4.18 AVERAGE


I wish it was less a life overview and more delved deeper into specific stories (like the Bobby prank story- so good). At times the writing felt a little chaotic (I'm sure JVN would be like "You're telling ME honey! I had to live it"). Ultimately though I do feel like I got to know JVN better and he asks in his book "If you knew all the sides to me, would you still want to be my friend?" And without even having to think about it, I know that "yes Jonathan. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I am here for it and your brutal honesty is admirable and beautiful. I would unquestionably still want to be your friend.

The real raw story of Jonathan Van Ness's life so far.

I really enjoyed reading it, the way he writes is the way he talks which for a book like this I appreciate. When he talks about his experiences he isn't overly graphic and he just says it like it is. I haven't read the other Queer Eye member's books so I can't compare this one to them. But I enjoyed reading it, even if it did hurt my heart to learn of all the trauma he's endured.

3.5. JVN’s personality shines through in this but he’s not a writer and this isn’t my favorite memoir of the year. However - his stories and Russian aliases are wonderful! Read (or listen, as I did) if you enjoy his podcast or QE.

Read it. It’s beautiful. Did I spend most of the weekend on and off crying to this masterpiece. Yes. We need more people to tell their stories honestly. Thank you JVN.

Love JVN and loved this book! He was incredibly honest about his past and the choices he made while he was in a dark place. I also loved hearing about how Gay of Thrones came about and the Queer Eye casting process. So glad he's found success and happiness!

JVN IS A FREAKIN' JOY!!!!...... Even through the bad times & the sad times & the hard times throughout this book that were painful & difficult he is a light & a joy. He freely admits & talks about the fact that he is a flawed human & that he has not-so-positive parts to his personality (& don't we all), but he has grown & changed & seems to be continuing to learn life lessons & grow as a person & I think his story is truly inspiring. LOVE.....HIM......<3

Not gonna lie, I had high expectations for this book. I love JVN (as seen on Queer Eye) and was sure that knowing his coming of age story would make me love him even more. Of course I grabbed the audio version to hear him tell it in his own voice. And man, I was disappointed...

First problem: turns out JVN is not such a great storyteller. He reads the audiobook like a schoolboy's report: fast and mechanical. There are only a few moments where he talks naturally the way we’re used to hearing him on TV, with hilarious exclamations and signature expressions. The tone makes it hard to follow and to emotionally connect.

Second problem: I found it hard to relate to his struggles. Perhaps because of the monotonous narration style. Or maybe because he seems to gloss over and make light of many painful parts. Maybe because he doesn’t really go into depth on any of the nitty gritty stuff where I would have liked a better explanation of what he was going through and why. It’s almost like he keeps saying "this was hard" and "that was awful" but I didn’t get a chance feel it or to hear it in his voice so I just had to take his word for it.

Had this book been three times longer and denser I think it would have been brilliant. To answer his question in the book: yes, I still love JVN after reading this and learning about his low points. But perhaps someone in their early 30s can not really write an autobiography and end it with a "happily ever after" conclusion after all.

Wow this was super cute and funny, but also I cried. JVN is a national treasure and this book really shows more sides to him than we see on Queer Eye and social media. One of the better autobiographies and of course, listen to the audiobook!

No review

A wonderfully entertaining, heartbreaking & uplifting audiobook. He reminds me of several incredibly creative & dynamic men I worked with as a young professional in Orlando, FL. They too grew up in small, conservative Florida towns and moved to Orlando to discover their voices in that immense & welcoming gay community. In listening to Jonathan's story I better understand the frustrating, and sometimes dangerous, ways they explored their new big world and wish I had had these insights so I could have been a more supportive friend. I laughed out loud many times while listening to this, he also made my heart ache when he talked to opening & honestly about some very traumatic moments.
I was also especially grateful to hear him talk about his mother and how she supported him through so much - total parenting goals! Highly, highly recommend this. (Also, his language can get a bit raunchy so it's definitely not one for the family road trip!)