I've been in love with Bono and U2 since I was 11 years old, so it's a bit surprising to me that it has taken me until now to read "Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assayas," published in 2005.

Still, like a true fan, I consumed the first 85 pages of the book in about an hour (the book arrived in the mail yesterday, a birthday gift from my husband). I've got another 250 or so pages to go, but already I can tell this is a book that even non-obsessed people would like.

Bono takes off his shades (figuratively, and perhaps literally) as he spends time talking to old friend and writer Assayas over a three-year period. His reflections on the life and death of his father, and his relationship with him and the rest of his family, are touching and insightful. His stories about U2 past and present give fans a peek into their often-private lives, not to mention a few big laughs as he shares some funny behind-the-scenes moments.

But perhaps the biggest impression I have of this book so far is that Bono -- a man of big ideas and an even bigger ego -- has managed to simultaneously embrace and reject celebrity. He's Bono, for God's sake, and he knows it. But he and the rest of U2 have never abandoned their home - all of them still live in Dublin (albeit in much bigger houses these days). Assayas' close frienship with Bono allows us to see both the rock star and the regular guy.

Have you read this book? Share your reviews and thoughts below.