I have not been to too many mega-stadium rock shows, despite growing up in the era of Live Aid and Lilith Fair. In fact, I can count on two hands the number of stadium rock events I've been to (nine) and even then, there are actually only four artists I've seen in those nine shows: Billy Joel earns five of those spots, doubling with Elton John in two of those five. Then there was the The Who, on two of the "farewell tours" perhaps five years apart.  The final two spots belong to U2 who I saw in the Joshua Tree Tour November 1987 at the L.A. Coliseum my Senior Year and then on July 14, 2011 in Philadelphia when a Seattle friend had to sell some tickets to the 360 Tour. And while I listened to every U2 album up to Rattle and Hum, I cannot call myself a real "fan" because I had no idea they have done like eight or more albums since then. That is, not until I listened to Bono's amazing memoir Surrender. What a fascinating journey he takes the listener on from his heartache at his mother's death when he was 14 to that fateful posting Larry Mullen Jr. put up at their high school "Drummer looking for a band." It seems unfathomable that U2 met each other in high school! And both Bono and Larry met their life partners in high school, too. Bono has woven a non-linear thematic tapestry of his very full and blessed life. His soulful look at his own Messianic complex, or his touching recognition of the grounding his wife Ali has brought to his life gives him such realness. And yet, here's a man who has sat down with three U.S. Presidents to bring about change in the continent of Africa through debt relief and activism to bring anti retroviral medication to countries like Ghana and Uganda. He analyzes his activism with great precision. Giving props to the likes of conservative American Politicians like John Kasich, Jesse Helms, and George W. Bush for the way in which they were willing to change their minds and make decisions that could bring about great change in Africa. To think Bono was a collaborator with Warren Buffet, Steve Jobs, and Bill/Melinda Gates, is to see the scope of where he took his rock star status and used the "currency" of his fame. 

Most powerful is how he speaks of his brotherhood with Mullen, Adam Clayton, and The Edge with reverence and clarity, but also giving us glimpses into his encounters and friendships with the likes of David Bowie, Johnny Cash, and the Artist Formerly Known As Prince. 

Bono's writing is poetic and rhythmic, not surprising for a lyricist and musician, but his eloquence and intellectuality is more that of a theology professor, or at least a college retreat leader. He speaks so openly of his faith and belief with poignant moments in French churches or jumping into the River Jordan with his whole family. 

Paul "Bono" Hewson is someone who has used every moment of his life for connection and creativity. His memoir paints the portrait of the artist as a whole and fully perceptive man, husband, father, activist, believer.