Over the Top

by Jonathan Van Ness

Ebook, 2019

Status

Available

Call number

791.4502

Genres

Publication

Simon & Schuster UK (2019), 288 pages

Description

A laugh-and-cry-out-loud memoir from the beloved star of Netflix's Queer Eye, Jonathan Van Ness, sharing never before told, deeply personal stories of growing up gay, transforming pain into positivity, and embracing what makes you gorgeously different. 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.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member jfaltz

Funny and occasionally vulgar. A quick enjoyable read

6 more

LibraryThing member Chris.Bulin

I think this suffered from comparison to Tan's memoir, which I had read right before this. While the story is compelling, the structure wasn't as tight. JVN as narrator was hilarious and I identified with some of the struggles he has also experienced.

LibraryThing member cougargirl1967

Wow, what a ride! Jonathan sure has gone through a lot, no he's over the top!

LibraryThing member tsmom1219

I loved this and read it in one sitting. Be aware that Jonathan writes like he talks. That works for me, but may bug the hell out of you.

LibraryThing member muffinbutt1027

Jonathan's voice is effervescent - it feels like you are making a new bff the whole time and he's telling you his life story. It's not all sunshine and rainbows and though all of his life experiences aren't relatable to me personally, there's such a undercurrent of midwestern, fish out of water

trauma that I couldn't help but not along with. JVN is exactly who you want him to be: honest, funny, effervescent and inspiring.

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LibraryThing member OnniAdda

Disclaimer. Trigger Warning; Sexual Abuse, Drug Abuse, Violent/Harrowing scenarios, Prostitution

This book was a mixture of low-key fun with a dash of uncomfortable truths. There is a disclaimer at the beginning of the book about the trauma found therein, but honestly, it is not something you can

prepare for, especially in regards to his brand of comedic delivery of delicate topics. It can have you giggling one moment and the next moment you feel like someone slapped you with a brick. It goes from 0 to 60 real quick, so be prepared. Besides, this was a really radiant and enjoyable book about the power of positivity and growing into the person you chose to be. Such an uplifting treat. I forgot to mention that it is not written in a traditional format, but more like a biographical allegory that may follow a linear path, but often does not. The author's style of writing is also very casual which may be off-putting for some. FYI. If you are looking for a quick pick me up or an inspirational somewhat casual (despite the traumatic moments) read, you won't be disappointed in this book.

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LibraryThing member BarnesBookshelf

What I love about the memoirs of celebrity personalities is that they volunteer this information. Most fans, I think it's safe to say, want to know more about their favorite celebrities, but it is not our place to demand any personal information. Memoirs and autobiographies are excellent because

the celebrities give us a way to get to know them better, and we are very lucky when they do.

Over the Top is a great example of this. I'd like to thank Johnathan for sharing his story when he didn't have to. His tone and personality shine through the text and makes it enjoyable to read, if you are familiar with how he talks. My only complaint is that he moves through discussing periods of his life in such fluid ways that I sometimes was confused as to which period we were in. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, and now I want to re-binge-watch all 5 seasons of Queer Eye.

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