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A review by jenbsbooks
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
4.25
I liked this a lot. I'd heard so many rave reviews, and actually spent a credit, as it's an Audible exclusive. Not quite a 5* read for me though (not one I think I'll re-read, or absolutely recommend, have highlights saved).
I do feel like I learned more about apartheid. It's a little overwhelming to realize that life can be so different (not a different day and age, just different location and circumstances). Some good thoughts on race and language ... although it was also a tad repetitive about it in parts.
Told in 1st person, past tense ... the norm for most memoirs. The Table of Contents was informative: three parts, with numbered chapters with headings. Instead of staying chronological, it would jump around quite a bit from the present, to teen, to younger years, to adult ... It's always interesting to see how an autobiography is organized.
"Being chosen is the greatest gift you can give to another human being." -- quote about his father choosing to be in his life. I did stop and highlight that.
Quite a bit of proFanity (x29). Some talk of sex and rape/domestic violence as well as general violence.
I do feel like I learned more about apartheid. It's a little overwhelming to realize that life can be so different (not a different day and age, just different location and circumstances). Some good thoughts on race and language ... although it was also a tad repetitive about it in parts.
Told in 1st person, past tense ... the norm for most memoirs. The Table of Contents was informative: three parts, with numbered chapters with headings. Instead of staying chronological, it would jump around quite a bit from the present, to teen, to younger years, to adult ... It's always interesting to see how an autobiography is organized.
"Being chosen is the greatest gift you can give to another human being." -- quote about his father choosing to be in his life. I did stop and highlight that.
Quite a bit of proFanity (x29). Some talk of sex and rape/domestic violence as well as general violence.