Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time

Book Description

The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Taliban's backyard

Anyone who despairs of the individual's power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistan's treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schools—especially for girls—that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortenson's quest, which has brought him into conflict with both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, Three Cups of Tea combines adventure with a celebration of the humanitarian spirit.

Customer Reviews:

A must read - for parents and teachers!.......2007-10-05

I was skeptical at first, but I could hardly put this book down. I was sneaking in pages at every chance I got. I finished the book in just a few days. It is powerful and motivating book. It makes me value what I have and at the same time strive to serve a part of the world I had practically ignored. I am buying copies for my friends.
My only critique is that I wish it came with a map, with dots at all the schools. The author wrote about this school map in his head - and it helped him feel less alone.

A change your life book.......2007-10-02

This book was required reading for all incoming freshmen in Montana's university system this year, and my book club chose it last spring. At first I had a hard time "getting into" it. The first 50 pages or so I considered not finishing it...there were so many foreign names and places that half the time I couldn't put the letter sounds together to make words I could even understand...BUT THEN!
This book really grasps your soul. Every time I sat down to read I felt a wave of goosebumps over my excitement with this story.
This book is very motivational also. Everything you'll read makes so much sense about changing the world through education, but you'll also find yourself finding lessons and motivation for your own life as well.
I ABSOLUTELY loved this book. I've recommended it to everyone and I've passed my copy on to a friend. I also had the honor of hearing Greg Mortenson speak at a small community library, and he told his story to us like we were friends and family. It was wonderful!
You must read this book!

Buy it, read it, pass it on, give as a gift.......2007-10-01

For everything else that has already been said about this book. I agree. I also have to add that it is a page-turner. I had a hard time putting it down. I didn't expect that. I expect to be inspired and then, be unable to finish this worthy book. Instead, I was fascinated, enthralled, encouraged and rooting for Greg. I'm not finished the book yet, but I came online to order a copy for a friend. I highly recommend it.

Three cups of tea.......2007-09-30

I rated this book 5 stars. I had no idea who Greg Mortenson was until my
wife recommended his book to me. My only familiarity with Pakinstan and
Afhganistan was what I read about these countries in the news about the
Afghanistan-Iraq wars. I have a totally different concept of the people of these two countries after having read Greg's book. They are peaceful, loving, caring, intelligent people interested in the welfare of their children, whether male or female, and intent on educating them and
preparing them for the rest of their lives. I was so glad I read this book. It really opened my eyes.

If only we all took the step to reach out.......2007-09-30

Magnificient! If only we all took the step to reach out and make this world a better place for each unique human being on this earth. I couldn't put this book down because Greg is actually doing it on an amazingly large scale. If only each child in the world had the opportunity for education.....we can erase if only

Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas

Average customer rating:

I luv Bono
An Intriguing Look into the Life of Bono
Excellent Book for U2 fans and non-fans alike!
Bono, the Philosopher
WHAT A WASTE OF $$!!!

Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas
Michka Assayas
Manufacturer: Riverhead Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1573223093

Book Description

For the first time ever, Bono-the biggest rock star in the world-tells his life story.

Bono's career is unlike any other in rock history. As the lead singer of U2, Bono has sold 130 million albums, won fourteen Grammys, and played numerous sold-out world tours, but he has also lobbied and worked with world leaders from Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to Nelson Mandela on debt relief, AIDS, and other critical global issues. He has collaborated with the same musicians for nearly three decades and has been married to his childhood sweetheart since 1982. His life, at all turns, resists the rock star clichés.

In a series of intimate conversations with his friend Michka Assayas, a music journalist who has been with the band since the very beginning, Bono reflects on his transformation from the extrovert singer of a small Irish post-punk band into one of the most famous individuals in the world; and from an international celebrity to an influential spokesperson for the Third World. He speaks candidly about his faith, family, commitment, influences, service, and passion. Bono: A Self-Portrait in Conversation is the closest we will come, for now, to a memoir from the iconic frontman of U2.

Customer Reviews:

I luv Bono.......2007-01-17

The book is helping me get to know Bono better. It is interesting to find out where he came from, and how he lived his life. He has deep intelligence, and a humanitarian lifestyle.

An Intriguing Look into the Life of Bono.......2007-01-11

This book is layed out in question/answer format making it very easy to leave off and pick up. It is a very addictive read with interesting and inspiring dialogue. There is an openness that the writer pulls out of Bono that reveals his faith, history and philosophy. From it, you discover that Bono is very human and surprisingly down to earth.

Excellent Book for U2 fans and non-fans alike!.......2007-01-09

This book is really well done. Most interviews tend to be short and highly edited without any real debate between the interviewer and interviewee. That is not the case here. Assayas asks some tough questions and challenges some of Bono's thinking, especially on Africa. I know the book is well written because Assayas often asks the exact follow-up question that I would ask. Nice to see a celebrity challenged.

If you like U2 and Bono, you will love this book, as it will give you a better glimpse of who Bono really is and what motivates him. If you don't like U2, you will enjoy this book too. Enjoy it or not, Bono has become somewhat of a ubiquitous figure, at least as rock stars go. This will help you understand him. It will probably also provide you with some ammo to attack him.

