Anyone else read "Bono in Conversation with Michka Assays?"

Babydoll · 12-23-2005, 02:19 AM

Wow is simply all I can say. I started reading it at 1 am and was up till 5 am and read it in one go. It was unputdownable. There is just so much insight into this wonderful human being.

His faith is explained clearly as he feels it to be: "My relationship with God is that I pray and I sort of get this instictive feeling, a voice telling me whats right and wrong..." etc.

The author asked about his fidelity(He's amazed that Bono has been faithful to Ali for 20-something years and asks him how, being a rockstar, when there's "just so much tempatation: (his words!) Bono replies, "Sure we have groupies, but to me that is a turn off. Granting a sexual favor to someone in exchange for proximity to a rockstar is bullying, it's not fair to the woman, its not an equal relationship."

It's a wonderful read about a truly great individual. The only part I disliked was, the author asked Bono how he envisioned his own funeral.

And he also tells Bono, "You have more years behind you than in front of you now." That was stupid in my opinion but Bono responds by saying something to the effect of "Yeah, I can't wait to see what is out there! My life is getting better year by year. I'm thinking of being around for a long, long time to come yet!"

His charity work, his drive, he's just so polite and genuine all the time. He says "I am always me, always real. I've never pretended to be someone I'm not. I'm not a celebrity, I've never ever misused my name. I don't let anyone who works for me misuse it either. I was never interested in making money. When I did start to get some cash, I thought it was far too much than I deserved. I try to give away to the less fortunate as much as I can and tell my children this too."

Bono inspires me. He inspires me to be a better human being, in every way. I want to at least attempt to be like him, and that can't be bad because he has great morals and principles. I really admire the man. He has a heart of gold, he's just so honest, genuine and truly caring. He's so positive and generous in every way. He is so humble, he's never been misguided by his larger than life status. I love him. Not because he is hotter and sexier than hell(haha, that's still something!) but because he is to me, someone worth admiring. He is a gift sent to this sinful earth to teach us some stuff! Thank you Bono. I love you.

Sorry for the gushfest, but I just had to let my feelings out.

lady luck · 12-23-2005, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Sorry for the gushfest, but I just had to let my feelings out.

I read the book last summer, in an afternoon and even if I had already heard a lot of the things there, I enjoyed it lots!

It's fascintating... You could talk with Bono about any issue for hours...
I mean, some of the questions Michka asked... I don't think you could ask them to anyone!

And it was so sweet to read here and then that Bono's kids were around!

Carek1230 · 12-23-2005, 04:20 AM

Yes this book was indeed very good. I read it this fall, my sister bought it and sent it on to me when she finished it (books are so expensive anymore so we share) Mischka asked some very in depth questions and not only Bono's raw and honest answers or explanations but Mischka's writing and descriptions of the various settings where some of their writings and meetings took place whilst putting the book together were entertaining as well. I felt Bono had a wonderful opportunity to discuss his faith in near great detail, on very personal level, and to relate how his faith spills over into his lyrics and music. That is fascinating to me and inspiring to me as well. The man is very well read, intelligent and basically brilliant. Wish I'd been Mischka's microphone during those sessions!

hcbiggs2002 · 12-23-2005, 10:15 AM

Yes, I bought the book in Copenhagen at the end of July when I went to see U2 live in concert there. Made for a very interesting read on the journey back home to Finland!

u2radioheadgrrl · 12-23-2005, 11:35 AM

I haven't read it yet because I'm getting it for Christmas. I can't wait to read it.

circa1992 · 12-23-2005, 11:50 AM

I'm in the middle of reading it now. So far it's really good

LikeNoOneBefore · 12-23-2005, 12:41 PM

I have it sitting on my dresser, but I haven't had time to read it. I read a bit of the beginning and loved it. I really need to start reading it after I finish my book for school.

CPTLCTYGOOFBALL · 12-23-2005, 12:50 PM

It's a really good book, though I sometimes wish he'd reveal a bit more about himself in-Often in inverviews you hear the same stories, anecdotes and this is better than most of the regular print interviews it but still left me wanting a bit more insight.

Thora · 12-23-2005, 02:11 PM

I loved this book too! I got it earlier this summer, and stayed up all night to finish reading it. It was so wonderful, and I'm glad Bono allowed Michka to interview him for this.

