Love That Story

Observations from a Gorgeously Queer Life

By: Jonathan Van Ness

Narrated by: Jonathan Van Ness

The Emmy-nominated host of Netflix’s Queer Eye follows up his New York Times-bestselling memoir, Over The Top, with this collection of thought-provoking essays on grief and healing, cannabis reform, LGBTQIA+ rights, imposter syndrome, personal style, the HIV safety net, and of, course, how to make your hairdresser love you.

In his New York Times-bestselling memoir Over the Top, Jonathan van Ness showed readers how the incredibly difficult moments from his life (surviving sexual abuse and addiction, being diagnosed with HIV) have existed alongside great joy and positivity (landing a breakout role on Netflix’s Queer Eye, becoming an amateur figure skater and professional standup comedian, doting on his five cats).

If Jonathan learned anything from the painful life experiences, it’s that in order to thrive, he needed to push past the shame and fear of being his true self, which meant getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. In this candid and curious essay collection, he takes a thoughtful, in-depth look at today’s hot-button issues, viewed through the lens of his personal experience. From the evolution of his signature style to an investigative report on the queer history of his hometown, Jonathan reflects on his life and how he has learned to embrace change—doing the work to challenge internalized beliefs, finding compassion and confidence, and learning more about what makes us all so messy and gorgeous.

Balancing the dark and the light, the serious and the madcap, these essays allow us to examine our individual assumptions, expand our horizons, and give ourselves permission to be the flawed and fabulous humans we are.

Love That Story

I really enjoyed this book! I love JVN on Queer Eye and was happy when I found out he had written 2 books.

Love Him

I love him and his message. I liked his first book more, but that is not to say this one wasn't as good.

Just what I needed to end 2022…

I could not be more grateful for Jonathan writing this book in all of his truth and humanity. He is not a super hero, or living the perfect life, or immune to heartbreak. He is human just like the rest of us, with the same chapters of turmoil and personal battles, that challenge him every day to continue in deciding who he wants to be in those moments of adversity, showing grace and humility to himself when it’s hard, and feeling through it all with the reminders of being present through the process as best he can.

I feel so seen and heard through his sharing of internal shame battles and self criticism, while learning to challenge that voice and redirect the thought path. This was such a breath of fresh air, and just the little reminders and support I needed to hear from one of the amazing humans on earth that I’ve come to love so much, like family.

Thank you Jonathan, for speaking your truth once again, and being so vulnerable to show your humanity. I know I’m not the only one who loves you so much and is so grateful to hear you use your voice to connect us all so deeply and remind us that we are one in the same.

I truly loved this story. 🫶🏼❤️

New perspective on current hot topics

The historical context here provided deeper understanding and excellent talking points for difficult conversations with friends and family who are not yet on the acceptance bus. I also gained appreciation for the challenges of serving as a public beacon of positivity while being a real human with a private life. I laughed, cried, and learned. I have deep affection and gratitude for anyone willing to share so much of their authentic self with the world. Once again, JVN shares their gorgeous light in a way that only they can. Muah.

1000 Stars

So eye opening and educational! It honestly makes you really rethink your thoughts and actions