
Amazon Prime Free Trial
FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button and confirm your Prime free trial.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited FREE Prime delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
Buy new:
-57% $12.09$12.09
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Murfbooks
Save with Used - Acceptable
$8.98$8.98
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: GPdistributionfl

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
-
-
2 VIDEOS
-
Follow the author
OK
Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love Hardcover – September 24, 2019
Purchase options and add-ons
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.
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHarperOne
- Publication dateSeptember 24, 2019
- Dimensions6 x 0.97 x 9 inches
- ISBN-100062906372
- ISBN-13978-0062906373
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed
From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews
Review
"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
About the Author
Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-winning television personality, 3x New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, comedian, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of JVN Hair. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy Award–winning reboot series Queer Eye, where he shines as the hair guru and self-care advocate; and he hosts the popular podcast Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness.
Product details
- Publisher : HarperOne; First Edition (September 24, 2019)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0062906372
- ISBN-13 : 978-0062906373
- Item Weight : 15.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.97 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #93,871 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #145 in Television Performer Biographies
- #832 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies
- #3,055 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Videos
Videos for this product
0:59
Click to play video
Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love
Merchant Video
Videos for this product
0:32
Click to play video
Non Spoiler Book Review . Opinion and Likes/Dislikes
Kreviewsit
About the author

Jonathan Van Ness is a Critics' Choice Award winning, Emmy nominated television personality, podcaster, and hairstylist to the stars. He can be seen starring on Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning reboot series “Queer Eye,” where he shines as the show’s groomer, hair guru and self-care advocate. In addition to “Queer Eye,” Jonathan stars on the Emmy-nominated series “Gay of Thrones,” (Funny or Die) a witty social commentary series recapping HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” Launched in 2013, the series just finished its eighth and final season, and garnered Emmy nominations in 2016 and 2018 for ‘Outstanding Short Form Variety Series.’ Jonathan also continues to work on his passion project, his podcast “Getting Curious,” a weekly exploration of all the things Jonathan is curious about. The podcast was listed as one of the Top Podcasts of 2018 by Time Magazine, and won the iHeart Radio Award for Best LGBTQ Podcast. 2018 was a breakthrough year for Jonathan, who realized two new passions - for the arts of stand-up comedy and figure skating. Jonathan is currently on his first worldwide comedy tour “Jonathan Van Ness: Road to Beijing” where he is going for comedy gold. Most recently, Jonathan announced that his revelatory memoir, OVER THE TOP, will be released in September 2019.
Customer reviews
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star5 star81%15%4%0%0%81%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star4 star81%15%4%0%0%15%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star3 star81%15%4%0%0%4%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star2 star81%15%4%0%0%0%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star1 star81%15%4%0%0%0%
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book easy to read and entertaining. They find the story heartwarming, inspiring, and relatable. The author is honest and raw with his feelings. Readers describe the storytelling as amazing and worth reading. The humor is described as humorous, witty, and clever. Customers appreciate the beauty, charm, and sweetness of the characters.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book an enjoyable read with a lively and endearing narrative style. They appreciate the author's candor and wisdom, saying the memoir is beautifully written and worth remembering.
"...Maybe next time? Overall, this book was great! I can’t remember the last time I sat and read a book all the way through in one go...." Read more
"...He is, of course, OTT AF in all the ways, what else? And irrepressibly loquacious, endearingly goofy, often hilarious, gloriously queer & nonbinary,..." Read more
"...This is one of the most beautifully written memoirs I have read in a very long time...." Read more
"This book was wonderful and full of heart and soul. Johnathan's adorable personality shines through every page, and is truly a joy to read...." Read more
Customers find the book heartwarming and inspiring. They appreciate the relatable references to emotions and rawness of the author's writing style. The book is poignant and funny at times, with a relatable personality and compassionate character.
"...How JVN approached every. Single. Topic. Was so well done and empathic to his readers...." Read more
"...queer & nonbinary, and just, in every other way, unapologetically his own beautiful self...." Read more
"...From struggling with addiction, childhood trauma, learning to connect with your inner child, and dealing with a loved one with cancer...." Read more
"...into the very real life of what seems like a complex and genuinely fantastic person." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's honesty and bravery in writing about his experiences. They find the book relatable, inspiring, and descriptive. The author's ability to be open about his feelings is praised as courageous. The book makes readers feel seen and better about their own progress.