I knew Bono was intelligent and well spoken before reading this, but the book totally confirmed that, and blew me away. He is one incredible individual!

Great read!

Devlin · 12-23-2005, 02:11 PM

LOve the book. I found the whole thing with the bees hystericlly funny - and typical Bono. "Eh? Bee sting? Whatchu tam' 'bout, woman?"
Makes me wonder if any of his kids have given his dad that revenge he was looking for.:P

ArrogantU2Fan · 12-23-2005, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CPTLCTYGOOFBALL
It's a really good book, though I sometimes wish he'd reveal a bit more about himself in-Often in inverviews you hear the same stories, anecdotes and this is better than most of the regular print interviews it but still left me wanting a bit more insight.

I have been a social worker for over 25 years now. I believe that every human has a right to privacy. I as everyone want to know as much as possible. I respect him for not discussing things he is uncomfortable with...he does have children to consider. I found the book to be so BONO and funny yet very enlightening.

CPTLCTYGOOFBALL · 12-23-2005, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ArrogantU2Fan

I have been a social worker for over 25 years now. I believe that every human has a right to privacy. I as everyone want to know as much as possible. I respect him for not discussing things he is uncomfortable with...he does have children to consider. I found the book to be so BONO and funny yet very enlightening.

Oh I agree he has a right to privacy and I'm not expecting to read 'The Dirt". I would have liked to see a bit more information about the band, a few more memories of recording the past albums, past tours etc. Still I enjoyed the book.

ArrogantU2Fan · 12-23-2005, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CPTLCTYGOOFBALL

Oh I agree he has a right to privacy and I'm not expecting to read 'The Dirt". I would have liked to see a bit more information about the band, a few more memories of recording the past albums, past tours etc. Still I enjoyed the book.

yeah i am with yas there no doubt....Susan

chocky · 12-23-2005, 04:50 PM

It took me a little over a week to read it. I found the subject matter (around 70% religion and politics) a little too heavy to read for more than an hour or 2 at a time.

Michka did a good job at times, though I found he cut Bono off (or digressed) just when Bono was going in the direction I wanted him to go. I also found Michka a little pretentious at times.

Overall: insightful, definitely "Bono", but left me a little thirsty for more childhood & U2-related subject matter.

SimplyConfused · 12-23-2005, 04:54 PM

I read it over the summer. I've got to say, I though Bono's funeral envisioning was amusing. And the bit about why his birthday wasn't a public holiday in Ireland yet. Heh heh.

12-23-2005, 02:19 AM	#1
Babydoll Blue Crack Addict Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Jai ho!! Posts: 21,057 Local Time: 02:45 PM	Anyone else read "Bono in Conversation with Michka Assays?" Wow is simply all I can say. I started reading it at 1 am and was up till 5 am and read it in one go. It was unputdownable. There is just so much insight into this wonderful human being. His faith is explained clearly as he feels it to be: "My relationship with God is that I pray and I sort of get this instictive feeling, a voice telling me whats right and wrong..." etc. The author asked about his fidelity(He's amazed that Bono has been faithful to Ali for 20-something years and asks him how, being a rockstar, when there's "just so much tempatation: (his words!) Bono replies, "Sure we have groupies, but to me that is a turn off. Granting a sexual favor to someone in exchange for proximity to a rockstar is bullying, it's not fair to the woman, its not an equal relationship." It's a wonderful read about a truly great individual. The only part I disliked was, the author asked Bono how he envisioned his own funeral. And he also tells Bono, "You have more years behind you than in front of you now." That was stupid in my opinion but Bono responds by saying something to the effect of "Yeah, I can't wait to see what is out there! My life is getting better year by year. I'm thinking of being around for a long, long time to come yet!" His charity work, his drive, he's just so polite and genuine all the time. He says "I am always me, always real. I've never pretended to be someone I'm not. I'm not a celebrity, I've never ever misused my name. I don't let anyone who works for me misuse it either. I was never interested in making money. When I did start to get some cash, I thought it was far too much than I deserved. I try to give away to the less fortunate as much as I can and tell my children this too." Bono inspires me. He inspires me to be a better human being, in every way. I want to at least attempt to be like him, and that can't be bad because he has great morals and principles. I really admire the man. He has a heart of gold, he's just so honest, genuine and truly caring. He's so positive and generous in every way. He is so humble, he's never been misguided by his larger than life status. I love him. Not because he is hotter and sexier than hell(haha, that's still something!) but because he is to me, someone worth admiring. He is a gift sent to this sinful earth to teach us some stuff! Thank you Bono. I love you. Sorry for the gushfest, but I just had to let my feelings out.

