Over the Top
A Raw Journey to Self-Love
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4.7 • 501 Ratings
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
The outrageous glamour, magnificent hair, and endless good vibes that Jonathan Van Ness serves up in every episode of Queer Eye have made him a breakout gay icon even the most conservative grandma can love. And that’s exactly why his memoir, Over the Top, is so startling and brave. It would have been easy for JVN to slap together a best-selling mix of grooming tips and sparkly-unicorn epigrams, but he chose a very different path—his autobiography is as raw as a skinned knee. Growing up gay in a conservative Illinois town, Van Ness endured childhood sexual abuse and relentless bullying, which led to an adulthood marked by depression, addiction, and a spiraling collapse that’s genuinely painful to read about. But his storytelling isn’t without humor—there’s one chapter titled with simply the eggplant emoji—and all the anguish makes Van Ness’ eventual rebirth that much sweeter.
Customer Reviews
Landed the Triple Axle
Honest, empowering, funny and sweet. Exactly what you would expect from Jonathan. Loved it.
I enjoyed learning about Jonathan!
I had a lot of fun reading this book. I really love Jonathan and it was awesome to get to know his backstory. I recommend it if you are a fan.
I love you JVN
Their story told through their own words (literally, if you have the audiobook!) was so touching for me, i cried SO MANY times! My queer heart treasures Johnathan and this book