Breaking Through By Grace: The Bono Story

ZonderKidz Biography

by Kim Washburn

When love walks in the room … Awards, fame, wealth … Bono has it all. But the biggest rock star in the world has something more important, something that has guided every step of his success: faith in God. From growing up in Ireland during deadly times to performing on the largest stages in the world, Bono’s beliefs have kept him grounded and focused on what truly matters. Whether using his voice to captivate an audience or to fight for justice and healing in Africa, Bono is a champion of the lost and a hero to those who long for harmony.

Genres: Biography

112 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2010

About the author

Kim Washburn began her career in Christian publishing with Focus on the Family. While she worked on their Clubhouse Jr. magazine, two of her original stories were recognized by the Evangelical Press Association, including first place in the fiction category in 2006. Currently Kim stays home - and stays on her toes - with her eleven-year-old daughter and nine-year-old twin sons.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it. I loved it. Even better, it was free on Amazon.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway. This book is considered "juvenile non-fiction", so my review is based on that genre. I thought it was well-written and easy for someone of the target age range to understand. Bono is an interesting person, and one who definitely cares for others -- this book provides a very high level view of Bono and his life. A lot of the book discusses his causes and records, and I would have like to read more about his childhood and growing up. Granted, he started in his first band at an early age, so a lot of his adolesence was attributed to music already. Although touched on, I think a lot more could have been discussed about how it was growing up during the violence between Catholics and Protestants. My guess is this book is targeted for classroom use based on the 93 total pages and the brevity of some of the sections. This was not a final copy, and there were some typos as well as a complete paragraph duplicated on consecutive pages (all part of the process I suppose.) Again, I liked this book considering who the target audience is.

[Stacy Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking through by Grace is Kim Washburn’s insightful biography of Bono’s journey from tumultuous childhood to humanitarian superstar. Since Live Aid in 1985, Bono has used his music and his faith to “motivate and mobilize audiences for humanitarian causes” (p. 75), but as Washburn shows, it was his early years in a divided Ireland that helped shape the beliefs that would lead him down that path. Written for a younger audience, Washburn chronicles how Bono came to know that one person working through God’s grace can make a difference of global proportions. I was glad to win this book in a giveaway on Good Reads, and I look forward to reading more of Washburn's work.

[BruceSB · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful biography.
I really found that I got to know Bono.
The real shame is that I wish the book was longer.
Yes, I know the story about advice to would be preachers.
Keep it short and have them crying out for more.
Rather than go long and have them wishing you would finish!
Well, I am left crying out for more!
There seemed to be so much additional story begging to be told.
That said, this short book was wonderful.
I go to know Bono.
Where he came from and what made him tick.
That, it seems to me is the measure of a biography.
This writer is great.
She succeeded it passing Bono's story on to us.
Very highly recommended.
I could not envision anyone not enjoying this one.
Bruce

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I should have read the reviews first...definitely a Young Readers book, but also a Christian biased book and that was disappointing. I really needed to find out more than this book offered and didn't. As the Who once said, "Won't get fooled (by this publisher) again!

[Maura Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short view into Bono's life. I was fortunate enough to see him perform back in 1987. Reading about his life made me respect him even more.

[Cheryl Gatling]

I got this book through the Goodreads First Reads program. I had asked for it because I thought it would be interesting to learn more about Bono. I hadn't realized it was a children's book. At a slim 86 pages, it is just an introduction to "the boy from Dublin who grew up to become one of the world's greatest rock stars," as the cover blurb says. But that's OK. I still know more about Bono than I did before.

It was interesting that Zondervan chose Bono as a Christian role model for kids. His belief in God is sincere, and it is a Christian faith, but he remains suspicious of organized religion, and is not affiliated with any denomination. In his childhood, Catholics and Protestants were killing each other. The young Bono (then called Paul) had a larger view, partly because he came from a mixed home-- his dad was Catholic and his mom Protestant. As a young adult he became involved with a non-denominational Christian group called Shalom, but became disillusioned with them when the leader told him he thought their rock music was ungodly. There is also a scene when Bono first visits the US, and sees a televangelist on TV, and was immediately turned off, believing that the word of God was being perverted for money.

Despite Bono's deep personal faith, it was not church that was meaningful for him. He found God through music, and through friendship, which he called "two sorts of sacraments." Indeed, when the band played a song which touched the hearts of the audience, it was as if "God walked into the room."

Nowadays Bono also finds God through helping the poor. In his own words, "The poor are where God lives." People have criticized Bono's activism, assuming he is in it for publicity, or from other shallow motives, but those who have gotten to know him have taken away a different impression. He is serious, sincere, and knowledgeable. He is focused on doing what he knows is right. In that he is a role model, for Christians, for children, and for anyone.

