Cakey

I was wondering who has read this book? Its by Neil McCormick, and its pretty funny, takes a different view of things!
Thoughts on it?

Galeongirl

I read it, great book! Was a nice inside view thing. I liked how you had a storyline that wasn't entirely focussed on U2, it was Neil's life, but somehow U2 kept crossing his path. Certainly not the typical U2 book.

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u2search

I've read it. The first time I saw it I dismissed it as fiction, but luckily, after I'd learned more about U2, I saw it again and bought it. It's funny and sometimes even insightful. In some ways Neil's band has just had bad luck, but if you compare their early story to U2's, then you appreciate how similar they are and how much harder U2 tried to get there. That is what I learned from it.

rihannsu

Actually what I got from it most of all is that sometimes nice guys do finish first. Neil is brutally honest, I'll give him that but for most of his life he acts like a right asshole. He seems to be his own worst enemy always somehow pissing of the wrong person at the wrong time. Karma bites him on the ass repeatedly til he finally shapes up and starts acting like a responsible human being. Then things start to go right for him, not necessarily with music but with life.

In contrast Bono tended to make friends wherever he went and treated people well and as a result people were more supportive.

One of the nicest things about this book is that it gives you a perspective on Bono from someone who was there from the beginning and has drifted in and out and in again of the inner circle. I doubt if any of those closer to Bono will ever write about him so this is probably as good as it gets. Reading this book and Bono in Conversation give you a really good picture of Bono the person behind the rock star.

Dana

Trinity3000

Also known as "I was Bono's Doppleganger"

rihannsu

Yeah, I like the fact that Bono loved the idea of calling it "Killing Bono".

biff

Didn't Bono actually suggest that title? I'm pretty sure he did.

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rihannsu

Not sure if he suggested the title but in one of their conversations where Neil exploded about Bono living his dream Bono laughed and said "you'll just have to kill me then."

Dana

EdgeIsTooSexy

This was definitely one of the best books written about the band...even though it didnt talk about them the whole time. Neil is a very talented writer so he shouldnt be jealous of Bono. Plus it was really funny!

BonoFox1

I liked this book! like mentioned it is a book about Neil and his band trying to make it in the music business. I both cheered and booed for Neil and his band(s). To me he wanted to be famous for all the wrong reasons!. And yes, the U2 tidbits were BONUS!
I like this book and I want to read it again soon. Maybe sometime this year :}

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KJ Collins

I read this about 2 years ago and enjoyed it. I'm poor and actually take out books from the library (I'm there everyday and even there right now) so perhaps I'll check it out again. Just a couple floors up.

Like others have said, it gives a perspective that you're not going to get from another source. That is, a longtime friend and fellow musician who is also an excellent writer. Ok, it's possible there could be another person, but unlikely.

One part that sticks out in my mind is when he's with a woman he just met and she has a poster of Bono on her bedroom wall. And he says, "Do you know Bono?" Gives you a sense of how odd it would be to know someone from childhood and have them become that famous. Almost as if they're in a different reality. Or whatever.

lauramullen

I have this book and loved it. One of my top U2 books.

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2010 Tour:
Anaheim 6/6/10, 6/7/09, Denver 6/12/10, Oakland- June 6/16/10, Philly 7/12/09, East Rutherford- 7/19/10