Letters to Jonathan

In this modern and experimental epistolary novel, Andrew Adams reflects on his story through an exchange of direct messages with Jonathan Van Ness's Instagram profile. The author engages in a series of one-way conversations with the star of Netflix's Queer Eye, the hit reboot of the Emmy Award winning series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, using the private messaging system of the popular app as a way to discover himself and to dig deep into his own past. Although he’s directly addressing Jonathan, Andrew is unwittingly speaking to himself, turning this unilateral correspondence into an autobiography as if the literary material became self-aware of its value halfway through the writing process. Andrew's story is unpretentious and entertaining, his pen is agile and light, the anecdotal writing shifts with ease between the comedy, the grotesque, and the drama, while still remaining witty and pleasant. Taking the cue from Van Ness's quotes and interviews, the author reveals a Queer story of stunning humanity, distress, and hopes. Like a contemporary coming-of-age fairy tale with a Non-Binary everyday hero from next door who, instead of waiting for a Prince Charming to come to the rescue, tries to find his way to a more fulfilling and well-deserved self-love.

- Roberto Lunelio