Over The Top: Audiobook Review

Full title: Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love

Dork score: 8/10

This doesn't read like a book. I wouldn't be surprised if he 'wrote' this book by voice recording. Especially because I 'read' the audiobook, it's more of a conversation that Jonathan is having with the reader as it's him narrating. If you're at all familiar with him - likely from his show Queer Eye, you know what he sounds like.

His exuberant personality can become too much in long sessions, so I had to break the book into smaller chunks. The book is titled,'Over The Top' afterall. Yes, indeed that's who he is. But, that's what makes Jonathan the 'Queen' that he is. Yes, he refers to himself and others as, 'Queen' many, many times through the book and in his show.

While this is who Jonathan is part of the time, other times it's a facade. Despite appearing happy 100% of the time, Johnathan, like many of us have demons we deal with on a daily basis. Unlike how he appears on Queer Eye, he describes in the book his struggles through sexual abuse, drug addiction, and HIV. If you look closer at the book cover, you can clearly see the ups and downs. There were a handful of episodes on Queer Eye where he looked terrible. Mental illness is hard to hide.

Jonathan has learned to overcome so many speed bumps in his life, but he learned to love himself, despite his constant battle. He had support, but from what I can tell, he was able to get to this point mostly by himself, through sheer will to be fabulous.

While it took me a while to get through, I quite enjoyed this audiobook. He is brutally honest, quick-witted, and not afraid to be himself. Way to go, Queen!

The Year of Less: Audiobook Review

Full title: The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store

Dork score: 7/10

This was a last-minute selection as I was heading out the door on my way to work. I was initially disappointed because the title is misleading. People have given this book a terrible review because of this. I gave it the benefit of the doubt and listened to the whole thing.

This book is a memoir with tidbits of financial advice sprinkled in. She does actually provide a list of things you should do at the very end of the book - most of which I agree with.

I was expecting the book to go into more detail on how she saves money. She conducted an experiment called, 'the shopping ban'. Instead, she spent the majority of the book talking about herself - her lovelife, friendships, etc. It wasn't a bad book. There are some very good pieces of advice if you don't mind sitting through all the fluff. I treated it mostly as background noise during my long drives to work, but paid close attention when she started talking about methods to reduce spending.

Her blog/website likely has more financial advice and is located here: https://caitflanders.com/.