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Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love

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'Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love' by Jonathan Van Ness is a compelling memoir that delves deep into the author's personal struggles, triumphs, and self-discovery journey. Through his empathetic and relatable narrative style, Van Ness opens up about his childhood abuse, addiction, grief, and self-mistreatment, while also celebrating the importance of self-love and forgiveness. The book takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, from moments of darkness to ones filled with humor and inspiration, providing a real and raw look into the complex life of a truly fantastic person.

Van Ness shares his story with honesty and vulnerability, peeling back the layers of his persona to reveal his imperfect yet beautiful soul. The book not only offers a glimpse into the author's life experiences but also serves as a class in empathy and understanding, guiding readers towards self-love and acceptance. Through his resilience and perseverance, Van Ness inspires readers to embrace their true selves and pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges they may face along the way.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and relatable, combining humor with heartfelt storytelling to draw readers in.

Plot/Storyline:

The story showcases a journey filled with challenges, personal growth, and success in various fields, reflecting resilience and determination.

Setting:

The settings play a crucial role in illustrating Jonathan's diverse experiences across different environments.

Pacing:

The pacing keeps readers invested, offering a balanced flow between lightheartedness and deeper emotional content.
YOU KNOW THOSE PLANTS THAT ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO FIND THE light? Maybe they were planted in a location that didn’t necessarily facilitate growth, but inexplicably they make a circuitous route to not on...

Notes:

Jonathan Van Ness demonstrates resilience and perseverance throughout his life.
He became a cheerleader in school and graduated early to pursue his dreams.
Van Ness returned to his childhood dream of becoming a hairstylist and excelled at it.
He successfully navigated moves across the country, ultimately finding success in LA and NYC.
The memoir explores heavy topics like childhood trauma, addiction, and HIV, handled with sensitivity.
Many readers found their lives positively impacted by his openness and authenticity.
Some readers were surprised by the serious themes in the book, initially expecting a light read.
Van Ness's storytelling can be heartwarming, heart-wrenching, and humorous all at once.
His memoir serves as a roadmap to self-love and understanding.
Readers appreciated the audiobook version narrated by Van Ness for its engaging delivery.
The book teaches the importance of embracing one's imperfections and journey towards self-acceptance.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include topics such as childhood abuse, addiction, trauma, grief, and HIV, which may be triggering for some readers.

From The Publisher:

Goodreads Choice Awards

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.

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