Certainly a worthy read.

Bono, the Philosopher .......2007-01-06

I have been a fan of U2 for well over a decade and love everything that surrounds the band. I must say that Bono is one of the more unique lead singers around in modern times. His presence on stage, rock star image and powerful voice make him and U2 a class act and able to cross any boundary musically.

As for this book, I was very excited about reading it and wasn't disappointed when I closed it. This book is literally an on going dialogue between Bono and author/journalist Michka Assayas. I believe the book was written over a two year span, and is set up interview style. Almost like a Rolling Stone and/or Spin magazine interview. It took me about a chapter to digest the style, but then it was smooth sailing.

I have always thought Bono was super cool, insightful and a true humanitarian. However, I never realized how philosophical he is. I have read some of his quotes or seen him on TV say clever or quick-witted things over the years, but some of his introspective in this book is amazing.

If someone is looking for a diatribe on U2 please look elsewhere. This book does cover many aspects of U2; it's members and history. Nevertheless, there are many other areas that are covered. Such as his support efforts in Africa, meetings with political figures, his relationship with his father and sociology.

My only quote-unquote problem with this book isn't on Bono's end but on Michka Assayas' end. He provides wonderful questions and narration where the conversations are taking place, but many of his questions to Bono are redundant. I can understand wanting clarifications on a subject. Consequently, many inquires are knighted with semantics and addressed to Bono several times throughout the book. It didn't appear it bothered Bono, he always had some perceptiveness on the topic at hand. Yet I felt there were other realms that could have been explored and discovered, instead of tautological matters being brought up time and time again.

I have always thought Bono was awesome, but this book showed me that there are many levels to this man. As for his intellect, I'm a pretty well read person having my masters in social sciences, but some of the topics Bono was talking about were over my head. In other words, Bono isn't the dullest crayon in the box. In contrast, he really does seem like a guy you can sit down and have a cup of coffee and sandwich with. I believe many pop and movie stars could really benefit from reading this book, it could help them put their feet back on the ground.

WHAT A WASTE OF $$!!!.......2006-09-05

I did not even finish this!!... I have No idea what this book was trying to get across... I give Bono credit for the hard work he is doing for Aids but I do not understand where or what this conversation??? was all about...Sorry Bono, I am a big fan of your music, but this book was so confusing and not at all enlightening.

Average customer rating:

An In-depth Conversation.
Excellent look inside mind and heart of Bono

Bono
Michka Assayas
Manufacturer: Riverhead Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1594481733

Book Description

For the first time, the biggest rock star in the world tells his life story.

In these extraordinary, intimate conversations, Bono speaks candidly about his faith, family, commitment, influences, and passions. It is the closest we will come, for now, to a memoir from the iconic frontman of U2.

Customer Reviews:

An In-depth Conversation........2007-03-05

Though I enjoy their music, I'm still not a huge fan of U2. However, I have become quite interested in the band's front man, Bono. Bono has used his celebrity and fame in a way that many others would benefit from by example. I find the man fascinating and I was looking forward to learning more about him.

BONO is an extended interview that Michka Assayas had with Bono over a period of several years. The project originally didn't start out as book, but as Assayas discusses, a book-length interview seemed to best way to present everything that he and Bono had discussed. I was a bit leery about the book before reading it because I had never read a book-length interview before and I was concerned the book might start repeating itself. Thankfully, BONO doesn't. Assayas doesn't do much sugar-coating and asks Bono tough questions. Bono seems to like this though, as it forces him to do some serious reflection and self-evaluation. What follows, then is a written conversation that is candid, often insightful, and sometimes humorous.

The only repetition in the piece is brought up by Bono himself in regards to his work with Africa. Had another celebrity mentioned the cause, it might seem like fluff. But Bono is serious and since the book takes place over a series of years, one can see how serious Bono is about the problem and what he has done over time to find a solution.

Bono is a Christian and I especially enjoyed reading about his faith. There aren't very many Christians who are also world famous rock stars, so he isn't a typical Christian and I found it interesting to read how Bono balances between his faith and his fame. Bono does uses some foul language every once and awhile and some people might be taken back by that. Personally, I found it refreshing to read an authentic account of faith instead of tired and overused clichés that many evangelicals often use in discussing their lives.

A great book for anyone who is a fan of U2 or Bono or for someone looking to read about a famous Christian who tries to use their celebrity for Biblical purposes.

Excellent look inside mind and heart of Bono.......2007-01-26

A pleasant surprise. I was afraid this book-length interview would turn into a self-congratulatory rambling session with a sycophantic journalist. However, Assayas keeps after Bono with tough and interesting questions and Bono is - by and large - candid and frequently quite insightful. He holds back on some things, which is his perogative, and can get on tangents about his greatest passion of the moment (Africa) but ultimately I found him an honest, fascinating, intelligent, and admirable fellow. I couldn't put it down.

