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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
I hate reviewing memoirs and autobiographies, but I’ve committed to assigning ratings to each book I read, so here we are. For fans of JVN, this book will deliver a hilarious and heartbreaking memoir, with just a dash of self-care guidance, that only JVN could tell. Is this a straightforward personal history? Absolutely not, but that’s what makes this book so authentic. The writing-style is definitely not for everyone, but the choice to allow this book to read the way JVN speaks is perhaps the only way this story could have been told. Unlike some others, I never found the gymnastic and figure skating metaphors to be distracting; they are simply the easiest, and likely most comfortable, way for JVN to convey to readers the feeling of some of these experiences. With that being said, purely from the position of a reader, I think there were some instances in which the assistance of an emotionally disconnected party could have helped, as there were gaps in cause/effect of certain experiences that left me a bit confused on how they got from A to B, but given the delicate and in some cases traumatic nature of these experiences I fully understand the lack of detail. If all you know about JVN is their role on Queer Eye, I would caution you against jumping into this book before getting acquainted with their other projects and social media presence. Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone interested in hearing JVN’s story told as only they can tell it, with the warning that it deals with some traumatic events and heavy subject-matter.
Raw, real, funny, beautiful. Jonathan Van Ness holds back nothing in this story from bullying to addiction to recovery to following dreams. Failures and successes. I could hardly stop listening. I definitely recommend the audio version of this book, read by Jonathan Van Ness.
The audiobook read by JVN was a great listen! I laughed, I cried (actually sobbed while sitting in traffic). Sometimes his “over the top” personality has annoyed me, but hearing what he has been through and understanding how his sense of self-love has bloomed was inspiring.
3.5 stars.
An easy read but quite inspiring. The writing was the weakest part of the book as it wasn’t consistent but I didn’t read it for that I read it to hear his story. His best and most writing was when he was discussing the most vulnerable parts of his life. He should be applauded for coming out about his HIV status as it will help a lot of people.
An easy read but quite inspiring. The writing was the weakest part of the book as it wasn’t consistent but I didn’t read it for that I read it to hear his story. His best and most writing was when he was discussing the most vulnerable parts of his life. He should be applauded for coming out about his HIV status as it will help a lot of people.
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
I really appreciated this audiobook, which I listened to on walks and runs over the last week or so. JVN is incredibly honest, baring his soul for everyone to see. He doesn't shy away from difficult topics, especially when they relate to ways that he himself has messed up. In showing all the different sides of himself, he unlocked something in me that wants to do more of the same. He was vulnerable about some scary stuff, and it feels really important.
I listened to the audiobook. It was great to hear Jonathan tell his story. Love him!
Knowing nothing of this man and going purely on a recommendation from a person in my pop sugar group, I was pleasantly surprised. JVN has had a pretty rough life and I feel it’s mimics a lot of people who deal with father abandonment and then to have to deal with the people’s issues about homosexuality on top of it... He’s truly inspiring. At times, I wishes he has someone else narrate. But I know the importance he felt for telling his story and honestly he didn’t do a bad job! It definitely made me curious to watch the new Queer Eye finally and def Gay of Thrones! And to look up what it really means to identify as nonbinary...
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I was thrilled when it opened with a reference to IFS therapy, and it was beautifully constructed with an eye to the highs and lows of life and belonging.
One quibble that detracted from the book for me was the focus on family members “battling” cancer and the implication that aggressive treatment is the de facto correct approach to serious or terminal illness. It seemed death-phobic (like so much of our society) and potentially harmful in perpetuating narratives that contribute to fear of death and dying rather than acceptance and integration of terminal illness.
One quibble that detracted from the book for me was the focus on family members “battling” cancer and the implication that aggressive treatment is the de facto correct approach to serious or terminal illness. It seemed death-phobic (like so much of our society) and potentially harmful in perpetuating narratives that contribute to fear of death and dying rather than acceptance and integration of terminal illness.