Literary controversies: August 20, 2025

Here's the latest news on literary controversies and controversial literature.

• Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita has been controversial ever since it was published seventy years ago, but the particular angle of the debate over it has changed multiple times, says Constance Grady (Vox). 

• Sarah Stankorb's reporting on a particular Michigan school district's — eventually successful — battles with extremist parents might serve as inspiration to those in similar fights (The New Republic). 

• Family estrangement over political views is growing increasingly common, and some people are hoping that picking up a book could help restore bonds or at least civility (Wired).