Especially refreshing (and amusing) is the chapter devoted to Bono's theology ("Add Eternity to That"). He has a penchant for dropping swear words into the discussion and that may be off-putting to some Christians. He clearly points to Christ's sacrifice on the cross and God's grace as his only hope of salvation but avoids the cliches evangelicals often fall back on. You don't hear that from too many rock stars.

Bono: The Biography: His Life, Music, and Passions

Average customer rating:

Love This Bono Book!!!!!
Objective Biography

Bono: The Biography: His Life, Music, and Passions
Laura Jackson
Manufacturer: Citadel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0806525150

Customer Reviews:

Love This Bono Book!!!!!.......2005-01-27

I really enjoyed this book, as a fan for over 25 years I was delighted to read this biography! I recommend :)

Objective Biography.......2003-06-16

For any fan, the biography of their idol is usually found wanting. As a U2 fan and Bono enthusiast, it's difficult for me to give a good review on a biography of Bono simply because it's irrelevant for me to own a biography on Bono. For the obsessive fan, there's rarely any new information that i haven't already heard; also, biography's on living people are already hard to judge simply because they're obsolete the day they're released.

All of that aside, this book was a great addition to my U2 collection. Jackson presents a well-rounded look at the rock star's life, focussing mostly on his social work. Of course, if i had written this book it would have been gushing with admiration and fan-boy emulation. the fact that it's not proves that it's a superior, well-written account written for anybody on the reader spectrum, long-time fans and non-fans alike.

Amazon.com

Family Outing is two books in one: a memoir of Chastity Bono's experience coming out as a lesbian to her famous parents and a look at the difficulties and triumphs that are part of every uncloseted homosexual's family life, with narratives drawn from interviews with members of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Sometimes the two projects work against each other, but for the most part, Bono is right in assuming that her story reflects something larger in the culture and that others' stories, in turn, bear on her own experience. Readers skimming for intimate details about the mother-daughter conflict between Cher and Chastity won't be disappointed by Bono's sensitively written account. For a long time, Cher overlooked the troubling evidence of her daughter's emerging sexual identity: "Instead, she focused on superficial issues that bothered her: my short hair, my mannish clothes, my weight." Their relationship deteriorated, and it was Sonny to whom Chastity eventually confided; ironically, the father who offered immediate, warm acceptance of his daughter's lesbianism would later sponsor the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act in the House of Representatives. --Regina Marler

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Guidebook - You Won't Feel So Alone.......2005-11-23

Of all the books I have read pertaining to coming out, this is without a doubt the most informative and useful guide avaliable for the entire family. A friend suggested I read it after she came out to me and I'm very glad that I did. If you really want to understand the entire process of realizing you are gay all the way through coming out and beyond, you need to read this book.

This book is not only great for gays and lesbians, but their family and friends as well. Through facts and testimonies of many different people (including Chastity and her parents Sonny and Cher), this book lays out the cold raw truth of the difficulties and pains of coming out to family and friends. It's brutally honest, and even though some of the stories may not be what we want to hear, it's the truth and we all need to understand that. Hopefully this book will help someone out there come to terms with themselves or someone they love who is struggling with coming out.

I truly enjoyed hearing about Chastity's experience and how her mother struggled with accepting her daughter.

This book is a must read, I don't know any other way to put it. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.

A good guide, and bio but.......2003-03-20

This is a good "double" book--a coming out guide and a biography of Chastity Bono in one. Written in a straight-forward, clear manner and peppered with interviews from other out gays and lesbians, "Family Outing" is ultimately eye-opening and supportive.

However, I didn't give it five stars because it was often repetitive (i.e. a blurb about denying oneself, then a section of interviews from people who denied their true selves, then Bono's account of how she denied what she really was, and then a section reiterating why you shouldn't deny who you really are) and I would have liked to learn more about Bono's life in addition to her struggles coming out of the closet. (But I guess there's more of her life in her other book, The End of Innocence? I guess I'll have to check that one out).

Much-needed Resource and Guide.......2001-07-11

It is a shame that this book, along with Betty DeGeneres' "Love, Ellen" book, weren't available 20-30 years ago. These books could have saved thousands of gays and lesbians and their parents much pain and anguish. Coming out is never easy, but this book and Betty's can help to serve as a great starting point. Chastity talks about her own coming-out process; most importantly, she includes coming-out testimonies from ordinary, every-day folks. Sensitively written, this book is a valuable tool. To those who cannot bring themselves to disclose, buy this book for help and guidance. To those who cannot bring themselves to accept, buy this book (and Betty's too), and become enlightened.

Isn't frilly and foolish ... exceptional.......2001-07-06

Family Outing is an exceptional book. Chastity Bono is real, honest, and upfront. Not only does she tell us what it was like to "come out" to her famous parents (Sonny and Cher), but tells the stories of many ordinary, down-to-earth people. Chastity comes across as the type of person you could curl up on the sofa and just shoot the breeze. Just a great person.

Ms. Bono has written a book that isn't depressing, isn't frilly and foolish, yet is emotionally bound without all the goos and gaas.

