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Title details for Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness - Available

Over the Top

A Raw Journey to Self-Love

by Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness
Audiobook (Includes supplementary content)
3 of 3 copies available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
3 of 3 copies available

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

GOOGLE'S BEST AUDIOBOOKS OF 2019

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, 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.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    September 24, 2019

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780062906403
      • File size: 168242 KB
      • Duration: 05:50:30

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Jonathan Van Ness narrates his hilarious and moving memoir with all the bright energy he's known for--no one but the queer icon himself could narrate his story. Van Ness rocketed to fame on the "Queer Eye" reboot, and his audiobook touches on serving up excellence on the reality show. His story starts with his childhood with a loving family in a small town, where he idolized Olympic athletes and survived an early sexual assault. Van Ness holds no emotions back as he shares the impact of that trauma, along with the difficulty of growing up femme and gay, learning of his HIV-positive diagnosis, and recovering from addiction. His voice shakes as he shares a powerful truth with listeners: "We are never too broken to heal." E.E.C. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
    • Library Journal

      November 22, 2019

      Van Ness, known as the grooming expert on the Netflix reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and creator of the podcast Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, here offers more insight into his backstory, as a feminine boy from Illinois who favored gymnastics and cheerleading. The author describes a supportive mother and stepfather who were essential to his survival and tells of first loves, a descent into drug and sex addiction and visits to rehab, and the slow process to developing self-esteem. Amid all of this, Van Ness was studying to become a master hairdresser, first in Phoenix and then Los Angeles. The death of his stepfather led to a downward spiral of sex addiction, and after a stint in St. Louis, Van Ness found himself back in Los Angeles and beginning work on his parody Gay of Thrones, which launched his initial stardom. Though he admits he wasn't at his best at the audition for Queer Eye, he still managed to get the part, eventually attracting an international audience. VERDICT Van Ness's signature wit and charm shines throughout this fiercely honest and heartfelt memoir. Pop culture fans will love the openness on full display.--David Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia

      Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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