Bono: Stories of Surrender

by Bono

An updated and abridged edition of Bono’s bestselling memoir, including a new introduction by the author, Stories of Surrender is an unforgettable love story, a tribute to fatherhood, friendship, faith, and music.

Honest, irreverent, and intimate, the book is a backstage pass to a frontman’s remarkable life, from Bono’s childhood in Dublin to the rise of U2. A companion to the Apple Original Film of his critically acclaimed solo theater show, Stories of Surrender is a luminous autobiography of one of the great voices of our time.

Stories of Surrender, An Apple Original Film is streaming on Apple TV+ this May

Originally published as 40 Songs, One Story


“Bono—the guy that wants to save the world. One of the Dubliners. Rock star poet. Lovable rogue. You have to appreciate his commitment to social causes—always pushing for change, always trying to fix things. Good for him. Most people don’t even bother. Trying to change the world and maybe transcend it. Singing for a world too obsessed with noise to listen. Searching for redemption like all of us are—and he seems to be aware of the depths of that search. He knows the distance between the soul and the public square. He’s got guts that guy. Bravo Bono.”
—Bob Dylan

“Bono tells us who he is as a friend and a family member, an artist and a true believer. The result is both electrifying and intimate, a spectacular read.”
—Ann Patchett

“Surrender is a rich and honest book, rich because of its honesty. If you want to know the man behind the shades, read this book. He’s worth getting to know.”
—Salman Rushdie

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Music

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Paul David Hewson, also known by his stage name Bono, is the main vocalist of the Irish rock band U2. Bono was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his wife, Ali Hewson, and the future members of U2. Since that time he has been referred to as Bono, his stage and nickname, by his family and fellow band members. Bono writes almost all U2 lyrics, often using political, social and religious themes. During their early years, Bono's lyrics contributed to U2's rebellious tone. As the band matured, his lyrics became inspired more by personal experiences with members of U2.
Among his non-U2 endeavors, he has collaborated and recorded with numerous artists, sits on the board of Elevation Partners and has refurbished and now owns a hotel with fellow band member, The Edge. Bono is also widely known for his activism concerning Africa, for which he co-founded DATA. He has organized and played in several benefit concerts and has met with influential politicians. He is the co-founder of EDUN, the ONE Campaign and Product Red. Bono has been praised and criticized for his activism and involvement with U2. Bono has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, was granted an honorary knighthood by the United Kingdom, and was named as a Person of the Year by Time, among many other awards and nominations.

Reviews

[Fetcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book is the way to go here. You get narration by Bono and snippets of songs intertwined throughout the book. As the book is the story of Bono as told in 40 songs or chapters. I enjoyed the book, especially the early chapters about the band getting together. Later chapters deal more with his activist work with his One NGO. Still interesting, but was a bit political and too long. I enjoyed his stories about meeting other musicians.

[Bryan Dannar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, not just for its insight into the band, but really for Bono’s take on religion, politics, love, friendship, and life in general. Gets a little scattered towards the end, but overall an amazing read.

[tina]

It’s a little embarrassing to have read this. It’s even more embarrassing to admit I really loved it, probably as much as the Friend. Bono is very open. He’s got a big heart. He’s grateful and self effacing and even a bit funny. I love how much he loves his wife and his band and his da. Somehow he says a lot without invading their privacy. What I like the most are the stories behind the songs. Next I like the all his references, which are mostly songs and the Bible. Very relaxing, and such a contrast to authors who always reference the classics. Finally, I liked that I didn’t realize this band has been with me all my life. My life would be poorer without this music. They’ve been omnipresent since I was a little kid, through high school, to college when my best friend took me to a concert, to dating my husband and on and on. Not sure how I missed that before reading this.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and this is definitely a 5/5 audiobook because it is perfectly immersive with Bono being the narrator and it includes some samples of his music and certain music that inspired him. It feels like I'm walking through a history museum.

The first half of the book is about Bono's personal life in Ireland and a lot of history about U2 and their journey through the music industry. The second half is where he dives into his activism. It is a bit long-winded and heavy since it discusses world problems but it is fascinating to see how he got involved with the causes that he cares about. It showed a glimpse in how the rich and "elite" are interconnected. I didn't know how many politicians he met and where he influenced some changes.

