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therealmarujo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.25
kglasgow001's review against another edition
My mom read this like five years ago and she was so excited that I was going to read it. I read it for my Encountering Africa class. Now I'll read more books about Apartheid. It's one of those horrific things that doesn't have adequate adjectives to describe.
His mom shines in his story. I hope if I were to write about my mom, I could describe her as beautifully as he describes his. One critic even says that "Noah's not the main character in his own story-- his mother is the constant. Foe of the status quo, her presence looms large over every page whether she's mentioned or not..."
As he has gotten famous, he is especially well known in the west. It feels like he is definitely writing this for the Western audience, the people who really have no understanding for South Africa's political climate, no understanding for how Apartheid truly affected the country. I felt guilty in this way, like he was dumbing down his story for an outsider to understand. I don't know.
It was really good. His mom deserved better. So did everyone who was victim to Apartheid.
His mom shines in his story. I hope if I were to write about my mom, I could describe her as beautifully as he describes his. One critic even says that "Noah's not the main character in his own story-- his mother is the constant. Foe of the status quo, her presence looms large over every page whether she's mentioned or not..."
As he has gotten famous, he is especially well known in the west. It feels like he is definitely writing this for the Western audience, the people who really have no understanding for South Africa's political climate, no understanding for how Apartheid truly affected the country. I felt guilty in this way, like he was dumbing down his story for an outsider to understand. I don't know.
It was really good. His mom deserved better. So did everyone who was victim to Apartheid.
katieinca's review against another edition
5.0
An example of why memoirs read by the author are some of my absolute favorite audiobooks. Noah jumping back and forth between languages, accents, himself at different ages - it adds so much.
Even if you're not up for the audio, you should know that a book by a comedian, talking about apartheid and its aftermath, is both as funny and as horrifying as you might expect.
Even if you're not up for the audio, you should know that a book by a comedian, talking about apartheid and its aftermath, is both as funny and as horrifying as you might expect.
dawntin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Trevor Noah’s writing is really funny and insightful. It hits you hard. Each chapter has a life lesson, and I learned a lot about South African history too. I thought the chapter about his friend named Hitler was hilarious in a messed up way, and the last chapter of the book made me emotional. This man went through so much trauma that all he can really do is laugh about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Domestic abuse, Racism, Child abuse, Colonisation, and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Alcoholism
Minor: Drug abuse
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.