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

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)

Surprising memoir

I most certainly didn’t expect to laugh out loud and enjoy this book as much as I did! I’ve already made my friends start this book.

Absolute gem!

This is a marvelous one of a kind book, magnificently wordsmithed, brimming with humor and warmth and insight, and beautifully read. I loved every minute and was sad when it ended. A truly great listen.

Such a joy!

I started listening to this book one evening when I went out for a brisk walk. As soon as I got home I sent my sister a text to tell her she needed to listen to/read this book. I told her I’m sure people who saw me walking probably thought there was something wrong with me as I passed them as I either had a huge grin on my face or I was laughing out loud. I will definitely listen to it again.

Superb!

A very pleasant and unexpected story. I absolutely loved it. The reader was very good, as was the writing. It's not often you find a book that so fully captivates your entire soul. I hope Josh writes a sequel.

Could not have told it better!

My son has Tourette syndrome and this is exactly what I've been looking for. As a mother I'm trying to find all the information I can to help him and help others understand him. This book was not just a great story and entertaining but explains things in a way that a science book could never. I am having my whole family read this book. Thanks Josh for being so strong and telling your story!

Perfect Performanced

The story is about a hero. A boy dealing with heroically sized challenges unflinchingly told.
A pleasure to listen to.

Loved book

I listen to many books and recommend this one for content, writing . And narration. It illicits humor, sympathy and wonder at how Josh manages his world. Best wishes to him and his family.

this was so much more than I expected,

I have found this book to be inspiring, sad, happy and many things in between. best story felt like a library itself, full of so many things to learn and feel, just awesome.

I was blown away

This book was a jewel for me. it challenged me to look at the world in New ways and reminded me there is always room for hope and another opportunity to try again when life isn't what I thought it should be.

WHAT a REVELATION- and humor to boot

This gifted author lays it ALL on the line in his memoir and I have to say having just finished it I still am letting it percolate in me with its good healing medicine. So I may have more to say later but for now all I can say is wow what a revelation-- this is not the book I expected to be which would have been great but it's so much more. A true story from a true story teller. I was entertained nonstop and you know what that does matter when we are reading for pleasure. I learned so much not only about this person but humanity and myself. This is one of the funniest books that I've read in a long time .... I'm so glad it was through audible because the performer that is the narrator is quite excellent.