The World's Best Book Summaries
Who is in Bono’s family? What fears did Bono have about fatherhood? Bono’s family is comprised of his wife Ali, their two daughters Jordan and Eve, and their two sons Elijah and John. Bono discusses what it’s like to have a family while in the limelight in his memoir Surrender. Let’s take a look at Bono’s family and how he handled fatherhood as a rockstar.
When did U2 form as a band? What has their journey to fame been like? U2 formed in the late 1970s and continued producing music for the following four decades. In his memoir Surrender, Bono discusses the history of the band and how they grew to what they are today. Read on to learn about the early days of U2 and how their band has developed over time.
In what way does Barbra Streisand prefer her film performances to her stage performances? What insecurity did she have in relation to her first film? Perhaps movies aren’t the first thing you think of when you consider Barbra Streisand’s long career. But, she found success in Hollywood just as she did on Broadway and in the music charts. She writes about her Hollywood acting career in her memoir My Name Is Barbra. Read more to learn the highlights of Barbra Streisand’s film career.
How did Barbra Streisand’s career begin? What awards has she won? How has she combined her talents and style to achieve unique success? Barbra Streisand has been in the spotlight for decades. Although she’s made waves in her personal life, her career as a performer is what she’s best known for. In her autobiography, she writes about her remarkable professional achievements and the manager who recognized her talent from the start. Read more to learn about Barbra Streisand’s career in theater, as a singer, on television, and in movies.
What did Henry David Thoreau expect when he went to live in the woods? How did the experience affect him? Walden (Life in the Woods) is Henry David Thoreau’s book about the life he lived, alone, in the woods of eastern Massachusetts. More than 160 years after it was first published in 1854, people still read and find inspiration in this memoir. Continue reading for an overview of this classic book.
What activism work has Bono accomplished in his life? What is a white savior complex, and how does it relate to his experiences? For U2 singer and songwriter Bono, fame was a way to shed light on social issues beyond the scope of U2’s music. You can draw insights from Bono’s experience into the greater world of celebrity activism. Here’s a look at Bono’s activism, what causes he has supported, and how this relates to the white savior problem.
Why did Henry David Thoreau plant beans at Walden? How did his bean field occupy so much of his time? In the 1840s, Henry David Thoreau built a cabin at Walden Pond, on the outskirts of Concord, Massachusetts, and lived there for two years. While we usually think of Thoreau spending time in the woods, he spent a considerable amount of time in his field. Keep reading to learn about the Walden bean field and what it provided Thoreau.
Who were the Jagat Seths? How did they make their money—and how did they use it to influence Mughal India? The Jagat Seths were one of Mughal India’s wealthiest and most influential families. They used their wealth and power to shape the political scene, financially backing coups in collusion with the East India Company. Read more to learn about the powerful Jagat Seth family of financiers.
Is Bono a Christian musician? How has faith played a role in his life? Bono is a Christian, and his faith drove his music and his activism throughout his life—which he discusses in his memoir Surrender. Understanding Bono’s faith is critical for understanding his motivation. Take a look at how Bono’s faith developed over his life and how it influenced his career.
What presidential candidates received support from Barbra Streisand? What charitable causes does she give toward? According to Barbra Streisand, politics and philanthropy are her twin passions. Despite her extraordinary career, Barbra Streisand—who’s now in her 80s—doesn’t discuss her work when talking about her legacy. Instead, she emphasizes her desire to leave a kinder and fairer world for future generations. Read more to learn about the causes that Streisand holds close to her heart.