"...That is, wow, yeah, *such* an important truth and one not easily arrived at...." Read more
"...I feel like there were so many parts to this story that were so relatable...." Read more
"...a little difficult to navigate, but overall it was a very real look into the very real life of what seems like a complex and genuinely fantastic..." Read more
"...His story is real and relatable and I know a lot more about ice skating and Olympics now...." Read more
Customers find the story inspiring and relatable. They describe it as an amazing journey told by a brave soul. The book is described as fascinating and beautifully laid out.
"...Yes, it’s that interesting. Let me start by saying when I first started watching Queer Eye I did not like Jonathan. He was just too much...." Read more
"...for having the courage to show up, be vulnerable, and share your beautiful story! Yes Queen!..." Read more
"...His story is real and relatable and I know a lot more about ice skating and Olympics now...." Read more
"...But honey, he really is. He is beautiful and funny and hyper and surprising and flawed and a very good storyteller...." Read more
Customers find the book humorous, witty, and goofy. They describe it as insightful, poignant, and full of realness. The writing sounds like Jonathan's but is clear and descriptive.
"...And irrepressibly loquacious, endearingly goofy, often hilarious, gloriously queer & nonbinary, and just, in every other way, unapologetically his..." Read more
"...I read it in two sittings. It was funny and heart breaking...." Read more
"This book is heart wrenching and heartwarming and hysterical (and a little triggering for some of us with similar experiences) all at the same time..." Read more
"...The transparency, unabashed IDGAFery and raw, intelligent humor will have me battling whether to lend this out to person after person or to save it..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's charm and genuine love. They find the cover appealing and appreciate the large, clear writing style. The author is described as kind and caring, and the story makes readers laugh, cry, and smile.
"...I love the cover of the book and the script is nice and large...." Read more
"...Imperfection is beautiful. To anyone who has ever felt broken beyond repair, this is for you...." Read more
"...I'm forever a fan of this beautiful creature and relate so much being a chubby violin playing misfit, then turning into a fabulous hairstylist...." Read more
"...I appreciate so much that this absolutely gorgeous human and one of my personal gay idols was able and willing to bear his soul to us and the rest..." Read more
Customers find the book heartbreaking and emotional. They say it's well-written, thoughtful, and makes them cry. Readers describe the emotions as real and raw with feelings. The journey through pain, trauma, denial, growth, relapse, and trying is described as beautiful and gut-wrenching.
"...I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and I related. I feel like there were so many parts to this story that were so relatable...." Read more
"...I read it in two sittings. It was funny and heart breaking...." Read more
"This book is heart wrenching and heartwarming and hysterical (and a little triggering for some of us with similar experiences) all at the same time..." Read more
"...A really poignant, funny and definitely heartbreaking at times book, you will come away from this experience better for having known...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's strength and vulnerability. They find it raw, real, and beautifully vulnerable. The author is brave enough to share his struggles, highs, and lows with readers.
"...Thank you Jonathan for having the courage to show up, be vulnerable, and share your beautiful story! Yes Queen!..." Read more
"...He tells stories that demonstrate his resilience and perseverance...." Read more
"...It is so honest, raw, and brave. JVN has been through it... my gosh...." Read more
"...There are many beautiful and strong queer people like me. We are bold, confident, unapologetic and here to stay, honey! Luvz&Hugz" Read more
Reviews with images

He Gave Himself, and Us, Permission
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2019It’s a lifelong process for most people to be honest with themselves about who they are and be appreciative of all that entails. So the courage it takes to open yourself up to the entire world about that journey and expose your truest self is immeasurable. It takes a very brave and strong individual. Especially when that person has already had the opportunity to share a version of themselves with the world and it’s an image that’s almost untouchable in its perfection. Courage is Jonathan Van Ness’s specialty.
It would have been extremely easy for Van Ness to write a very different memoir. He could have focused on his highest points and skipped the lowest entirely. His own personality and determination has created a lot of happiness and success and this book could have gone into detail on that and nobody would have complained or batted an eye.
Van Ness opens up about his childhood abuse by another boy; his close relationship with his mother; experiencing grief and loss of beloved family members; his struggle with addiction; his mistreatment of himself and others; and his failures. He uses his own trials and tribulations to help others be ok with themselves and kind with themselves. A person is beautiful because of their entire package. Knowing Van Ness’ whole story makes him shine all the brighter.
