Over the Top: My Story

by Jonathan Van Ness

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062906380
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	09/29/2020
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	110,972
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.65(d)

About the Author

Jonathan Van Ness is a bestselling author, podcaster, comedian, and television personality. He is known for his work as the beauty expert on the Netflix series Queer Eye, for hosting the Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness podcast, and for the web series parody Gay of Thrones.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 All the Parts 1

Chapter 2 Jack 13

Chapter 3 The Loyal Tea 39

Chapter 4 Roundoff Back Handspring Full 65

Chapter 5 Lovestarved 87

Chapter 6 $$$ 103

Chapter 7 Gutsy Queen 123

Chapter 8 Mr. Clean 155

Chapter 9 Jonathan and the No Good, Very Bad Summer 187

Chapter 10 The Khaleesi Within* 'Except That Whole Unfortunate Ending 209

Chapter 11 Who Is She? 227

Epilogue: On the Ice 259

Acknowledgments 265

Resources 267

Editorial Reviews

"There is plenty to laugh at in the ways “Queer Eye”’s grooming expert frames his story, but it’s the battles he’s waged against the darker corners of his soul to become the bright light we know today that provide the necessary context for this book to shine." — The New York Times

From the Publisher

"There is plenty to laugh at in the ways “Queer Eye”’s grooming expert frames his story, but it’s the battles he’s waged against the darker corners of his soul to become the bright light we know today that provide the necessary context for this book to shine."

The New York Times

"There is plenty to laugh at in the ways “Queer Eye”’s grooming expert frames his story, but it’s the battles he’s waged against the darker corners of his soul to become the bright light we know today that provide the necessary context for this book to shine."

The New York Times

"There is plenty to laugh at in the ways “Queer Eye”’s grooming expert frames his story, but it’s the battles he’s waged against the darker corners of his soul to become the bright light we know today that provide the necessary context for this book to shine."

The New York Times

11/22/2019

Van Ness, known as the grooming expert on the Netflix reboot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and creator of the podcast Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, here offers more insight into his backstory, as a feminine boy from Illinois who favored gymnastics and cheerleading. The author describes a supportive mother and stepfather who were essential to his survival and tells of first loves, a descent into drug and sex addiction and visits to rehab, and the slow process to developing self-esteem. Amid all of this, Van Ness was studying to become a master hairdresser, first in Phoenix and then Los Angeles. The death of his stepfather led to a downward spiral of sex addiction, and after a stint in St. Louis, Van Ness found himself back in Los Angeles and beginning work on his parody Gay of Thrones, which launched his initial stardom. Though he admits he wasn't at his best at the audition for Queer Eye, he still managed to get the part, eventually attracting an international audience. VERDICT Van Ness's signature wit and charm shines throughout this fiercely honest and heartfelt memoir. Pop culture fans will love the openness on full display.—David Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia

Library Journal