I recommend Family Outing highly. Some day it'll be compulsive reading in schools. Excellent job, Chastity.

A wonderful resource.......2001-02-02

I couldn't have had a better guide for my youth! I read this book before coming out to my family in high school. I have to admit, it was the most helpful of all the resources i looked into. It was so wonderful to know that there were others out there just like me. This book was also an inspiration for my mother after i came out. I suggest that anyone struggling with their family during this particularly difficult time in their lives read this book and pass it on!

Average customer rating:

Interesting read, but sometimes inaccurate
One the the best Bios I have ever read!
One the the best Bios I have ever read!
Sonny had the Drive to be anything he wanted to be
He never stopped loving Cher

And the Beat Goes on
Sonny Bono
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0671693662

Book Description

When they divorced in 1975, Cher claimed "involuntary servitude." Sonny claimed "loss of business opportunities." The innocence was gone...

Entertaining and sizzlingly candid, And The Beat Goes On takes us from Sonny's days as a meat delivery boy pitching songs door-to-door on Hollywood's Sunset Strip to his shocking first date with Cher...from their first nightclub act as "Caesar and Cleo" to their overnight success with "I Got You Babe." It's all here in this no-holds-barred memoir that reveals Sonny and Cher's roller coaster ride to superstardom, their fast-track years in the limelight, the dark downturn into divorce and the eventual upswing that culminated in Sonny's triumphant Palm Springs mayoral campaign. From the high times with Jackie Kennedy and the Rolling Stones to losing it all in a bad movie deal, Sonny Bono's story is the dramatic saga of a man who lives the American dream—who's gotten knocked down countless times and gets up to win again and again.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting read, but sometimes inaccurate.......2005-11-12

Although I believe Sonny was trying to be honest in this book, Cher and Chastity Bono have both stated inaccurate information. Sonny & Cher have completely different stories regarding their initial meeting, and exactly when they stopped sleeping in twin beds and actually became "involved" with each other. I suspect it's due to the age factor. Cher was 16 when they met.... In the book Sonny claims they met in April 62, but that would have made Cher 15 at the time. I've heard their actual meeting at Aldo's occured in November of 62. I think Sonny just has some of his dates mixed up and who knows the truth about when their relationship became more than "platonic". At any rate, I had to laugh at Sonny's description of the lack of "fireworks" in the bedroom.....that was an obvious pot shot at Cher. Cher claims that before she had Chastity, she had 4 miscarriages. Sonny only recounts two, but for someone who claimed his relationship lacked "fireworks" in the bedroom, his "wife" sure had enough pregnancies.

Another interesting point is that Sonny and Cher's supposed marriage in 1964 was a ruse. I guess nobody bothered to confirm the fact that they weren't legally married. Oh sure, they married themselves in the bathroom of their house and exchanged cheap sterling rings (his said "CHER", hers "SONNY"--they're seen wearing these rings in photos throughout the 60's and featured prominently in their movie "Good Times"). They didn't actually legally marry until Chastity was 8 or 9 months old....sometime in the fall of 1969.

The most interesting part of the book, is Sonny's early work in the record industry (nobody can ever claim that Sonny was a slacker--he had tenacity and determination in everything he undertook), and especially his time spent with Phil Spector at Gold Star studios. His stories of Spector just confirm the weirdness that is Phil Spector. Spector was prone to fits of anger, hissy-fits and just general oddness. I laughed out loud as Sonny recounted Phil spending hours in his car trying to find the perfect driving position in which he'd look "coolest" (arm out the window, one finger on the wheel, sunglasses on or off?, back towards the window).

The whole Sonny & Cher relationship gets a little sad towards the end, and I found myself feeling sorry for Sonny. I suspect through his words, he still held a great deal of fondness for Cher, but the two of them just couldn't stop taking shots at each other in the press. I also have no doubt that despite Cher's tough exterior and constant rants about her terrible marriage to Sonny, she felt the same fondness towards him. Nobody who talks the way that Cher did to the press prior to Sonny's passing and then behaves the way that she did upon hearing of his death, and the ensuing funeral is being entirely truthful (hence the accusations of Cher "acting", and using his death as a publicity springboard). I suspect there were some deep, deep feelings there, but the two of them were both so stubborn and prideful that they couldn't get past the hurtful bantering.

Despite some inaccurate info. This book is still an interesting read as Sonny is mostly quite honest with his emotions.

One the the best Bios I have ever read!.......2001-02-02

What a great book! Sonny Bono had such great talent and it shows on every page. One of the best bios I have ever read. His life story and times with Sonny & Cher are so fascinating any way - but very well written in this book. You will not want to put this book down! (Unlike Cher's "The First Time." Big disappointment.)

One the the best Bios I have ever read!.......2001-02-02

Sonny had the Drive to be anything he wanted to be.......2000-07-22

You don't have to be the smartest,or the most talented person in the World to make it big,Sonny proved that.You have to believe in yourself.Sonny became a great songwriter,TV Star,Movie Star,Mayor of Palm Springs,and married some of the most beutifull Women I've ever seen.This book gives you the rise and fall,and rise and fall again of the most famous couple ever.You could never count on Sonny or Cher not to make another comeback.This book is very simple to read,and I enjoyed every page.Its tragic what happened to Sonny at the end,but he will be remembered always.

