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jcpdiesel21's review
3.0
Starts promisingly, but tapers off after a while and I didn't end up enjoying this as much as I had hoped. Hanagarne has plenty to share about his love of books, experiences within the Mormon faith and Tourette Syndrome struggles, and I appreciated learning about each of these topics. However, the book doesn't come together in an entirely satisfying way and I found the writing to be a bit lacking, perhaps because Hanagarne's conversational style feels more suited for a blog. The library anecdotes that begin nearly every chapter are quick and amusing, yet don't tie to anything that the chapter covers, resulting in them feeling somewhat superfluous. I liked reading about the well-deserved victories that Hanagarne earned throughout his life, whether a brief respite from his tics or his ability to have a child. Good, but I wanted a bit more.
readhikerepeat's review against another edition
5.0
From The Book Wheel.
Note: I requested this book from NetGalley and received it in exchange for an honest review.
Warning: If you plan to pick up this book, do it when you have nothing schedule for the next day or two. I made the mistake of starting this one at midnight as a “going to bed” book and read until 4 am.
That said, it’s pretty clear that I loved this book. I had heard great things about it on the blogger network but was a little put off by the weightlifting aspect. I knew that I would get around to it and its looming expiration date gave me the push I needed to finally get around to reading it.
Now, of course, I’m asking myself the following: What was I thinking? Why didn’t I pick this up earlier? What is wrong with me for putting this off? Because this book is fantastic. And when I say fantastic, I mean really fantastic.
To sum it up, The World’s Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne is about his own life struggling with his religious beliefs and battling severe Tourette syndrome while towering over everyone else (he’s 6’7″). Oh, and he works in a library, which is a struggle for someone who makes involuntary noises on a regular basis. But far from being clinical or scientific, the book is written in a way that made me feel as if the author were sitting in front of me telling his story. Holding nothing back, we take a life’s journey with Josh, from his Tourette Syndrome interfering with his love life to his doubts about his Mormon faith.
For the full review, click here.
Note: I requested this book from NetGalley and received it in exchange for an honest review.
Warning: If you plan to pick up this book, do it when you have nothing schedule for the next day or two. I made the mistake of starting this one at midnight as a “going to bed” book and read until 4 am.
That said, it’s pretty clear that I loved this book. I had heard great things about it on the blogger network but was a little put off by the weightlifting aspect. I knew that I would get around to it and its looming expiration date gave me the push I needed to finally get around to reading it.
Now, of course, I’m asking myself the following: What was I thinking? Why didn’t I pick this up earlier? What is wrong with me for putting this off? Because this book is fantastic. And when I say fantastic, I mean really fantastic.
To sum it up, The World’s Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne is about his own life struggling with his religious beliefs and battling severe Tourette syndrome while towering over everyone else (he’s 6’7″). Oh, and he works in a library, which is a struggle for someone who makes involuntary noises on a regular basis. But far from being clinical or scientific, the book is written in a way that made me feel as if the author were sitting in front of me telling his story. Holding nothing back, we take a life’s journey with Josh, from his Tourette Syndrome interfering with his love life to his doubts about his Mormon faith.
For the full review, click here.
pandacat42's review against another edition
4.0
This man was very open and honest about his life and the difficulties he has had. I like the fact that though he lost his faith in his religion, he didn't disrespect other people's belief and he still supported his wife and mother in their belief. I learned a lot from this book, in looking into the heart of another human being. I think it opened my heart a little more to understanding other people's difficulties. I could definitely see the author's growth from being a fixture on the couch, to making something of his life. That is inspiring to me.
In some of life's trials I can relate to the author. I don't know what to think about pretending to have an agent, but that is a part of his story. I believe by writing about it he was seeking forgiveness by letting out this massive mistake. He is right that it seems like a mistake someone would make earlier in life in order to impress friends. But I think I can see how he just wants some kind of acceptance and respect from other people.
In some of life's trials I can relate to the author. I don't know what to think about pretending to have an agent, but that is a part of his story. I believe by writing about it he was seeking forgiveness by letting out this massive mistake. He is right that it seems like a mistake someone would make earlier in life in order to impress friends. But I think I can see how he just wants some kind of acceptance and respect from other people.
hgranger's review against another edition
4.0
Honest, painful, well-written, funny, and poignant. Well done Mr Hanagarne. I wish you all the best!
marshmallowbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the audio and listening to someone who has worked in the downtown Salt Lake City Library which really is a beautiful building. I also laughed out loud when the author, who grew up in an LDS (Mormon) household summarized an account from the Book of Mormon and the narrator pronounced Nephites as "neff-fights" instead of "knee-fights."
geminiusa's review against another edition
5.0
I laughed out loud through out this whole book....especially at the beginning.
As the memoir got more poignant towards the end, when he is talking about his faith, (which is the prominent religion in this state), it lost some of the charm for me.
As the memoir got more poignant towards the end, when he is talking about his faith, (which is the prominent religion in this state), it lost some of the charm for me.
hkstidham's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a memoir, chronicling the life of a Mormon weightlifting librarian who has Tourette’s syndrome. That collection of traits piqued my interest, and it’s free on Audible, so I gave it a try. This ended up being so funny and was written as if the author is sitting with you over coffee personally telling you his story. I enjoyed it!
emilyrbedwell's review against another edition
5.0
There are not enough stars to rate this one. Funny, touching and memorable!
mary_elizabeth's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0