My favorite chapters have been "Sunday Bloody Sunday" when he talks about writing that song and the public's reactions to it and "The Fly" which includes some stories about David Bowie. Another great story was about how they were trying to tackle some issues in the music industry since musicians don't make much from streaming. Totally forgot that Apple put one of U2's albums on everyone's phones lmao I remember not liking that it randomly appeared on my phone but like the out-of-the-box idea

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

An autobiography is always interesting.
What is revealed? Disclosed? Confessed?
What is not?
What do they want to tell you?
What do they want you to think about them?

A confessional is pictured on the cover and it feels that Bono spends a lot of time dealing with what seems to be a rather tortured soul. There is arrogance and pomposity and posturing and egotism and then there is awareness and reflection and humility and shame and a lot of apology and repentance.

It was more religious than i expected. But not preachy.
It was beautifully written, but a tad overwrought at times.
I think he underplayed his political achievements.

But it all comes back to the music.
And reading this has brought me back their. music which is a big part of the soundtrack of my youth and their songs have so many amazing memories associated with them.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too long winded for me. Bono seems like a great guy but some of the text as to what going through his mind at a time say in, 1986, when he was onstage was just a bit much. It probably works better onscreen but it was kind of boring to read in a book. There were some interesting name drops, experiences, and twists peppered throughout. However, he chooses not to dwell too much on those aspects of his being a rockstar. I really would have liked to read a chapter about “One” and was missing it all through the book until a little blurb in the afterword mentioned the songs importance to Bono. Maybe its importance was too epic to include in this abridged version of his life. I dunno.

[Dave Eifert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous book that will delight fans of U2, or anyone who enjoys skillful, entertaining writing. Bono provides insight into his (and his bandmate’s) early lives, and how they came together. He plumbs the depths of multiple relationships is his life: bandmates, wife, Ali, and children, his brother and father, and others from Luciano Pavarotti, to Barack Obama.

More focused on interpersonal relationships than on harmonies and melodies, Bono does get behind the motivation for certain songs. He also explains what it feels like to inhabit these songs from the stage, and the communion that occurs moments.

I marveled at the brilliance of his writing on several occasions.

[Manda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Despite what people think of Bono, he’s nothing if not sincere. Interesting anecdotes, a good companion to the Apple TV special. It is missing the one profound moment that the show has, but I wouldn’t expect the book to be a carbon copy. A band with original members almost 50 years out? He’s done something right.

[lucy 🦋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Derek Lutz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretentious and preach-y. Really hard to finish.

[Matt Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first half but it all got a little bit inward looking and pretentious in the back end. What a life though. He could write volumes. His lyrics really came to life.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Trinity Lacayo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5!

[Memory Mathema · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot about this book that demands a second reading. A slow meditative approach as its full of wisdom that needs to be pondered and reflected upon.

[Jo Matey · Rating 3 out of 5]

More self analysis than insight or inspiration. Equal amounts of music and religion. So glad I had the abridged version!

[Tricia Kruse · Rating 5 out of 5]

So why this book? I am an avid reader; an English teacher by trade. So why this book? Because like many of the English and American Masters (Shakespeare, the romantic poets, Twain, Dickinson, Poe, Crane, Hemingway...all long before my time), Bono is the word master of our generation. He, along with U2, have transformed the way life issues and faith can be voiced. From a young age, I have always dissected lyrics, trying to find the deeper meaning. Their words helped me to see the deeper meanings in a larger world. This was a surreal journey through the songs that helped drive me through the teenage years. My first introduction to U2 was "Sunday, Bloody Sunday", and I have traveled with them (in their music) through the great and not so great times. They were always the soundtrack that followed my life. Bono questions why still make music? Is anyone listening? Yes, we are. Thanks for following Blake's example for the last two records because those of us who have followed you were in those same moments. (Trying not to get stuck in a moment...) Thank you for sharing your moments with these songs and their creation. "...surrender doesn't always have to follow defeat and may be all the fuller after victory." - Bono

[Miles Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Brenda Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Bono is amazing!

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐ - If you have the option, LISTEN to this book. I own both the hardcopy and the audiobook, and they’re two completely different experiences. The audiobook—winner of the 2024 Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year—earns that title for a reason. Bono’s narration is fantastic on its own, but the addition of live concert clips, singing, and rich sound effects makes it a fully immersive experience. I absolutely loved it.

I’ve been a U2 fan since I was barely a teenager and thought I knew everything worth knowing about the man and the band—turns out, I didn’t. This book proved me wrong in the best way. It’s insightful, entertaining, and surprisingly educational. Toward the end, it does get a bit long-winded (and this is the shortened version!), but if you’re a fan, you’ll hardly mind.

Bottom line: if you’re going to experience this story, make it the audiobook. It’s pure magic.