Stump The Librarian: A Writer's Book of Legs

By Alan L. Samry

Stump the Librarian: A Writer's Book of Legs is a diverse collection of creative nonfiction that explores Alan Samry's life as a congenital below-knee amputee and a public librarian. Alan's writing weaves fascinating mythical, historical, and literary figures into his own absorbing story of being a "born amputee." As a librarian who prides himself on going above and beyond to answer patron questions, Alan's curiosity leads him to explore the question that stumps every amputee at some point in their life, "What happened to your leg?" To answer the question, he goes in search of amputees. Once discovered, he explores different writing forms including poetry, essays, satire, scholarship and experimental writing using the library as a both a sanctuary and a source for himself and his characters, both real and imagined, who go through life on one leg. In the book, with chapters organized as though the reader were exploring a public library, Alan writes from experience in an open, insightful, and humorous way. By experimenting in creative writing forms, Alan finds a new perspective, and while searching for other leg amputees, he discovers a new way of seeing himself and the world around him. The book is the writerly journey that began with a child being born with just one leg to stand on and how that one good leg, the stump, and dozens of artificial legs have propelled him through life.Alan Samry takes readers on his personal journey of curiosity, humor and exploration. In an unlikely narrative, readers learn about Alan's life as a congenital below-knee amputee. In a very delightful and provocative manner, Alan relates his personal memoirs and shares historical and imagined characters who are like-amputees.Alan's writing style is fascinatingly varied, and insightful into his own self-discovery. He shares intimate details that enable readers to appreciate his story and perspective.This book is a celebration of Alan - his person, determination, and his insatiable desire for truth.Tamara Dean,Director, Fairhope Public Library

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1511793376
• ISBN13: 9781511793377
• Release Date: July 2018
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 277 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.7" x 6.0"