Reviews

Listened to it which I recommend since Bono reads it and sings little bits of songs in different chapters. Enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half which started to drag a bit.

romonko's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative slow-paced

2.5

I’ve always loved U2 and was thrilled to see that Bono had an autobiography out. I wanted to listen to it because I knew there would be music in it. Bono reads his story himself. It was interesting to hear how U2 began 40 years ago. They are a band that is still together. They all grew up in the same neighbourhood in Dublin. They still all have their main residence there. Hearing how Bono and the band struggled when they began, and their astronomical advance to the top of the charts was exciting and real. This is why I wanted to listen to this book. Bono is honest and sincere throughout, and is a man of faith who has been married for decades which was inspirational, but then we are in the middle of all his humanitarian and political machinations, and I’m afraid my eyes started glazing over. I didn’t want to hear about how marvellous Bill Clinton was or how much of a saint Nelson Mandela was. We all have our own beliefs about humanitarian issues and certainly about political figures. I have to admit that I skipped through a lot of pieces in the audiobook that I was bored with. I think Bono has made a name in history for himself and his awesome band and that is a phenomenal achievement..As to all the other stuff, the less said the better as it smacks of self-aggrandizement. Acts of kindness are much more powerful if they are done quietly and under the radar. I have to admit that the 40 songs included in the audiobook were worth the time spent listening. U2 remains as one of my favourite bands.

bookiebook's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

jmarchek's review against another edition

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5.0

This book must be listened to - each chapter starts with a clip from the title song in a new arrangement, and Bono narrates so well. I was a fan before, but I'm more so now. We might not all have his platform, but there's a lot of wisdom to take into our own lives. I love the poem at the end and hearing so much more about each song I love.

jamicuns01's review against another edition

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5.0

I’m so sad to have finished this book. I have spent the last week having Bono as my constant companion. It has been absolutely lovely. He is a first rate storyteller and he brings you along for the ride that is his life.

I’m not sure if you would enjoy this book if you are not a U2 fan, but if you are, you will not be disappointed. He talks about every albums, their tours, back stories that led to the writing of songs, and the behind-the-scenes to events that made national news. I even choked up when he shared the behind the scenes of his work securing President Bush’s announcement of PEPFAR. I worked at USAID at the time of the announcement. I also choked up when he shared his friendship with Michael Hutchence.

If I could give more than 5 stars I would. This is a class act of a memoir.

nightstand_reads's review against another edition

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5.0

Turns out the lyricist can also write a book! “Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story” is entertaining, interesting, informative, and thought provoking.

I thoroughly enjoyed Bono’s insights, learning about U2’s beginnings, the inter-workings of one of the most successful bands in decades, and how his moral compass drives not only his music, but also his life and humanitarian work. And I loved how he connected his stories to his songs.

If you’re a U2 fan, do not miss this book.

I read “Surrender” and then listened to it, which only enhanced the experience.

amengelking's review against another edition

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4.0

Enter Bono. Frontman, lyricist, pacifist, activist, global citizen. Listener, be prepared. At 20 hours in length this audiobook takes commitment. Sit back, relax, and slowly take it in because there is no rush (unless you have to return it to the library like I did!!). Take the slow route, the path with snippets of music, with pauses, the meandering road. Bono covers various topics, from faith to funding global HIV treatment to forgiving debt of our poorest nations to the changing industry of music. Deeply thought and beautifully spoken.

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