Reviews

Over the Top: My Story by Jonathan Van Ness

jrholden's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

4.5

lbwach12's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

rayreyes's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

taramightbereading's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Very heartfelt, very endearing and entertaining - despite some very tragic stories and themes that dominated his story leading up to the rise in his career. Recommend audiobook if you love JVN's energy and cadence.

benfick's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny medium-paced

4.0

meaganb914's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

3.5

yerahairywizard's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

exorcismemily's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

"No matter how ugly everything had gotten, I was still convinced I could find a way to make it gorgeous."

3.5⭐

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.

alexareynolds's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This book has some serious range. Moving through lighthearted fun moments to several tough and vulnerable moments. JVNs infectious attitude and positivity shines through.

signorponza's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Jonathan Van Ness è uno di quei personaggi che difficilmente passa inosservato. Per cui se avete visto Queer Eye su Netflix potreste averle amato oppure odiato, di sicuro non è apparso sui vostri schermi restandovi indifferente. Io rientro nella categoria di chi lo ama, anche se non mi definirei un fan a un livello tale da essere interessato alla sua autobiografia. La mia attenzione è stata però catturata poiché Over the Top è stato votato nel 2019 dalla community di Goodreads come la miglior autobiografia dell'anno, con recensioni davvero molto positive. Incuriosito, me lo sono procurato (non mi risulta sia stato ancora tradotto in italiano). E wow, what a moment. Leggendo le pagine di Over the Top (un titolo che esprime al meglio tutta la sua personalità, fin da quando Jonathan era un ragazzino) si viene trasportati in una vita estremamente intensa fatta di senso di inadeguatezza, voglia di esprimere sé stessi, relazioni tossiche, dipendenze, successi, momenti di disperazione. Il tutto narrato esattamente nello stile eccentrico e sopra le righe che vi aspettereste se conoscete JVN. Io, per tutta la lettura, ho avuto nella testa ad accompagnarmi la sua voce, con i suoi modi di dire, la sua cadenza e le sue espressioni tipiche. Cute!

Questa e altre recensioni nella mia newsletter mensile sui libri: https://bit.ly/ponzabook