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I learned about the existence of this book on Facebook, and I thought lightly, "how interesting, I think I will read it."

I have always felt close to the music of U2. I have enjoyed listening to U2 since the band began some 35 years ago. I have never attended a U2 concert in person, but I have listened to U2 endlessly on the radio in my car, on television, online, on iTunes ... singing along loudly to my favorites (when no one else can hear, lucky for them, smiles). U2 has been interwoven into the fabric of daily life, but mostly through the charismatic sound of the band's music.

Imagine my surprise at discovering the Christian roots of much of the band's lyrics, and the sophisticated dialogue and discussion underway therein. I agree with author Steve Stockman there is a "depth of soul" beneath U2 songs. "They are never about just entertainment or display." But until I read this book, I was unaware of the true nature of that "depth of soul."

Not new to me are the good works of the band and its individual members. I have been a volunteer for ONE and (RED). I have inherently trusted Bono and the band when it comes to critical issues - and the proper course of action - regarding poverty, debt relief, AIDS, corruption and more. Bono, who once remarked wryly, "... me that most awful of inventions, a Rock Star with a Cause," is nonetheless someone I have come to trust.

"Walk On" is an intense book. It is exceptionally well-documented and covers a wide range of topics, from the band's roots, the times in which we have both lived (and survived), and Ireland to musical influences, scripture and the lyrics (and deeper meanings) behind many of U2's songs. "While most bands set out to get famous, get laid, and get rich, these were not the goals of the Christian-hearted U2." Yet I find it refreshing that U2 is not hypocritical. They respect those with different opinions. Stockman remarks, "Bono's respect for the atheist is refreshing. Many believers distance themselves from those with differing views on God, sometimes even within different churches. Bono makes them his friends and then makes himself accountable to them."

"U2 may have often had their heads in the sky, but their feet were always very much in the mud." I love that about U2.

Stockman notes at the book's conclusion, "This is why the Church needs Bono. This is why everybody needs Bono. He is willing to take what he believes and the world around him, and wrestle with them and not let them go."

Go n-eírí an bóthar leat.