My rating : 4/5 ☆☆☆☆
Before I read this book I knew Jonathan Van Ness only as the lovable hair stylist from the Netflix reboot of Queer Eye, and occasionally as someone who appeared on my Instagram feed wearing ice skates, for some reason.
I didn't expect much when I decided to read the book, and truthfully read it as an easier read after finishing a book on a tougher subject. However I was wrong to expect easier themes from this book. I assumed it would be a tale of achieving Hollywood success and being his happy flamboyant self whilst doing it. In return I got real gritty, often hard to read recollection of a life of hardship, hurdles and hair (never forget your roots, pun intended).
(Spoilers below)
I devoured this book within days, each chapter brought with it something new, and at points I forgot I was reading the true story of JVN and thought instead I was reading a gritty novel that referenced themes of homophobia, drug abuse and prostitution. As I was reading I was wondering, I wonder if anyone has bought the rights to this yet, because this story would make an incredible coming of age style movie that would make even the toughest of nails weep.
My friend, who is a much harsher critic than I, mentioned she found the writing difficult as the tone often remained the same whether he was talking about childhood trauma of a bad audition. Whilst this is true in some ways, I enjoyed that the tone of voice stayed true to JVN as we know him, and I think its interesting too that in our own heads, often small things evoke a similar reaction to much bigger problems we face. However, saying this, the seeming lack of focus and stumbling around some topics without the clean precision of a seasoned writer was the only thing that caused a drop to 4 stars rather than 5.
I would, however, recommend this read to any one I know, I don't think that it is at all for a niche market, and I imagine, if JVN wants, his story would be a great one to watch on the big screen at some point in the near future.
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