NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • Bono—artist, activist, and the lead singer of Irish rock band U2—has written a memoir: honest and irreverent, intimate and profound, Surrender is the story of the remarkable life hes lived, the challenges hes faced, and the friends and family who have shaped and sustained him.“Surrender soars whenever the spotlight comes on. Bono is never more powerful, on the page or the stage, than when he strives for the transcendence that only music can offer...[Bono is open and honest, with language that can be witty and distinctive, addressing his competitive relationship with his father or growing up against the backdrop of Irelands political violence.” —The New York Times “When I started to write this book, I was hoping to draw in detail what Id previously only sketched in songs. The people, places, and possibilities in my life. Surrender is a word freighted with meaning for me. Growing up in Ireland in the seventies with my fists up (musically speaking), it was not a natural concept. A word I only circled until I gathered my thoughts for the book. I am still grappling with this most humbling of commands. In the band, in my marriage, in my faith, in my life as an activist. Surrender is the story of one pilgrims lack of progress ... With a fair amount of fun along the way.” —Bono As one of the music worlds most iconic artists and the cofounder of the organizations ONE and (RED), Bonos career has been written about extensively. But in Surrender, its Bono who picks up the pen, writing for the first time about his remarkable life and those he has shared it with. In his unique voice, Bono takes us from his early days growing up in Dublin, including the sudden loss of his mother when he was fourteen, to U2s unlikely journey to become one of the worlds most influential rock bands, to his more than twenty years of activism dedicated to the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty. Writing with candor, self-reflection, and humor, Bono opens the aperture on his life—and the family, friends, and faith that have sustained, challenged, and shaped him. Surrenders subtitle, 40 Songs, One Story, is a nod to the books forty chapters, which are each named after a U2 song. Bono has also created forty original drawings for Surrender, which appear throughout the book.
Embark on a captivating musical journey with "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story," a memoir by the legendary Bono, lead singer of the iconic band U2. This deeply personal and inspiring autobiography intertwines the profound lyrics of 40 U2 songs with Bono's own life experiences, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the heart and soul of one of the most influential musicians of our time.
With disarming honesty, Bono delves into the inspirations behind iconic hits like "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "Pride (In the Name of Love)," and "One," exploring the personal and political forces that shaped them. Through his poignant storytelling, readers are transported to pivotal moments in Bono's life, from his childhood in Dublin, Ireland, to his rise to fame as a global rock star.
More than just a memoir, "Surrender" is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries, spark change, and ignite hope. Bono's reflections on the creative process, his unwavering commitment to social justice, and his deep-rooted spirituality offer readers a profound meditation on the human experience. Whether you're a lifelong U2 fan or simply seeking inspiration from one of the most compelling figures in modern music, "Surrender" promises an unforgettable and life-affirming journey.
Dive into the pages of "Surrender" and experience the transformative power of music as Bono invites you to join him on an introspective pilgrimage through his remarkable life and career.