He never stopped loving Cher.......1999-10-30

I loved this book. I wish everyone could know how genuine he was-- and how much love he felt for people. His wive's should have treated him better---especially Mary Bonen.

Average customer rating:

principles behind sucess researched by the man in creativity
Worth reading on the exploration of success principles!
one of the bono's great books.
An unforgettable book... perfect for a gift to a colleague
Success is a matter of how you define it.

Tactics: The Art and Science of Success
Edward De Bono
Manufacturer: Little Brown & Co (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0316177903

Customer Reviews:

principles behind sucess researched by the man in creativity.......2006-10-09

I bought this book based on the reviews and recommendations given by Lee say Keng, whom I have followed in a path to enetrpreneurial enlightment (thanks Lee).

Just for the fact that Dr. de Bono had the access to a diverse lot of suceesful characters, makes the book an interesting resource. What I like about the book is that not a common style or line of thought can be deduced by some sort of axiomatic method to reveal the clues of success. Still readying it, but its just wonderful

Worth reading on the exploration of success principles!.......2006-09-20

This book has been written more than twenty years ago. The principal theme of the book is the exploration of success principles.

The only unusual aspect of this book is that it has been written by Edward de Bono, the man who introduced 'Lateral Thinking' to the world. Unlike most of his earlier books, about twenty of them prior to this particular one, which often put forward his thoughts, provocations, insights & suggestions for the betterment of human thinking, this one explores the valuable lessons that might be learned from some unusually successful people.

A ragtag group of successful people across diverse spheres of activity has been interviewed for his book. They include, to name a few: Malcolm Forbes, Herman Kahn (the man who created 'Thinking the Unthinkable'); Paul MacCready (the man who created the man-powered flying machine, Goassamer Albatross); Mark McCormack; Sir Clive Sinclair (the maverick multi-millionaire inventor); Jackie Stewart (former Grand Prix driver); Sting; Werner Erhard (what a surprise, as he has been a controversial figure from the human potential movement in the 70's); Rafer Johnson (Olympic decathlon medalist in the 60's);

At the end analysis, the author does not narrow down 'success' to a single definition. He more or less summarises 'success principles' as complex constellations of factors & characteristics. He leaves them to the reader to assemble in any way he/she wants. Nevertheless, in spite of the huge differences in styles & approaches, there do seem to be some strong underlying agreements on success principles;

- a positive attitude;
- knowing what you want to do;
- make the most of your own talent;
- energy, persistence, determination & singlemindedness seem important in all cases;
- there is always action i.e take a step & then the next step;
- a sense of integrity toward oneshelf & others;
- an expectation of success & the ability to think big;
- ability to set goals & targets, & also to have dreams;
- creativity & the ability to see things differently & to think new thoughts;
- both a seizing of opportunities & also a creation of opportunities;
- eagerness & enthusiasm & the willingness to make things happen;

Although he says that one should make the most of one's talent in the pursuit of success, he cautions one should not expect it to be enough by itself. He cautions further: Do not be trapped into one field by some talent for that field. This is very true in today's fast changing world.

There are a lot of interesting observations & insightful nuggets as the author weaves through the following key chapters:

- Styles & Characteristics of Success;
- What stimulates success?;
- How far is success within our control?;
- Focus;
- Thinking & Doing;
- Strategy;
- Decision Making;
- Opportunity Building & Seeking (my favourite chapter!);
- Risk;
- Strategy for People as Resources;
- Tactical play;

Each chapter is logged with a crisp & concise 'Tactics' summary.

As usual, de Bono loves to share his beautiful word graphs & line drawings to illustrate complex or even simple issues. They are really gems to help you in your (visual) thinking!

This book is definitely worth reading on the exploration of success principles!

one of the bono's great books........2002-09-30

This book is not as famous as SIX THINKING HAT, and the LATERAL THINKING, which is the landmark of de bono. But it is always interesting to read the bono's book. It has great thinking-insights that can help you think and understand thinking better.

There is an interesting about success, which de bono said usually are beacuse of one or more of the 4 reasons: 1.LUCKY, 2.A LITTLE MAD, 3. VERY TALENTED, 4. YOU ARE IN RAPID GROWTH FIELD.

The book talks about success and how you can achieve it. It is an interesting read and should be useful for everybody.
A lot of the materials are based on de Bono's research of a lot of successful people.

An unforgettable book... perfect for a gift to a colleague.......2000-08-20

Edward de Bono has contributed a lot to our understanding of the human thinking process. He has written prolifically, thus diluting the quality of his writing. Some of his books have been very good -- others have been forgettable. This one is unforgettable.

de Bono intereviewed 50 successful persons across the world, in different areas of human endeavor (sports, business, arts...). Basically this book is a compilation of those interviews -- but, oh, what a compilation! de Bono weaves in and out of the interviews, adding his insights, isolating strands of thought, and putting them together. The result is rewarding, refreshing and thought-provoking.

de Bono's conclusion? You can not become successful by copying others. Identify your own interests and strengths. Work on those. Enjoy your work. Life will reward you.

