Surrender

40 Songs, One Story

By: Bono

Narrated by: Bono

***WINNER OF THE 2024 AUDIE AWARD FOR AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR***

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 he’s lived, the challenges he’s faced, and the friends and family who have shaped and sustained him.

Narrated by the author, Surrender is an intimate, immersive listening experience, telling stories from Bono’s early days in Dublin, to joining a band and playing sold out stadiums around the world with U2, plus his more than 20 years of activism.

Throughout a remarkable life, music has always been a constant for Bono and in the audiobook, his distinctive voice is interwoven with a very personal soundtrack adding atmosphere and texture to each and every scene. From moments of classic U2 hits to snippets by The Clash, Patti Smith, Verdi, Johnny Cash and Mozart, Surrender also exclusively features clips of newly recorded reimagined versions of U2 songs including ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’, ‘With Or Without You’, ‘One’, ‘Beautiful Day’ and more, glimpsed for the first time on Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story.

Fantastic!

Hands down the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to. It’s more like a radio play than a book. Bono’s narration is superb, the music and sound effects add to the atmosphere, and the story is compelling. Highly, highly recommended!

No Words

This performance was beautiful and engaging. But much more was the heart and life of a man laid bare so we might glimpse it for a moment. As a person of faith, Bono’s real, living faith caused me to question how am I living out mine. Seeing him strive to seek God, but recognizing early in his life, the difference in religion and faith was so inspiring. How he and his wife understood how they could act out their faith through service to those in need, beginning in their early 20’s was so different. I am amazed at how much he understood about God’s love, mercy, and most importantly grace at a young age leaves me without words. All of that and incredible music with band mates he clearly loves for over 40 years. So much accomplished and he isn’t finished. It was an honor to listen to this performance. I feel inspired to make a difference in my own sliver of the world. How can I help?!?!?!

A Masterpiece

I attended one of his book tour performances and this book makes it feel like I was there and more. It’s like Bono is conversing with me. I scoffed a little at the price, but after listening I can honestly say it’s the best audiobook I’ve ever heard. The music, the narration, the solo’s, the background sounds all made the price totally worth it. Listening about his life and his perspective and worldview have definitely solidified him and what he stands for into the crevices of my heart. The way he speaks about life, even in all the heartache, is somehow comforting. You will laugh and cry throughout this audiobook. I loved it and recommend it to all.

You don't have to be a fan to enjoy the book

Loved this! Have been a fan since the beginning, but I don't think you have to be a fan to enjoy the book. I will definitely listen more than once or twice.

I was anxious that he would be... a bit much.

Even long time fans will confess that Bono can be... a lot. Happily in this setting the author finds a charming, intimate, and strikingly humble tone.
Gratitude is the timbre. His stories; often funny, sometimes abstract, consistently rewarding; build on the best in others: musicians, activists, politicians, and friends.
Amid all the ambition, mistakes, and success retold I found myself surprisingly inspired. I found myself wanting to be more of a good guy in the world, to be a better friend, a better spouse. I did not come in expecting any of this.
Five stars from me.