The World's Strongest Librarian

A Memoir of Tourette's, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family

By: Josh Hanagarne

Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne

Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

At first glance, Josh Hanagarne seems an improbable librarian. He stands 6'7", competes in strongman contests, and was diagnosed in high school with Tourette's syndrome. But books are his first love - Josh's earliest memories involve fantastic adventures between the pages of Gulliver’s Travels and a passionate infatuation with Fern from Charlotte’s Web. Everything in Josh’s life - from his Mormon upbringing, to finally finding love, to learning to control his tics through lifting - circles back to a close connection with books. Today, Josh is a librarian at the Salt Lake City Public Library, founder of a popular blog about books and weight lifting - and the proud father of four-year-old Max, who has already started to show his own symptoms of Tourette's.

The World’s Strongest Librarian illuminates the mysteries of this little-understood disorder as well as the very different worlds of strongman training and modern libraries. With humor and candor, this unlikely hero traces his journey to overcome his disability, navigate his wavering Mormon faith, spread the word about the wonder of books, and ultimately, find love and create a life worth living.

©2013 Josh Hanagarne (P)2013 AudioGO

Critic reviews

“Forthright, affecting, and sometimes surprisingly funny.” ( Library Journal)

Insightful, inspirational,worth the listen

I particularly enjoyed the narration and plan to read it again along with the members of my book club.

Great, unusual story!

This is an unusual but very interesting book. It is told in large part through anecdotes and funny observations. Its conversational tone makes the story more personal and heartfelt. One gets the sense that the author is getting to know himself better as he is telling his story: he is humble and arrogant, optimistic and self-deprecating, all at the same time. The portions dealing with Tourette's, the library and exercise were all riveting. I feel that I learned a lot. I found the portions dealing with religion slower. The author has a friend, Sam, that stole the show for me. I would love to hear his whole story! The portrayal of the author's wife, on the other hand, was flat and careful (which I guess is understandable). Overall, a great book!

Humbling

Beautiful story which gives me inspiration to do more in my own life. I love his tales of family and the love that they share.

Absolutely incredible!

I just couldn’t help but fall in love with the author and his whole family. As an LDS family I understand a lot of the trials he has gone through for his faith. I listened with fascination as he spoke about all the types of bodybuilding regimes that he chose to try to control “MsT” as he named his tic’s. So many times the medical community let him down and other neurological divergent people, so sad. Yet, it’s so up beat knowing that he isn’t going to just roll over and surrender. Keep throwing those Highland games, excellent examples of endurance!

Not what I was expecting, and not shabby!

I was a librarian. That’s what I thought this would be about. But no.
This is a story of a life spent overcoming great obstacles and yet living a fulfilling life.
This is a story of never giving up on yourself and the importance of having the loving support of family and friends.
This is the story of looking toward a future that is inclusive and always working toward it.
Josh made life look a lot easier than I think it could have been. There are many kinds of strength.
I recommend this book to anyone who will be open to looking at life through a different lens, particularly to anyone who thinks they have it hard. Life often gets easier when you realize we all have a cross to bear, sometimes our own is not the worst. We just need to develop our toolboxes to get through it optimally.
I enjoyed this book.

Where’s book #2?

This is my first written review. This is an amazing book - and wonderfully read. “The World’s Strongest Librarian” is a role model for anyone dealing with life. The title is perfect! And a perfect example of the humor found throughout the story. I love the triad of faith family and Tourette’s. And although I am not fond of the type of ending used - it fits the story. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come. I am grateful for this book! And I hope to many more by JH.

Excellent book.

Story of struggle, victory, defeat and more struggles. A story about a little understood disorder. Excellent listen

A amazing memoir

I couldn't stop listening, this man's plight became his greatest victory, and having tourettes myself, I know what that victory feels like. I would 100% recommend this title to anyone.

Excellent!

A powerful story of love, courage, and faith told with humor, feeling and personal insights. I wanted to hear more! The narrator is outstanding!

Such a surprising Gem!

Such a surprising gem ! funny, relatable, and I learned alot about tourette's, and the Mormon religion! I highly recommend it