He also tells us about his vivid imagination and creative propensity. He tells stories that demonstrate his resilience and perseverance. He sets his mind to things that nobody gave him permission to set his mind to and he achieves them. Time and time again. Yes, it can be hard along the way, but he doesn’t give up. He becomes a star year-round cheerleader at his school, and he rides that into graduating early and getting accepted to a college cheer program. He pivots again and goes back to an early childhood dream of being a hair stylist, which he is stunning at. While he has a more natural talent for color, he puts in the work and training and observation to become equally as good at cut and across all hair textures. He moves back and forth across the country as many times as he needs to. He makes it in LA and NYC and eventually he finds his way into show business and Queer Eye. He becomes an adult and advocates for himself and others and wills his dreams into existence.
I would recommend anyone pick up this book, even if they are not already familiar with Jonathan Van Ness and his body of work. It is a class in empathy and understanding and a road map to self-love and self-soothing that it’s a relief to see especially in the age of Instagram where we mostly see one side of a person and not their dynamic form.
FIND MORE OF MY REVIEWS AT: lettersabound.com THANK YOU!
5.0 out of 5 starsIt’s a lifelong process for most people to be honest with themselves about who they are and be appreciative of all that entails. So the courage it takes to open yourself up to the entire world about that journey and expose your truest self is immeasurable. It takes a very brave and strong individual. Especially when that person has already had the opportunity to share a version of themselves with the world and it’s an image that’s almost untouchable in its perfection. Courage is Jonathan Van Ness’s specialty.He Gave Himself, and Us, Permission
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2019
It would have been extremely easy for Van Ness to write a very different memoir. He could have focused on his highest points and skipped the lowest entirely. His own personality and determination has created a lot of happiness and success and this book could have gone into detail on that and nobody would have complained or batted an eye.
Van Ness opens up about his childhood abuse by another boy; his close relationship with his mother; experiencing grief and loss of beloved family members; his struggle with addiction; his mistreatment of himself and others; and his failures. He uses his own trials and tribulations to help others be ok with themselves and kind with themselves. A person is beautiful because of their entire package. Knowing Van Ness’ whole story makes him shine all the brighter.
He also tells us about his vivid imagination and creative propensity. He tells stories that demonstrate his resilience and perseverance. He sets his mind to things that nobody gave him permission to set his mind to and he achieves them. Time and time again. Yes, it can be hard along the way, but he doesn’t give up. He becomes a star year-round cheerleader at his school, and he rides that into graduating early and getting accepted to a college cheer program. He pivots again and goes back to an early childhood dream of being a hair stylist, which he is stunning at. While he has a more natural talent for color, he puts in the work and training and observation to become equally as good at cut and across all hair textures. He moves back and forth across the country as many times as he needs to. He makes it in LA and NYC and eventually he finds his way into show business and Queer Eye. He becomes an adult and advocates for himself and others and wills his dreams into existence.
I would recommend anyone pick up this book, even if they are not already familiar with Jonathan Van Ness and his body of work. It is a class in empathy and understanding and a road map to self-love and self-soothing that it’s a relief to see especially in the age of Instagram where we mostly see one side of a person and not their dynamic form.
FIND MORE OF MY REVIEWS AT: lettersabound.com THANK YOU!
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2019I preordered this book and received it this afternoon. After I put my babies to bed I sat down and read this in one shot. Yes, it’s that interesting.
Let me start by saying when I first started watching Queer Eye I did not like Jonathan. He was just too much. He was loud, bold, and invaded personal space. I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. The more I watched and learned from each episode the more I realized I wasn’t being my authentic self. I became a shell of who I once was. A loud, bold, invading people’s person space, fierce woman. I couldn’t watch JVN because he was who I wanted to be, yet didn’t realize. When this self awareness clicked I became a huge fan and supporter. I knew I had to buy his book.
I had a misconception that this was going to be a fun, light, happy for lucky book as JVN is often presented as. My sister informed me that there was some thick subjects in it. I tend not to read things that could trigger me. I was tempted to not read this book, but when I read the sensitivity warning I was so thankful! I wanted to include a photo of the warning so if you too are worried about this you can see what it says. Any sensitive matter was gracefully and tactfully done. I’m really appreciative that JVN took this approach and was aware that his book could harm others if it wasn’t handled properly.
How JVN approached every. Single. Topic. Was so well done and empathic to his readers. This book isn’t just for one “type” of person it’s really a relatable book for everyone. It’s a book that celebrates who you are and also teaches you to forgive yourself.
