Over the Top

""No matter how ugly everything had gotten, I was still convinced I could find a way to make it gorgeous."<br/><br/>3.5⭐<br/><br/>I adore JVN, and I was so excited when I heard about this book. Jonathan puts his heart into sharing his story, and it was an entertaining read. I had a difficult time with the format at times, and I think I will do better trying the audiobook one day (I'm on a very long hold list at the library). I had a hard time with the first half of this book since I don't really know anything about gymnastics, but once it got into the older years, I was fully invested. I admire Jonathan's boldness and willingness to share. I enjoyed getting to know him more through this book."

"JVN is an incredible person. He has been through so much and his story is beautiful. He uses humor to cope Just like any other queer person lol. We are all pretty similar. I think his education of the community on stigma and hiv is so important"

"All the love for JVN always"

"Loved this uplifting autobiography of JVN!"

"This book made me seriously laugh out loud and cry! I listened on audio to Jonathan narrate his own book and he was amazing 📚"

"JVN is my QUEEN!!! I adored every part of this emotional memoir. Fun fact: I actually got into Queer Eye after my brother in law told me how similar my personality was to Jonathan Van Ness. It took me all of one episode to realize what a massive compliment that statement was, because the joy and humor JVN brings to the show is what keeps me coming back. Well, that and the fact that the Fab Five are divine entities that I adore. But seriously, while there are parts of this that made me hurt and cry for young Jack, and for 20-something Jonathan, these are the types of stories that need to be told. I’m heartened to hear that GLAAD has confirmed that LBGTQIA+ representation in media has absolutely increased (meeting the goal of 10% by 2020!) but there are still so many voices that have not been heard. JVN is fixing that with this book, one sentence at a time. <br/><br/>But what struck me is that while the LBGTQIA+ aspect of this is the most important element of this book, I think there is something here that everyone can take away from. I was crying by the 5th page, because there was so much I identified with in what JVN was talking about. I also fear that if everyone knew the “real me” behind my admittedly over the top personality, I would also be ostracized. But if this memoir is any indication, learning more about a person you admire only causes you to love the person more, and I absolutely feel that way after reading this. Here’s to many more raw journeys to self love, because we all need more of that in our lives."

"Jonathan Van Ness is an inspiration. It feels like you are listening to a dear friend talk, cry, and think."

"Easy and memorable read"

"He’s just awesome!"

"Fantastic feel good story of life"