Over the Top

A Raw Journey to Self-Love

By: Jonathan Van Ness

Narrated by: Jonathan Van Ness

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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It was an excellent read. I laughed, cried, laughed some more, pondered - reflected. It’s a good authentic read. I really enjoyed reading Jonathan’s (& baby Jack’s) journey toward healing and respected his honesty that healing is an ever evolving process. And to answer his initial question at the beginning of the book: not only did I love, admire and accept JVN before reading this book, I adore, honor and unconditionally accept his honesty even more. It takes a lot to be vulnerable about ALL of yourself to the world. And I hope his journey will help others to love themselves & accept themselves just as they are - because you are always worth it Queen! Much love 🙏❤️

Yassss Queen!

Love love love JVN, his voice, and his courage to share this powerful story and the true ups and downs that life can unexpectedly throw your way. Even when he had every reason to stop or give up he didn’t and my goodness look at this beautiful soul now!! ❤️

Love

There were parts of this book that were hard to hear but I love that JVN has so much heart and is so real. I loved every second of it. I am so thankful for the openness and bare bones real ness that it makes me cry. This is one of my most favorite books and I have suggested it to all my friends.

NEARLY GOT LOST ON MY HIKE, I LOVED IT SO MUCH!

Enjoyed this book so much and got lost in the story that I just kept walking and walking and nearly forgot where I was! THANKS JONATHAN!!! :) You can't help but cheer for him on this tough journey of growing up such a unique individual. It's so entertaining and his narration is hilarious, of course. I'll give it a 10 for overall gymnastic performance floor routine - that'll make more sense after you read the book. Enjoy!

Beautiful.

Beautiful inside and out.. thank you for allowing me to hear your story and making me love you even more. 🙏🏽