If you’re like me and thought that book was going to be light, fluffy, and funny, then you’ll be in for a surprise. Yet, it’s a great surprise. JVN peels himself back layer by layer in each chapter until he gets to the core. As he put it in the book, “a perfectly imperfect mess”. So perfect that it made me love him more. Yes JVN, I love you even though you've shown the other sides to yourself.
I love the cover of the book and the script is nice and large. The one thing that would really have put this book “over the top” would be personal photos. The Bill Clinton report was sweet, but I would’ve loved to see some family photos. Maybe next time?
Overall, this book was great! I can’t remember the last time I sat and read a book all the way through in one go. This book leaves you wanting more and I look forward to reading about the next chapterS of JVNs life in the future. I highly recommend this book!
5.0 out of 5 starsI preordered this book and received it this afternoon. After I put my babies to bed I sat down and read this in one shot. Yes, it’s that interesting.Completely Relatable and Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2019
Let me start by saying when I first started watching Queer Eye I did not like Jonathan. He was just too much. He was loud, bold, and invaded personal space. I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. The more I watched and learned from each episode the more I realized I wasn’t being my authentic self. I became a shell of who I once was. A loud, bold, invading people’s person space, fierce woman. I couldn’t watch JVN because he was who I wanted to be, yet didn’t realize. When this self awareness clicked I became a huge fan and supporter. I knew I had to buy his book.
I had a misconception that this was going to be a fun, light, happy for lucky book as JVN is often presented as. My sister informed me that there was some thick subjects in it. I tend not to read things that could trigger me. I was tempted to not read this book, but when I read the sensitivity warning I was so thankful! I wanted to include a photo of the warning so if you too are worried about this you can see what it says. Any sensitive matter was gracefully and tactfully done. I’m really appreciative that JVN took this approach and was aware that his book could harm others if it wasn’t handled properly.
How JVN approached every. Single. Topic. Was so well done and empathic to his readers. This book isn’t just for one “type” of person it’s really a relatable book for everyone. It’s a book that celebrates who you are and also teaches you to forgive yourself.
If you’re like me and thought that book was going to be light, fluffy, and funny, then you’ll be in for a surprise. Yet, it’s a great surprise. JVN peels himself back layer by layer in each chapter until he gets to the core. As he put it in the book, “a perfectly imperfect mess”. So perfect that it made me love him more. Yes JVN, I love you even though you've shown the other sides to yourself.
I love the cover of the book and the script is nice and large. The one thing that would really have put this book “over the top” would be personal photos. The Bill Clinton report was sweet, but I would’ve loved to see some family photos. Maybe next time?
Overall, this book was great! I can’t remember the last time I sat and read a book all the way through in one go. This book leaves you wanting more and I look forward to reading about the next chapterS of JVNs life in the future. I highly recommend this book!
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
- suzan clancyReviewed in Canada on February 26, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Destination self love
I loved this book because it was totally Jonathon; his voice, uncensored. I couldn’t put it down. I’m recommending it to all my friends and my kids. The main theme is learning how to face all our parts with compassion and meet them with love. Recovery from trauma is an intense journey and I loved how he described the two steps forward one step back progress rather than the aha ‘bolt of lightning moment’.
-
Client KindleReviewed in France on August 9, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars parfait état
livre reçu en parfait état
- Sara BurkeReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING READ & Incredibly Emotional
Loved listening to this book - the funny, the sad and the happy. What a inspiration Jonathan is! Love him in Queer Eye, and he’s definitely the most outstanding, brave person, has been on an immense rollercoaster of a life and is now someone who just wants to be true to himself, whatever that may be.
- MonicaReviewed in Germany on January 7, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweetness Overload!
This book needs a film! his life and experiences are extraordinary. The book will take you through an elevator of emotions, ups and downs, from crying to laughing, and at the end you just can end up admiring his inspiring beautiful soul 💜.
-
Cliente KindleReviewed in Brazil on September 7, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Um livro emocionante e inspirador
Eu já amava Jonathan por assisti-lo em Queer Eye. O amei mais quando ele revelou, com tanta coragem, sua condição de HIV+. Ler esse livro me fez entender a pessoa vendedora que ele é, e quão inspiradora sua história pode ser para outras pessoas. Foi para mim. Recomendo fortemente!