Review: Surrender 40 Songs, One Story by Bono

I was born with an eccentric heart ... Bono's memoir begins with a quote that is both literal truth and near perfect metaphor for the much loved musician, activist and now, author. Shaped around forty different U2 songs, Surrender is Bono telling his life story. Most U2 fans will know parts of the story already, particularly the parts about the band formed when the members met at high school, the same place where Bono met his wife Ali. Just as many will know that some of these stories were already shared in by in Bono on Bono by Michka Assayas and in U2 by U2. However, what makes this book stand out is the willingness of the author to be vulnerable and what he shares with the reader.

I read this one slowly, over the course of about three and a half weeks, which I soon discovered was the perfect way to take in the stories and meant that I had time to listen to my not-exactly-small collection of U2 albums along the way and enjoy the songs I'd just read about. For me, the most interesting parts were where Bono talks about his life away from the glamour of rock and roll--of his childhood, of meeting Ali and how their relationship works and how proud he is of his four children and also his very genuine friendships with the other members of U2--Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr--and the best mates that he grew up with, Gavin Friday and Guggi. And, of course, a special mention must go to the much more complicated relationship that he had with his father and his willingness to share that. With the exception of the partial chapter on Johnny Cash, I was less interested in his descriptions of his friendships with various musicians and other celebrities. The chapters describing Bono's high profile--and important--activism, and the challenges he faced behind the scenes were incredibly insightful, though a heartbreaking reminder of the many medical and social inequalities that exist across the globe. 

Overall, Surrender is an incredible insight into the life of an important and much loved musician and activist. 

Highly recommended. 

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