Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love

Jonathan Van Ness

Sep 2019 · HarperAudio · Narrated by Jonathan Van Ness

About this audiobook

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.

Ratings and reviews

Please hear the audio book, it is fantastic!! As he describes events in his life so vividly that you cannot help but see and feel what he is describing. He is impossible not to love, because he has pulled back the covers and let us reallyknow him and love him. He is insanely lovable, adorable and charismatic. The world needs more people with his infectious spirit and grace. He.. She... all just Jonathan. HE has a magickal soul full of observation, reflection, humour, wit, he is both wise and an old soul and playful and full of joy. I adore him, absolutely. You will hear the ebook and love him too. SHE is so radiant that you cannot escape her light. I am a woman who wishes he were mylittle brother. Love him

A really fantastic read. This is one of those books where you truly need to hear it in the author's voice. Jonathan is open and vulnerable about his personal journey and challenges that are too often familiar to the LGBTQ community and it's youngest members in particular. In a few words, this book is hilarious, insightful, emotional, empowering and most importantly... fabuolous!

A raw journey indeed, JVN isn't pulling any punches about her autobiography, and I can unironically say it inspired me. JVN makes an excellent narrator for her own story, I can't imagine anyone doing a better job. I'm not sure if I'd recommend JVN narrating a novel or anything, since she's got one setting: Over The Top.

About the author

Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-winning television personality, 3x New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, comedian, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of JVN Hair. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy Award–winning reboot series Queer Eye, where he shines as the hair guru and self-care advocate; and he hosts the popular podcast Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness.