Over the Top

Over the Top is exactly what you expect and not at all what you expect. It's a celebrity memoir, but JVN takes it to the next level. He's so open and raw. I appreciated that so much. I feel weird rating it because of the subject and because it's his life story. It was great, flowed well, and had a good balance of laughter and heartache. Some reviewers didn't like a few of the tangents, but they seemed natural to me. But then again, I'm all for a good tangent. I also got to walk away with one of my favorite quotes ever.

“I might look like sixteenth-century Jesus, but sometimes I struggle with being the landlord of Petty Lane.”

Jonathan has lived quite a life and really turned things around for himself. It's not surprising that he is so compassionate with the people he meets through his show “Queer Eye”. I think this would be an amazing book for a young person in the LGBTQ++ community to read, but really, anyone who has ever struggled with abuse, drugs, family dynamics, sexual issues or self-love will be able to relate. Johathan talks about it all and is honest and raw, but manages to remain funny and upbeat through it all.