Surrender Bono Autobiography 40 Songs By Bono & Fight Thirty Years Not Quite at the Top By Harry Hill 2 Books Collection Set

by Bono, Harry Hill

Genres: Nonfiction, Music

Hardcover

Published December 20, 2022

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

[Bob Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bono is more than his own enigma but in Surrender I think his life is summarized as a quest, mission or journey to solve the mystery of self and the world around him. I still haven’t found what I’m looking for is a metaphor for life. Surrender is when we surrender to a higher power and purpose; when we stop talking and start listening; when we stop or pause before reacting and offer an olive branch. We don’t live in fair world and Bono tries to overcome the obstacles and injustices that make life so difficult and life threatening to the poor and vulnerable. Here is a man that recognizes and understands his own imperfections, wrongdoings and limitations but also his compulsion, need, desire and determination to use his fame as his personal savior would. This memoir is a man reflecting on his life’s work as a member of U2, son, brother, lover, husband, father, partner, friend………..and one of god’s children.

[Brian Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It seems to me that Bono really took his time to put his life experiences down on paper. It is filled with the usual stores of a young man growing up and joining a band. From stories about his mom, dad, brother, and his band mates to his wife Ali and his children. But each story in its own was woven into some of the music and lyrics of their songs. He also tells of the many famous people that he meets during his lifetime such as Johnny Cash, Prince, the Pope, the Dali Lama, several Presidents, Condi Rice, George Soros and many many more. His tales of his many trips to Africa and efforts to raise money for charity are legendary with the impact on AIDS and other diseases in the billions. What struck me and will stay with me is his writing and how he paints a picture with using words. And how he describes so many of the contradictions that can be gleaned from every day life. Though this should not be a surprise as the lyrics to U2’s songs are brilliant.

[Lorette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just read the Surrender book by Bono, not the Harry Hill book.
I am a big U2 fan, and have been since the 1980's; this I think helps with my receptivity to the 40 chapters/40 sings approach that comprise his memoirs. If you don't know the songs, the lyrics and stories are probably less compelling. I loved them. Bono writes like the lyricist and poet he is, with plenty of word play and thematic weaving. And humor! I laughed out loud several times (the Jonny Cash story tickled me, as did the idea of his then girlfriend hiding under the bed while his da had a heart to heart with him on the very same bed).

I have this idea that everybody is a U2 fan, deep down, and if that bears out, this book is for everyone.

[Ana Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This literary piece has been highly enriching and educational for me. Through reading this book, I have gained a profound understanding of the intricacies of music, despite having yet to be an avid follower of the band U2. Furthermore, my interest in the subject matter has been piqued, leading to many new questions about the band.
Even though Bono's writing was too politically correct for my taste, I enjoyed this book.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book intimately guides you through simple beginnings to first time revelations and explanations, from the meanings of songs to the meaning of life. If you are a fan of U2, you have to listen to the audio version. Not only does Bono narrate the book himself but there are songs included to enhance the story.

[Seema Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book (narrated by Bono himself) on a series of long drives after seeing U2 perform in Las Vegas. I'm a big U2 fan and my love for the band was amplified to new heights after the concert, which had been on my bucket list for decades... So there may be some bias here.

I could listen to Bono talk forever, but I think he is objectively an incredible storyteller and narrator. For all of the years I spent listening to U2 and obsessing over their lyrics, my understanding of their backgrounds, inspirations, and evolution as a band was shamefully limited (for a fangirl). Hearing the story - at least Bono's version - made me appreciate the band and each member as so much more than musicians and activists. I was pretty young during my "favorite" U2 era and, not having been raised Christian, I missed the fact that so much of their music is rooted in their faith and their evolving feelings towards it.

Furthermore, this book is nothing if not an open, heartfelt love letter from Bono to his wife, Ali. While so much music today is derived from the roller coaster relationship drama of young musicians, it's quite incredible to learn about Bono and Ali's life together. Bono is charmingly self deprecating in noting that marriage with a hot-headed, often arrogant, rockstar is not for the faint of heart. The way he pays homage to the role Ali played in his life, his family's lives, and as an activist... it's just heartwarming.

[Penny Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I missed the '80's and knew almost nothing about U2's music besides the radio hits, I listened to the audio version of this on a long road trip and really glad I did. More than information about the band, their start and their music, I appreciated the tough questions Bono asks himself- and us- about 'why' we do things, what really motivates us, what role history, paternity, trauma, loss and family have on who we are and what we become. I have a new respect for the man, and his place in the world whether or not I can appreciate all of his music. Listening is a treat as you hear his gorgeous Irish accent, his imitations of others speaking, and pieces of music and poetry. It's long, and at times winding, but he is definitely a poet, thoughtful, serious and wiser for his age. It's a good read and a greater listen.

[Karen Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was well written but I'm not particularly a fan of their music so the book wasn't super meaningful

[Tushar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a big fan of U2, I thought this would be an awesome read.

However I found it very difficult to stay engaged.

May be better as an audiobook. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[Stephanie Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good, especially if you like politics. A must listen, sing he sings throughout! LONG- 20 hours but worth it. Now I really want to go to Vegas and see them.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a life, candidly and artfully told here. Makes me want to crank up my U2 favs on Spotify.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTSTANDING audiobook

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

***update- listening to the audiobook enhanced the reading experience so much more! I upgraded the stars from 2 to 4

I really wanted to like this book. I’ve been trying to finish this book since I received it at Christmas as a gift. I’m a huge U2 and Bono fan, but this book is has show me that Bono really is a politician, disguised as a songwriter and a performer. You should not mix politics and music. This was the most boring rambling book, for the most part and like other reviewers say, is full of name drops. Honestly, it is a do not finish. I got through 2/3 of it and finally gave it up. I hate leaving bad reviews like this but not sure how he got this book Published. Most of it was incoherent rambling….

[AF Archuleta]

I would highly recommend this book, especially in Audible. Boni narrates and sings throughout the book. The story is good and provides a lot of historical events through the eyes of this Irish singer.