His unique word-graphs and line drawings add more oomph to an already powerful delivery.

I bought this book about 15 years ago - and started a small book-buying spree in the office. It was a paperback, so I had it bound in leather. I have returned to it again and again, whenever I got stuck in a groove or was up against a dead-end. Each time this book provoked me into a new insight and helped me (magically?) find a new way out...

If there is one book about work that you must read, let it be this one. And if there is a colleague you like, give it as a gift.

Success is a matter of how you define it........1999-11-30

As with all of Dr de Bono's books this one is very thought provoking - in fact I have read it a number of times and each time am able to come away with another insight.

Success, Dr de Bono shows, has more than one interpretation but at the heart it is how you define it. The average middle-class father who raises his children in a stable and secure environment yet does not stand out amongst his peers can be viewed as much a success as Bill Gates is.

Dr de Bono analyses the source of success to try and establish if there are certain traits and/or pre-requisites for success. Fortunately he shows that there are not but rather that success is a combination of many factors that combine to open a window of opportunity to each of us, but if we hesitate or insulate ourselves from being open to this opportunity, then it will be forever lost.

Book Description

Some are born great.
Some achieve greatness.
Some have greatness thrust upon them.
And some have the misfortune
to go to school with Bono.

Everyone wants to be famous. But as a young punk in Dublin in the 1970s, Neil McCormick's ambitions went way beyond mere pop stardom. It was his destiny to be a veritable Rock God. He had it all worked out: the albums, the concerts, the quest for world peace. There was only one thing he hadn't counted on. The boy sitting on the other side of the classroom had plans of his own.

Killing Bono is a story of divergent lives. As Bono and his band U2 ascended to global superstardom, his school friend Neil scorched a burning path in quite the opposite direction. Bad drugs, weird sex, bizarre haircuts: Neil experienced it all in his elusive quest for fame. But sometimes it is life's losers who have the most interesting tales to tell.

Featuring guest appearances by the Pope, Bob Dylan, and a galaxy of stars, Killing Bono offers an extremely funny, startlingly candid, and strangely moving account of a life lived in the shadows of superstardom.

"The problem with knowing you is that you've done everything I ever wanted to," Neil once complained to his famous friend. "I'm your doppelganger," Bono replied. "If you want your life back, you'll have to kill me."

Now there was a thought...

Download Description

"Some are born great. Some achieve greatness. Some have greatness thrust upon them. And some have the misfortune to go to school with Bono. Everyone wants to be famous. But as a young punk in Dublin in the 1970s, Neil McCormick's ambitions went way beyond mere pop stardom. It was his destiny to be a veritable Rock God. He had it all worked out: the albums, the concerts, the quest for world peace. There was only one thing he hadn't counted on. The boy sitting on the other side of the classroom had plans of his own. Killing Bono is a story of divergent lives. As Bono and his band U2 ascended to global superstardom, his school friend Neil scorched a burning path in quite the opposite direction. Bad drugs, weird sex, bizarre haircuts: Neil experienced it all in his elusive quest for fame. But sometimes it is life's losers who have the most interesting tales to tell. Featuring guest appearances by the Pope, Bob Dylan, and a galaxy of stars, Killing Bono offers an extremely funny, startlingly candid, and strangely moving account of a life lived in the shadows of superstardom. ""The problem with knowing you is that you've done everything I ever wanted to,"" Neil once complained to his famous friend. ""I'm your doppelganger,"" Bono replied. ""If you want your life back, you'll have to kill me."" Now there was a thought... "

Customer Reviews:

Awesome book - very funny!.......2007-01-09

I absolutely loved this book! It is a real underdog story and laugh out loud funny. I am a huge U2 fan and this book wasn't directly about U2 but was written by one of their good friends growing up in Dublin. Neil McCormick never quite made it big in music but has a great writing career ahead. Very entertaining read!

I Know a Boy, a Boy Named Crash.......2007-01-04

Very funny. An excellent insight into Bono's sense of humor.

If you see the Bono in the road, kill him.......2006-11-29

So I adopt a Zen koan, Bono for Buddha, but the moral remains: you should not set up as an idol the goal you seek, or limit how you envision the fulfillment of your potential and the answer to your dreams. It takes this author, with the connivance--fifteen or so years on in their friendship--for Bono and the author to agree that, yes, the need to "kill Bono" off is a necessity if Neil McCormick is to get on with his own life.