12-23-2005, 04:20 AM	#3
Carek1230 Blue Crack Distributor Premium Gold Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: the Velvet Onion waiting for the laughter to begin Posts: 65,848 Local Time: 02:45 PM	Yes this book was indeed very good. I read it this fall, my sister bought it and sent it on to me when she finished it (books are so expensive anymore so we share) Mischka asked some very in depth questions and not only Bono's raw and honest answers or explanations but Mischka's writing and descriptions of the various settings where some of their writings and meetings took place whilst putting the book together were entertaining as well. I felt Bono had a wonderful opportunity to discuss his faith in near great detail, on very personal level, and to relate how his faith spills over into his lyrics and music. That is fascinating to me and inspiring to me as well. The man is very well read, intelligent and basically brilliant. Wish I'd been Mischka's microphone during those sessions! __________________

12-23-2005, 10:15 AM	#4
hcbiggs2002 Rock n' Roll Doggie ALL ACCESS Premium Silver Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: "Greatest Bonolover in Finland"! Posts: 7,326 Local Time: 12:45 AM	Yes, I bought the book in Copenhagen at the end of July when I went to see U2 live in concert there. Made for a very interesting read on the journey back home to Finland! __________________ Helsinki 20/08/2010, Helsinki 21/08/2010

12-23-2005, 02:11 PM	#9
Thora Blue Crack Addict Premium Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Wishing I was on the beach Posts: 24,572 Local Time: 02:45 PM	I loved this book too! I got it earlier this summer, and stayed up all night to finish reading it. It was so wonderful, and I'm glad Bono allowed Michka to interview him for this. I knew Bono was intelligent and well spoken before reading this, but the book totally confirmed that, and blew me away. He is one incredible individual! Great read! __________________ Insert something interesting here

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12-23-2005, 11:35 AM	#5
u2radioheadgrrl The Fly Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 62 Local Time: 04:45 PM	I haven't read it yet because I'm getting it for Christmas. I can't wait to read it.

12-23-2005, 11:50 AM	#6
circa1992 Rock n' Roll Doggie FOB Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: On Bono's Back Posts: 8,794 Local Time: 05:45 PM	I'm in the middle of reading it now. So far it's really good

12-23-2005, 12:41 PM	#7
LikeNoOneBefore Refugee Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,941 Local Time: 04:45 PM	I have it sitting on my dresser, but I haven't had time to read it. I read a bit of the beginning and loved it. I really need to start reading it after I finish my book for school.

12-23-2005, 12:50 PM	#8
CPTLCTYGOOFBALL Acrobat Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 496 Local Time: 05:45 PM	It's a really good book, though I sometimes wish he'd reveal a bit more about himself in-Often in inverviews you hear the same stories, anecdotes and this is better than most of the regular print interviews it but still left me wanting a bit more insight.

12-23-2005, 02:11 PM	#10
Devlin War Child Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 880 Local Time: 10:45 PM	LOve the book. I found the whole thing with the bees hystericlly funny - and typical Bono. "Eh? Bee sting? Whatchu tam' 'bout, woman?" Makes me wonder if any of his kids have given his dad that revenge he was looking for.:P

12-23-2005, 04:50 PM	#14
chocky War Child Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia Posts: 679 Local Time: 10:45 AM	It took me a little over a week to read it. I found the subject matter (around 70% religion and politics) a little too heavy to read for more than an hour or 2 at a time. Michka did a good job at times, though I found he cut Bono off (or digressed) just when Bono was going in the direction I wanted him to go. I also found Michka a little pretentious at times. Overall: insightful, definitely "Bono", but left me a little thirsty for more childhood & U2-related subject matter.

12-23-2005, 04:54 PM	#15
SimplyConfused War Child Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bowie was right! There IS life on Mars! Well, Newcastle's near enough Posts: 937 Local Time: 10:45 PM	I read it over the summer. I've got to say, I though Bono's funeral envisioning was amusing. And the bit about why his birthday wasn't a public holiday in Ireland yet. Heh heh.