The World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne Summary

The World's Strongest Librarian chronicles Josh Hanagarne’s journey as a 6'7" librarian with severe Tourette’s Syndrome, blending memoir themes of faith (Mormonism), family, and resilience. It explores his use of weightlifting to manage tics, struggles with infertility, and lifelong bond with books. The narrative shifts between his Salt Lake City library work and candid reflections on disability.

This memoir appeals to memoir enthusiasts, individuals navigating disabilities (especially Tourette’s), librarians, and anyone interested in unconventional self-help strategies. Readers seeking stories about overcoming adversity, faith crises, or the transformative power of libraries will find it compelling.

Yes—its blend of humor (e.g., describing the library as “glass underpants”) and raw honesty about Tourette’s, faith, and fatherhood offers unique insights. Hanagarne’s vivid storytelling and uplifting message about finding purpose through struggle make it a standout memoir.

Hanagarne uses intense strength training, particularly kettlebell workouts inspired by Pavel Tsatsouline’s The Naked Warrior, to redirect tic energy. His father’s gym intervention and disciplined routines provide physical and mental focus, though Tourette’s remains a lifelong challenge.

Libraries symbolize order and refuge for Hanagarne, contrasting life’s chaos. His career at Salt Lake City Public Library anchors the memoir, with anecdotes highlighting patron interactions, book recommendations, and the institution’s community role.

Hanagarne examines his complex relationship with the Mormon Church, acknowledging its supportive community while questioning doctrines during personal crises. His mother’s joyful faith and his own spiritual doubts create a nuanced portrayal of religious identity.

• On libraries: “Everything proceeded according to patterns established even before the current crop of ancient librarians began working there”.
• On Tourette’s: “It was like working inside a giant pair of glass underpants”.
• On resilience: “Things are never so bad that they can’t improve”.

His wife Janette’s support during infertility struggles and his father’s gym mentorship are pivotal. The memoir also touches on parenting his son Max, who shows early Tourette’s symptoms, adding generational depth to his journey.

Some readers note uneven pacing between library anecdotes and personal history. Others find Hanagarne’s faith discussions sparse compared to Tourette’s or strength-training themes, though most praise its authenticity.

Unlike clinical accounts, Hanagarne interweaves humor, fitness, and librarianship, offering a unique lens on disability. It shares Educated’s thematic resilience but blends self-help elements akin to Can’t Hurt Me.

Its themes—adapting to life’s unpredictability, redefining purpose, and balancing tradition with self-discovery—resonate in eras of rapid change. The memoir’s emphasis on community spaces (libraries) also aligns with digital-age nostalgia for physical hubs.

Hanagarne emphasizes curiosity, embracing idiosyncrasies, and finding purpose through service (e.g., librarianship). His journey underscores that progress isn’t linear and that strength lies in adaptability, not perfection.