Neil McCormick's autobiography proved much more insightful than the cover, the title, or the blurbs would have let me to believe. The erstwhile frontman and determined vocalist of the pop bands Yeah! Yeah! and Shook Up! during the heyday of the New Wave-turned-synth pop, boy bands, and "manufactured" frothy era, Neil meditates long on why his four classmates made it big while he, his brother, and his bandmates failed to even get signed--at least for more than a week. He ponders how the pursuit of one's Buddha/Bono, the desperate desire to prove one's self as worthy of acclaim and reward and simple respect in the music industry as his humble schoolchums turned global celebrities takes many twists and turns in his own life. Cocaine, a bit of sex, less drinking than you'd suppose, and many hours of concerts, studio time, and dealing with A&R reps and producers shows also the balance of the mundane and the exhilarating for a struggling musician. It's instructive to consider also a rarity in show business: how with U2, the members have been together since about fifteen, as Bono with his wife Ali by the way, and as well as Neil and his brother Ivan, all wrapped up in their own ways into a scene unimaginable to seemingly ordinary North Dublin students circa 1976.

The trouble is, since the bands Neil fronted never had the chance to make it big, the music he describes suffers unavoidably when limited to his verbal descriptions. Lyrics that seem to me rather verbose and awkward when printed on the page probably gained much, taking not only Neil's word for it but the many positive (and some negative!) press reviews he cites, when heard in concert. It's very difficult to get a handle on what kind of clean, precise, catchy pop the bands he was in actually played, and what they sounded like. Also, the contrast between realistic stories about rape, depression, and abandonment that Neil wrote and the sound with which his bands played the music provided a tension that appears more recognized by Neil than his audiences or most of the "gatekeepers" who kept shutting the door on him and his talented but perhaps rather conventional sounding band.

The lyrics about doubt, date rape, child abuse, and incest, as he finds, made for a hard sell with the A&R suits. Great lyrics that, alone in the book, he quotes in full for the song he had more recently penned about doubt, God, and the Big Questions. As I said, it's difficult to understand fully this whole aspect when reading for hundreds of pages about a singer and his bands-- both of which you never have heard.

Still, if only in the closing acknowlegements, Neil notes that his career continues and lists his net niche for his current musical endeavors and another one (same as the book title, but a hyphen between the two words and a dot followed by "com") where the music he made in the 80s can be sampled.

The conversations about faith (as opposed to religion) that he and Bono carry on over the years contributed depth to this memoir. Not knowing the detail of the Virgin Prunes' background, I was intrigued to note that many of them apparently had, as Lypton Villagers, been also a part of the Shalom community along with members of U2. Neil contrasts well the appeal of both the Prunes and U2 to rival factions of the nascent Dublin alternative rock audiences of the (post)punk era. I and my eleven-year-old son talked about the book and the struggles that both Bono and Neil had in reconciling success with belief, intelligence with acclaim-- or how the lack of music business recognition for Neil, in his "existential wobble" unmoored him, into a malaise for fifteen years or so which contrasted so massively with U2's concurrent rise to worldwide triumphs. Nearly all of those who were callow teenagers and idealistic schoolmates way back when, to their credit, reveal their early or postponed hard-won maturity decades later in Neil's account. The band offers a welcome for Neil when he manages to break into the backstage fortresses, and as the band becomes more and more elevated while Neil struggles, as a successful rock journalist it must be admitted, to keep up with his own maturing and his own growth into what seems to have been a delayed marriage and manhood! While the level of detail Neil provides is admittedly rather too meticulously rendered, the events and insights he provides manage to remain apropos and consistently illuminate the deeper angst he battles.

The camaraderie with band members, the dreams they share, and the defeats they must endure amidst U2's ever-increasing fame prove poignant. Neil does not exploit his position vis-a-vis his classmates, and only once asks for the chance for Bono to make good on his earlier promise to give Neil's band a hearing for a single released by U2's in-house label, Mother Records. Bono does, but the five-person board (band members plus U2's manager, who between the lines seems not to like Neil's efforts I suspect) has to be unanimous for a signing, and one vote proved negative. Bono does not say who; he does handle the whole situation, which must have been a bit awkward for all involved, with deft tact and charity.

I came away from this narrative-- long suspicious of Bono-- with an appreciation for the political and philanthropic efforts of Bono (the Edge and Adam make cameos here and there; Larry is little to be seen, it seems) and his bandmates, dealing with temptation and fame, diplomats and fundraising, at a level beyond the imaginings even of Mount Temple schoolboys in the dim era when glam drifted into punk. It's often said that when viewing the "great" that you truly see what they are like when dealing with the seemingly inconsequential, "little" folks, and Bono and the other band members of U2 emerge with class, I am happy to report. I am not even that much of a U2 fan, but I concluded this book with respect for both these bands and their members, famous or unheralded. Idealism persists at both levels.

The thick level of recalled detail for all of these conversations and ministrations, given the difficulty mentioned with "hearing" the music for its strengths and weaknesses when limited to the page, does occasionally slow the pace down here and there. Neil is not a flashy writer, but an efficient chronicler, so the book rarely drags for long. As an aside, since an examination of their relationship only occurs about 85% of the way through the narrative, I felt that more attention by Neil to his brother Ivan, who was with Neil in both bands, could have fleshed out their relationship so readers could better understand their lasting bond, although his comparative reticence may be out of respect for Ivan. Obviously they believed in their cause for many years under disheartening conditions. I wonder, if Neil had been born two decades later, how the Net would have enabled he and Ivan, perhaps, to share their musical visions in ways that the record labels with their stuffy A&R suits might never have predicted anymore than the rest of us back two decades ago!

