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A review by ajsterkel
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
5.0
I’m a massive fan of Trevor Noah’s comedy shows. As soon as I learned about this book’s existence, I knew I had to read it. Then it took me years to actually pick it up because I’m a terrible person who has too many books.
This memoir is brilliant. Each chapter reads like a short story / essay about an incident from Trevor Noah’s childhood. I’m not entirely sure how he survived to adulthood. Between South Africa’s cruel laws and the trouble he brings on himself, he shouldn’t be alive.
This book is both accessible and insightful. I learned about South Africa in school, but this book made it real for me. You feel like you’re there with the author while he’s being thrown out of a moving car or (accidentally) burning down a white family’s home. While you’re reading about the author’s personal experiences, you’re also learning about South Africa’s history, culture, and flawed legal system. It’s a compelling book.
Even if you’ve never seen Trevor Noah’s comedy shows, you should read this book. I promise you’ll be entertained while learning a lot.
Do you like opinions, giveaways, and bookish nonsense?
I have a blog for that.
This memoir is brilliant. Each chapter reads like a short story / essay about an incident from Trevor Noah’s childhood. I’m not entirely sure how he survived to adulthood. Between South Africa’s cruel laws and the trouble he brings on himself, he shouldn’t be alive.
This book is both accessible and insightful. I learned about South Africa in school, but this book made it real for me. You feel like you’re there with the author while he’s being thrown out of a moving car or (accidentally) burning down a white family’s home. While you’re reading about the author’s personal experiences, you’re also learning about South Africa’s history, culture, and flawed legal system. It’s a compelling book.
Even if you’ve never seen Trevor Noah’s comedy shows, you should read this book. I promise you’ll be entertained while learning a lot.
Do you like opinions, giveaways, and bookish nonsense?
I have a blog for that.