Rating: 
Summary: Relevant
Review: A much needed book on the very significant topic of U2 and Christianity. Even if Stockman's evaluation is slanted towards his own particular view of Christianity, he still manages to give a well rounded introduction to this topic. I was hoping for a bit more depth though. There is so much more that could have been discussed that Stockman only briefly touches on. Stockman makes some brilliant points however, and he should be applauded for writing a book on one of the most relevant topics in U2's music. It also includes an excellent foreward by Steve Beard.
A must-read for anyone interested in U2 and matters of the spirit.
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Summary: background on what fuels an incredible band
Review: Steve Stockman has been writing about U2 for years, and here is a book drawing all his work together. This book helps readers understand the rich tapestry of Biblical and spiritual images and dreams underlying U2's work. Though not a detailed song by song analysis, the work traces themes of faith, hope and love throughout the different periods of U2's career. The careful collection of quotes, interviews, and anecdotes not only support Stockman's point, but give us some U2 stories I for one had never heard.Some Christian writers simply use bits of U2 lyrics to support their agenda; Stockman mostly (I said "mostly!") avoids this trap. Nor does he try to co-opt U2 for organized church-ianity; in fact, he helps explain how one can be both non-institutionally religious and as God-intoxicated as Bono. Stockman's analysis is as comfortable with MacPhisto as it is with "Gloria." If his writing is not always totally fluid, his sincerity and knowledge are obvious. Readers who have a Christian commitment will be challenged by Stockman's critique of the evangelical church's failure to embrace U2 because of an unease with art, ambiguity, and doubt's role in real faith. Readers who do not will get a sense of how something as countercultural as actually living for Jesus could fuel something as incredibly powerful and authentic as U2.
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Summary: The Heart of U2...Don't "Walk On" By.
Review: Are you a U2 fan? Are you intrigued by their spiritual leanings? This book sets out to demystify one of the most successful rock bands in history. Where others have crashed and burned, U2 has sped steadily onward. Where others have flamed out in a one-hit blaze of glory, U2 continues to reinvent themselves without ever betraying their own personality. "Walk On" takes on quite a challenge by attempting to draw some lines about U2's spiritual (ie. Christian) purposes. I've loved U2 since first hearing "Sunday Bloody Sunday" in a friend's living room back in the early 80's and, like many others, I've always wondered where they stood in regards to God, the church, religious hypocrisy, etc. Steve Stockman manages to amass and present a heady mix of information, culled from interviews, concerts, etc. He defines U2's apparent mission from an artistic and spiritual standpoint, but refrains from boxing them in. He brings to light info that I've long looked for and never found. He makes U2 into a living, breathing, touchable band while further elevating them to the pinnacles of rock history. If I had one complaint here, it's that Stockman resorts to personal diatribes here and there. He not only interprets U2's motivations, he takes a personal stand on issues that U2 doesn't directly address. That's okay, of course, but it moves this book away from a purely journalistic foundation and turns it into a great look at U2 coupled with a few mini-sermons. I applaud anyone willing to peel back the layers of a much loved band. Not only do we see the genius of U2's music, we see the gut-wrenching decisions and soul-searching they go through. This book is worth the money if you want to know the heart of U2. Just be warned: you might also know more than you wanted of the heart of Steve Stockman.
Rating: 
Summary: A religious journey to understand U2
Review: I enjoyed this book but felt that, though his intnentions are good, the author is really just surmising his personal thoughts on U2's lyrics and doesn't really "know" them. It is worth reading for the connections and ideas he brings up but is my second choice to U2 At The End of The World, the best close up look at U2.
Rating: 
Summary: A disappointment...
Review: Though I am a huge U2 fan, I was disappointed by this book. It is clear that it is written from a very ambiguous 'post-modern' Christian viewpoint, and this is echoed on every page of the book. The author's agenda of reframing Christianity in the 'po-mo' world is so obvious and incessant that it ruined all the other aspects of the book.
To end in a cliche way, "I still haven't found what I am looking for".
Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended book about U2
Review: Walk On, The Spiritual Journey of U2 brilliantly tells the story of the spiritual side of U2, arguably the biggest band in the world. The author does a good job of not spending too much time on any certain period of time. Rather, he outlines the changes the band has gone through, and the frustration of being typecast by the church and the media alike. The author describes the feeling you get at a live U2 concert. How does one retain their Christian views when you're not able to attend church without a crowd gathering? This book answeres this question and many more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys U2's music, or anyone who still hasn't found what they're looking for.
Rating:
Summary: You mean, you haven't interviewed U2?
Review: This book was ok at best.... Yes, I agree that Stockman did a good job with the research. If you do choose to read, make a note and read the books he mentioned later! It seems that some of the points he makes are somewhat of a leap. If you want a compelling read about U2 where all sides to the group are well presented because of time spent with them, I would suggest reading U2: At the End of the World by Bill Flanagan. He is a wonderful writer and I can't quit flipping the pages!
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