Department of Health and Social Services Library

Also available as an audiobook!
A funny, book-obsessed kid, Josh Hanagarne was born to Mormon parents in rural Utah. He plotted escape to Piers Anthony's magical land of Xanth, freaked himself out with Stephen King's Pet Sematary, and fell feverishly in love with Fern from E. B. White's Charlotte's Web. Large for his age, Josh was playing the role of Tree in his elementary school play when he suddenly started twitching uncrontrollably. Turns out the tree had Tourette Syndrome. By the time Josh turned twenty, his tics had become too drastic to ignore. Desperate for liberation, Josh tried all possible treatments- well-intentioned chiropractic massage from a future convict; antipsychotic drugs that left him in a fog; even Botox injected directly into his vocal cords to paralyze them, which left him voiceless for two years. The results were dismal. As his tics worsened, the list of casualties grew- Josh's relationship with his girlfriend, his Mormon mission, his college career, countless jobs, his sense of self, and - slowly but relentlessly - his faith. It turned out to be weight lifting that proved the most lasting relief, as Josh learned to 'throttle' his tics into submission in the weight room. Under guidance from an eccentric, autistic strongman - and former Air Force tech sergeant and prison guard in Iraq - Josh quickly went from lifting dumbbells and barbells to performing increasingly elaborate feats (like rolling up frying pans and bending spikes). What started as a hobby became an entire way of life - and an effective way of managing his disorder. At an imposing 6' 7' and literally incapable of sitting still, Josh is certainly not your average librarian. He is an aspiring strongman, bookish nerd, twitchy guy with Tourette Syndrome, devoted family man, and tearer of phone books. A tall, thin paradox in thick glasses. Funny and offbeat, The World's Strongest Librariantraces this unlikely hero as he attempts to overcome his disability, navigate his wavering faith, find love, and create a life worth living. Advance praise for The World's Strongest Librarian 'A sumptuous read, as funny, erudite, and energizing as a chat with a conversational intellectual, as engrossing and moving as a medical detective drama. . . . The book leaves all of us who've read it feeling a little stronger and brighter ourselves.' Martha Beck, author of Finding Your Way in a Wild New World 'This is a modern classic, a generous, wise, and important book that will resonate with you for years to come. Josh is as brave as any of us can ever hope to be.' Seth Godin, bestselling author of Linchpin 'A soaring, inspiring elegy to the small and big miracles of parenthood and friendship and marriage and how they triumph over the not-so-small challenges of life. It is a perfect, perfect gem of a read, unputdownable, unforgettable, unmatchable.' Pam Allyn, author of What to Read When 'As a gym rat myself, I can attest to the power of hurling one's sinews against heavy stuff that keeps wanting to slam you back into the floor. The difference with Josh hanagarne is he has lifted much weightier impediments - Tourette's, loneliness, geekitude, and the calling to be a writer. That he is - and a talent to savor, to emulate, and to be inspired by.' Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of The War of Art 'An astonishing story told with insight, humor, grace, and wonder.' Melanie Rae Thon, author of Sweet Hearts 'A truly interesting, engaging, and fascinating memoir.' Joe Lansdale, author of Edge of Dark Water 'A funny, profound, emotionally generous, and wonderfully human story.' Lou Schuler, coauthor of The New Rules of Lifting 'Everything about this book