Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love by 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.

I almost DNF that book. Almost.

Queer Eye is one of my utmost favourite TV series of all time. I love the rhythm, all transformations and the dynamic the Fab5 have. Although, after that, I realized that... would be better to keep loving them away from reality.

I do not love Jonathan more or less than before after listening to his biography. I do respect him and his trajectory – even the deep bad things that he let happen to him and what he suffered too – to become the JVN that we love so deeply in the series.

However... I was expecting more. I was expecting a different part of his life to be presented. I was hoping to listen to his family, his stepdad and their relationship that he always said it was so, so close and unique (note only his childhood, when they first met). I was expecting more step by step ways to ensure and love yourself.
I was expecting less ice-skating, self-destruction emphasis, less groceries and indulgent unhealthy food descriptions.

It's Jonathan! I was expecting feeling light, full of energy, laugh out loud with his stories and bravery while challenging and overcoming life obstacles. But no. I kind of became depressed and grumpy with all. And unsatisfied with what I was spending my time with.

At some point, I've started to blame myself for not being an LGBTQ+ person hence to not appreciate or make connections with what was his reality, his true demons.

It's pretty sad to give 3 stars for an autobiography. Obviously, that doesn't mean that his life until now worth 3 stars.
But for now... I do not think this book could be used as a feeding soul material for me.

Really good. He was very open and and this book is an important read I would recommend.

The flow was good too, with transitions where needed.

I've loved Jonathan ever since he started on Queer Eye. This memoir gave me a deeper look at his life and what he's had to endure to get to where he is now. It was funny, raw, and emotional. Reading his story made me love him even more. What made this even more of a 5 star read for me was listening to it on audiobook. I could feel all his emotions as he read his story. Such a great book!

Listened to the audiobook. He's definitely not a writer, but there are some flawed/funny stories, some in particular about risk-taking, boundary issues, and sorting through your multiple performative-selves that I think teens especially will find relatable. He does at least acknowledge that his family privilege got him out of some circumstances that others would not be able to bounce back from. A mostly interesting listen.