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ruth24's review against another edition
5.0
Equal parts heart-wrenching and hilarious, Born a Crime tells the story of Trevor Noah's childhood growing up in South Africa during the last years of Apartheid. Central to the story is his identity as a mixed kid - the son of a black mother and a white father.
I've seen so many positive reviews of this book, particularly from a lot of people whose opinion I trust, so I don't quite know what took me so long to read it myself, BUT. IT. WAS. SO. GOOD.
I was surprised Trevor Noah never really touched on how he became a comedian and rose to fame, but he has so much backstory to tell that I feel the later years could be a totally separate book. (Yes, please!)
I've seen so many positive reviews of this book, particularly from a lot of people whose opinion I trust, so I don't quite know what took me so long to read it myself, BUT. IT. WAS. SO. GOOD.
I was surprised Trevor Noah never really touched on how he became a comedian and rose to fame, but he has so much backstory to tell that I feel the later years could be a totally separate book. (Yes, please!)
intrepidthespian's review against another edition
5.0
Trevor Noah is an amazing storyteller, and I hear his voice narrating this whole book to me. although I sometimes struggle with non-chronological biographies, it wasn’t enough to dock off a whole star (and i’m learning that goodreads doesn’t allow half ratings?). this book was a page-turner for many reasons, but especially because as someone who knows very little about South Africa, it was such an accessible yet detailed overview of the country’s politics and dynamics from the perspective of a young boy who lived in an apartheid and post-apartheid world. plus his daily-show-esque humour finds a home in his stories, and keeps things grounded.
chamomiledaydreams's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
3.0
I know Trevor Noah from his various comedy routines online, and because my mom and I are currently on a memoir kick, we decided to read "Born a Crime" together. This book addresses some heavy themes and downright terrifying situations, from the history of apartheid in South Africa to the violent acts committed by Trevor Noah's abusive stepfather.
That isn't to say that this memoir is without humor. Trevor Noah includes some personal anecdotes that made my mom and me laugh out loud. I literally had to pause while reading to catch my breath. Trevor Noah uses his unique comedic flair to keep the story engaging and relatively lighthearted, all while teaching readers about South African history and racism. He achieves a great tonal balance, keeping his memoir personal while also touching upon larger themes and issues.
The chapters certainly get dark and dismal at times, but it's fascinating to see how the Noah family uses humor as a coping mechanism, and it's easy to understand how such a childhood resulted in the comedian I've seen so often on TV. I would recommend this memoir to anyone familiar with Trevor Noah's work, who's interested in learning more about his family life and childhood.
That isn't to say that this memoir is without humor. Trevor Noah includes some personal anecdotes that made my mom and me laugh out loud. I literally had to pause while reading to catch my breath. Trevor Noah uses his unique comedic flair to keep the story engaging and relatively lighthearted, all while teaching readers about South African history and racism. He achieves a great tonal balance, keeping his memoir personal while also touching upon larger themes and issues.
The chapters certainly get dark and dismal at times, but it's fascinating to see how the Noah family uses humor as a coping mechanism, and it's easy to understand how such a childhood resulted in the comedian I've seen so often on TV. I would recommend this memoir to anyone familiar with Trevor Noah's work, who's interested in learning more about his family life and childhood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, and Animal cruelty
erintowner's review against another edition
4.0
I learned a lot that I didn't know about South Africa.
lyanaareads's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t remember the last time I read a book that made me laugh, and this one sure made me chuckle (read: chapter - trevor, pray)
And then comes the part where it gets so insightful about apartheid and south african languages which got me googling, shocked and amazed with it all.
Towards the end, can’t deny it got me a lil teary. Can’t decide between believing that miracles do happen or the power of a prayer...
This book was a satisfying read, good start for 2019.
And then comes the part where it gets so insightful about apartheid and south african languages which got me googling, shocked and amazed with it all.
Towards the end, can’t deny it got me a lil teary. Can’t decide between believing that miracles do happen or the power of a prayer...
This book was a satisfying read, good start for 2019.
mrbear's review against another edition
5.0
Somehow forgot to rate this?! Listened to it on audiobook, which is highly recommended. Trevor narrates it himself, and the accents alone are worth the read. The book itself is quite interesting, despite being meandering. It tells a number of excellent stories, many of which are dramatic and amusing when narrated (the story about his dancer friend named Hitler was particularly crazy). Definitely worth a listen.
medinad's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Amazing
kendallkw's review against another edition
5.0
trevor noahs mom is an amazing woman. trevor noah has a great way with words and this book is very informational while being very entertaining