[Carla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was sent to me as a giveaway on Goodreads. I read it in about 20 minutes.I had no idea that firstly it would be so short, and that it was juvenile non-fiction, with a Christian focus. I did learn a LOT about Bono. No one can deny that he has used his notoriety to good by helping the poor, specifically in Africa and Latin America. He does not espouse to any specific religious organization, which I appreciated in the book, but instead, from loving others as a Christian (or I'd hope anyone would...) I really didn't get a lot of religious fervor in the book, but perhaps a look at Bono's beginnings and how he has influenced not only rock, but his message through his music. I would think that the people who pick up this book unless it was categorized as juvenile and it's Christian leanings would be a bit annoyed that it wasn't stated on the front of the book it's leanings. As a teenager, especially someone who likes Bono, or U2, I'm sure they already know about his out-of-country work with Africa, and AIDS. As a tool to link "rock" with "good works" and "Christian", I'd say it might bolster the Christian community, especially teens, that "Christians" can be cool, and not specifically listen to Christian focused music. This book might have instead made a good "feature" article in a magazine.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as a GoodReads first-read book and appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on it. As other reviewers have mentioned, I didn't realize it was so short or that it was intended for a juvenile audience when I entered the giveaway.

I read it in one setting and found it interesting but perhaps not terribly informative. Many of the quotes are from only a handful of interviews, none with the author that I can tell. A Discography would have been useful.

Since this is a Christian imprint, the focus on Bono's spiritual inspiration for his music and humanitarian work is not unexpected. Bono and U2 have worked for social change through their music and have been recognized for their efforts.

I do not know if this biography would appeal to the juvenile audience for which it was intended. Having read this, I am interested in learning more about Bono and U2. I also plan to listen to the albums I already own much more carefully.

[Mike McAdam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the subject matter was fascinating but I have to admit I was a little disappointed because Bono must have lead a fascinating life and way too much of it was glossed over or missing completely. For example, when talking about his wife. In one sentence he is meeting her and in the next sentence it is 6 years later and they are already married. Being inducting into the rock and roll hall of fame was almost an aside toward the end of the book with no detail.... I felt like this should have been the cliff notes and not the book. Another thing that bugged me a little bit was that the author seemed to write like she knew what Bono was thinking. A lot of references had footnotes. None of these glimpses into his brain did so I couldn't help myself from thinking "How does the author know this?" Now, having said that, I DID enjoy what I read. *received free through a goodreads giveaway*

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written for youth, this biography tells about Bono's early days growing up in Dublin with his father, brother and friends, and then tracks his meteoric rise to fame as part of legendary rock band U2. We learn not only about his passion for music and gift for new songs, but also about his authentic love for people - especially the most needy. This is a must-read for any young fan of Bono & U2!

Writing: B
Vocabulary: Easy
Level: Easy
Rating: G
Worldview: Christian

I received this copy through Goodreads Firstread & Review!

[Maryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky to win this through a Goodreads giveaway. I have to admit it was not what I expected, but it was a good book. It is written for a juvenile reader and presents a good biography of Bono. It presents a
Christian perspective but is not preachy. I think it would be an excellent choice for an adolescent reader who enjoys music. Sometimes it's hard to find books for that age group, especially for kids who don't naturally love to read.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very short read--not much depth to the story. Not knowing much about Bono, it was interesting to learn about his strong faith as a Christian and his work throughout the world to help the sick and poor. It was interesting to note that Bono didn't trash the United States as most celebrities seem to be doing these days--refreshing. In all, it was an okay short book.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to U2 back in the 80s but I never knew the religious side of Bono and the band. It was enlighteningn to read about the influences that lead to the songs I listened to years ago. It's refreshing to find famous individuals who use their fame for noble purposes. The book was easy to read and filled with so much positive energy. Thanks to Goodreads for providing my copy!

[Vincent Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite interesting to read. Bono from U2 really has done so much to makes us aware of people suffering around the world. Leaders of the world have taken notice and he continues on this quest in order to make the world a better place. You will get a great feeling reading it.

Vincent

[Nicollette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads. In the book it showed how giving Bono was to the poor and to others around the world. I got to see a new side to him. The book could have been more in depth though. It was still a good fast read.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister shared this book with me and I really enjoyed it. A quick glimpse into the life of a true humanitarian. I would have never guessed the history of this band but what special men. I would highly encourage anyone to read this book.

[Sanntint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book that I have just finished reading in 2013 ! I feel like privileged to have read about the world no. 1 rock star but BONO and his humanitarian works and career struggles in a very short and concise book ! It should be read twice to get insight of Bono !

[Melissa T · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very quick read. Interesting, but didn't learn much of anything new. Full review to come. *Please note that I won this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads program*

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so pleased to have won this book - Bono is an amazing artist and an inspiration to everyone..
I have just received this book and am excited to start reading it!

[Rocky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.