P.S. I happen to have read this as the third rock music book in a row by someone about my age, the other two authors also being British music press journalists, and their common subject covers the late 70s-early 80s music scene in Britain (and Ireland, here). I have also reviewed on Amazon "Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978-1984" by Simon Reynolds; Neil's brief comparison of the emerging Echo-to-Smiths indie scene with the New Wave-to New Romantic- to synth-pop trends fits well with Reynolds' own conclusions about the demise of the latter by 1984 or so in Britain. I also reviewed on Amazon a companion memoir; Dylan Jones' "IPod, Therefore I Am" mixes his own recollections of the glam, punk, and post-punk, rave, and jazz eras in the 70s and 80s into his own efforts to make on his iPod the soundtrack for his past four decades.

Why do some rise and some fall?.......2006-07-12

First the basics. McCormick grew up with this guy named Paul. They both formed bands and played the circuits, making connections with the music industry big wigs and recording their songs. Paul is now better known as Bono. McCormick is now better known as the music critic for the Telegraph. So what happened? What makes one person become a star and another fail to break through the maze of the music industry? Talent? Fate? Luck? This book takes you on the whole journey, sometimes funny, sometimes painful, but always interesting. I blazed through its 384 pages in four days, and wish there were still more of it to read. Along the way I was treated to deep discussions of fame, fortune, misfortune, music, the music industry, religion, and life in general. McCormick weaves together several themes and keeps them all relevant and alive. If you've ever dreamed of being a rock star, read this book.

I Was Bono's Doppelganger.......2006-05-18

This book is a blitz of fame, fortune, and failure. It is a thorougly amusing read for all lovers of U2. McCormick himself is a bumbling boffin who could've had it all, but missed the mark completely. He is a lovable loser.

Even so, the book left a bad taste in my mouth. Several anecdotes, probably meant to be funny, felt flat as I repulsed and stuck out my tongue. McCormick's comedy of errors was due in part to his bad decisions regarding drugs and sex. Several times I found myself thinking "Boy, that was dumb of him! When will he ever learn?"

"I Was Bono's Doppelganger" is an funny, light-hearted read for devoted U2 fans. It serves an important life lesson- that bad decisions bring bad results. You will be rooting for McCormick all the way through. Worth a read.

Average customer rating:

Perhaps the worst book about Bono or U2 ever written
Full of mistakes
Not sure what the point was

Bono: In the Name of Love
Mick Wall
Manufacturer: Thunder's Mouth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1560257172

Book Description

From his childhood in Dublin, to his superstardom, to his emergence as one of the world's great philanthropists: here is the story of Bono. Not only is Bono a crucial element in the most dazzlingly inventive band since the Beatles, he is also the most overtly politicized rock superstar since John Lennon, and the biggest espouser of interracial harmony and spiritual "one love" since Bob Marley. He is also one of the very few major rock artists to open up about his deepest spiritual beliefs, his religion, both in interview and in song, and not be despised for it, or thought less of.

As a result, though it was for U2's music, pure and simple, that the name Bono first became famous, the vast international reach he now enjoys has to do with more than mere rock stardom. It's to do with the huge social responsibility he has decided comes with it. With a long history of campaigning behind him—from the movingly rousing "Sunday Bloody Sunday" to the moment he phoned Bill Clinton live on-stage as images of war-ravaged Sarajevo flashed across giant screens behind him—politics and rock 'n' roll have always been linked in Bono's mind.

Customer Reviews:

Perhaps the worst book about Bono or U2 ever written.......2005-09-08

I echo the comments of the previous reviewers. Don't waste your money. Not only does this book present a tedious repetition of facts and stories already well known to even a casual U2 fan, it can't even get those facts right! The book states that Bono's father dropped the family off at a Catholic Church before driving himself to another church. This contradicts the correct statement on the preceding page that Bob Hewson was Catholic, while Bono, his mother and brother were Protestant. In the same paragraph the Dublin neighborhood of "Glasnevin" is misspelled "Asnevin". The hearing aid shop from which Bono took his name is misspelled, and perhaps most galling of all, the author can't even get the full name of Larry Mullen, Jr. right! And this is just chapter one!

I have to agree that this book was simply thrown together to make a quick buck and therefore not worth purchasing. I would suggest skipping this one and purchasing Bono: In Conversation With Michka Assayas, which includes a pretty good account of Bono's life from the man himself.

Full of mistakes.......2005-07-23

Don't waste your money on this book. It has ridiculous errors on almost every page that any fan is going to recognize immediately. It's like a book someone would write about a subject they have no real interest in just for money. Don't contribute.

Not sure what the point was.......2005-07-08

This book offers absolutely nothing new and doesn't seem to offer anything new or substantive. This is as bad as the biography of Bono by that woman. Ack!

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