbones amulet says that when it has reached its capacity, it will let you know. You might begin to feel a distinct heaviness when you carry it, as if it's literally weighed down by the negativity it has collected. In other cases, it may break, a clear sign that it has fulfilled its purpose and sacrificed itself in the process. And most mysteriously of all, some say the amulet may simply disappear, leaving you to wonder if it dissolved back into the ether from which it came, having done its job.

The idea that a simple chicken bone amulet could serve as such a potent protective charm is both curious and comforting. It reminds us that magic and meaning can be found in the most unexpected places. Whether you believe in its powers or simply appreciate the folklore, the crossbones amulet offers a unique perspective on how we seek to safeguard ourselves from the unseen challenges of life.

Click here to purchase your own Crossbones Amulet! 

Carolina Dean
Bone Sorcerer 

Links