Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness Published by HarperCollinsPublishers on January 6, 2024
Genres: Biography & Autobiography / Culinary, Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts, Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs, Humor / Topic / LGBTQ, Self-Help / Motivational & Inspirational
Pages: 288
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
NPR'S FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR
INDIE BESTSELLER
GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER: BEST MEMOIR & AUTOBIOGRAPHY
A laugh-and-cry-out-loud memoir from the beloved star of Netflix's Queer Eye, Jonathan Van Ness
Who gave Jonathan Van Ness permission to be the radiant human he is today? No one, honey.
The truth is, it hasn't always been gorgeous for this beacon of positivity and joy.
Before he stole our hearts as the grooming and self-care expert on Netflix's hit show Queer Eye, Jonathan was growing up in a small Midwestern town that didn't understand why he was so...over the top. From choreographed carpet figure skating routines to the unavoidable fact that he was Just. So. Gay., Jonathan was an easy target and endured years of judgement, ridicule and trauma--yet none of it crushed his uniquely effervescent spirit.
Over the Top uncovers the pain and passion it took to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance that Jonathan is today. In this revelatory, raw, and rambunctious memoir, Jonathan shares never-before-told secrets and reveals sides of himself that the public has never seen. JVN fans may think they know the man behind the stiletto heels, the crop tops, and the iconic sayings, but there's much more to him than meets the Queer Eye.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll come away knowing that no matter how broken or lost you may be, you're a Kelly Clarkson song, you're strong, and you've got this.
My Review
I picked this book up because I took one of the author’s classes on Skillshare having to do with self-love. I was completely blind to anything having to do with Jonathan’s life like I said I only knew of him through his class.
I found this book to be very informative about his life. I listened to it on Audible and I very much enjoyed his narration. This book honest to goodness made me laugh out loud and it also disturbed me. I found parts of it to be very educational as well.
I loved how he was very open and honest about the mistakes he had made in his life. I should say though that there are major trigger warnings for sexual abuse, drugs, grief, body image, eating disorders, homophobia, and sexual addiction.
Jonathan talks about his childhood growing up playing with Barbie dolls, figure skating in the living room, and gossiping with the old ladies. He talks about the abuse he suffered as a child and how he was bullied constantly by other kids. We then hear about his teenage years, attempts at college, working, and finding fame. Not to mention his sexual encounters and the abuse he put himself through. He talks about the fact that he did not understand why he was acting out the way that he was and all of the different rehab attempts that he had made.
Jonathan goes on to talk about the long and hard journey he took to find self-love. He narrates this book in such a way that it makes you feel like he is sitting right there with you. I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it with caution due to the trigger warnings I have mentioned above. I give this book a 4-star rating but audio performance is a straight-up 5 stars for sure.