Over the Top

A Raw Journey to Self-Love

By: Jonathan Van Ness

Narrated by: Jonathan Van Ness

Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times Best Seller

Google's Best Audiobooks of 2019

NPR's Favorite Books of the Year

Indie Best Seller

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Jonathan Van Ness (P)2019 HarperAudio

Critic reviews

"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 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.'" (AudioFile Magazine)

"There is plenty to laugh at in the ways Van Ness frames his story - like protecting the identities of his loved ones, exes, fellow drug addicts and johns with 'Russian aliases' like Doroteya and Sergei and Helenskaya; or layering pop-culture references with the ways they formed him, as many queer comedians and artists do. But it is his candid articulation of his evolving relationship with himself, his acceptance of who he is, that brings the one-liners their sweetness. His narration, as pithy and 'over the top' as his beloved TV persona, is incredibly endearing. The battles that Van Ness has waged against the darker corners of his soul to become the bright light we know today provide the necessary context for this book to shine." (The New York Times Book Review)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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. 🙏🏽

This book will change your life

Listen today. Don’t delay. Queen, slay. Hooray. I love you J. I cried like a baybay.

Love Jonathan!

Listened to it quickly, love Jonathan and I loved hearing his story. The flow was kind of confusing sometimes, when he jumped from anecdote to anecdote, and as a result I couldn't always follow, but I still enjoyed it a lot, overall! One of those books you definitely want to listen to rather than read, to get the full Jonathan experience!! Thanks for writing it, Queen! :)

Love the Compassion and Truth of

I love the compassion , truth and honesty of his story. Its definite must read , and of course I love the energy.

SO INCREDIBLE!

Listening to him tell his story was so moving and powerful. I highly suggest the audio version of this book as told my the author. I love JVN and this book made me love him even more!

Still love you!

Absolutely loved your book Jonathan, thank you for sharing your life and all of your parts with us.