By Michka Assayas
Even though I have a few of their albums and even saw them in concert once, I'm only marginally a U2 fan. But I've been following Bono's excellent exploits in recent years with his work in Africa on reducing debt and other social issues. It was impressive work ... I always feel so when celebrities do stuff like this, since they're under no obligation too and it's clearly much easier to just sit back and enjoy the celebrity lifestyle. I mean, Angelina Jolie could lie in bed with Brad Pitt all day but instead she devotes some of her time as a representative of the UN on international refugees. Similarly, Bono doesn't have to go to Africa or lobby congressional leaders or form new NGOs, but he does.
After reading this book, my respect shot up even higher. Bono is a genius. The book is a series of conversations, so it's written in an interview format. The fact that Bono can be so intelligent, witty and well-informed during spur-of-the-moment conversations is nothing short of astonishing.
Strengths of this book include insight into U2's creative process; stories about other celebrities like Clinton, Dylan, and Mandela; ruminations on Ireland's political history; and the passion that pours out of the book whenever Bono talks about Africa. A highly recommended read.
Purchase from Amazon.
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