Unforgettable Fire: Past, Present, and Future--The Definitive Biography of U2

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Summary: Word To The Wise: MANY Inaccuracies
Review: Just wanted to post a word of warning - anyone interested enough in U2 to read 300+ pages of prose would probably want that information to be accurate. If you are not aware, this book actually resulted in a HUGE falling-out between the author and the band. As the Amazon review stated, yes - the tone of the book is overtly positive. However, it is in fact true that the band wasn't given a chance to censor the material before it was published - resulting in very personal and detailed accounts of their personal lives and histories being printed that they might otherwise have cut, or at least corrected. Personally, I'd rather leave that sort of thing to the teen mags, but if you dig juicy personal details you should know that many of the detials in this book were subsequently blasted by members of the Irish press and childhood friends & acquaintances of the band (not to mention the band themselves) for including GLARING errors. All in all its got its moments, and I'm sure you'll want it if you're a completist, but it is not 100% accurate. There's no shortage of written material on U2, so you'd be advised to look elsewhere.

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Summary: A Brilliant and Compelling Book About The Rock Group U2!!!
Review: This book is a wonderful look at the band known as U2. Named after a spy plane, this story takes you back to the band's humble beginnings in Dublin, Ireland and how a group of four young boys became one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time!!! It shows what incredible hardships each member had to face growing up, and all the obstacles the band has overcome. This books leads up to the band successful breakthrough album The Joshua Tree, and all the sacrifices the band had to endure to make it to that point. It also tells how Bono(Paul Hewson), and The Edge(David Evans) got dubbed their new names. Bono's name actually came from a hearing aid shop in Dublin called Bono Vox, which is latin for "good voice." That moniker seems to fit him perfectly, since he does have a damn good voice!!! Bono ended up giving the edge his name. I can't remember the source for his name, though. I'd better start reading the book again!!!

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Summary: good backgroud information
Review: Very detailed biographical information helps you understand where the band members (and others close to the band) come from and how and why they got to where they are now. Unfortunately this book only covers up to the release of Joshua Tree, but its great for information on the real early and formative years of the band. I found that some things were repeated many times throughout the book but at least that made you really remember them well. It was a fun read for a fan who wants to know more.