BORN A CRIME: STORIES FROM A SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDHOOD

This book engages the reader heads on, just as Trevor Noah does as the host of the popular “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central in the US. Trevor Noah was born in the apartheid regime and grew up during the transition years of South Africa to a rainbow nation as we know it today. The stories in the book are of his childhood and early youth. From the stories one gets an insight into the practical working of the apartheid and how it affected the life of people who did not ‘belong’, like Trevor Noah who was born to a Xhosa mother and a Swiss German Father. Through his stories he brings out how colour and language became tools of separating people during the apartheid. Noah also shows through amusing and enterprising personal anecdotes how these very tools could be used to overcome the very barriers of apartheid set to create. The stories Trevor Noah tells of his life are intense, colourful and humorous. At times he comes out smartly at times he is the silent accomplice who watches his friends get caught. There are many situations he unwittingly gets into and some because he cannot resist the temptation of his mischievous mind. At times he reminds of Tom Sawyer. Even though he had to struggle with poverty and suffer due to his mixed colour he comes across with clarity and humor. His writing is direct and peppered with nuggets of wit and turn of phrase. The bond between feisty Noah and his independent and self made mother is the most forceful aspect in almost all stories. Despite his mother’s discipline and severity; his angst and rebelliousness the two share an enduring and touching relationship. The book is a collection of stories not a chronological biography, at times the switch between childhood and youth can be confusing and also leads to some repetition. However, it gives the author more liberty in bringing out various facets of his life of a mixed child in apartheid ridden South Africa. It would have been fascinating to know how of Trevor Noah's journey to US and the successful position he is in today. Maybe, that is for another book. For now we have this readable, lovely and humorous book.

A truly wonderful book! I didn’t expect to finish it so soon. Trevor Noah shares his story with great humour and honesty, even in difficult times. The best part is his strong bond with his mother, full of love, courage, and laughter.

Very interesting and insightful of what horrific life was inflicted under apartheid in south africa. Humourous but also too much profanity which I find abhorent

What an amazing writing style. Story telling is really an art and Trevor is master in that. There is always a funny side in a serious story. Undoubtedly life in apartheid was tough but Trevor brought so many funny moments on paper that despite his hardship, you will laugh while reading this amazing book.

A book which is fun, inspirational, filled with love and emotions, can teach you historically important lessons, can make you laugh out loud and can make you think, is a rare find. I found one of that kind. Trevor Noah's memoir of his South African days of life 'BORN A CRIME' is love. It is that nonfiction which could break your reader's block if you are in one. I heard about Trevor Noah from one of my ex-colleagues who was Tibetan. She was a huge fan and told me about him during one of our training sessions. I googled him and at that time he was facing a little heat from Indians for making fun of Indian soldiers. I didn't like him back then. A few months back, I accidentally stumbled upon some of his YouTube videos and I understood why she liked him! Trevor is genius, charming, well read, funny, sarcastic, progressive and advocates equality. Oh man! The way he can jumble various accents can literally blow your mind off. He is super famous, but very grounded. He is proud of his race, where he is from and he loves being 'Son of Patricia'. Though 'Born A Crime' is written by Trevor Noah, it is all about his mother and how inspirational her journey is. Trevor loves his mother, but is not hesitant to make fun of her. She made the man who he is now - a gentleman. He had an abusive stepfather who used to hit him and his mother. The way he explains their relation is something extraordinary. Trevor is not complaining, he is stating the facts. He never complains, he states what he feels or takes a sarcastic jab at them. He has been always vocal against the racial discrimination and this book does too. He explains well about the history of apartheid and the cruelities without making it preachy. He has questions and is not afraid to ask. Poor Trevor's first crush and date could be any normal boy's story. He says he doesn't have any regret about anything in his life. You shouldn't give space for regret in your life as it will never help you achieve anything. I can totally connect to it. These are the few things why I couldn't resist falling in love with this genius comedian!! Men like you are a gem and the book you wrote too. I love you, I love you Trevor Noah❤

Everybody should read this one. It'll open a whole new world to you . But, let me warn you if you are soft hearted then some places you probably won't be able to hold tears. So, first get some tissues 🤧 for you then read it.

The best book I ever read

This book is a memoir of the South African comedian and actor Trevor Noah. He was born to a black Xhosa mother (Petricia Noah) and a white Swiss father (Robert) at the time of apartheid when being in relation with a person of another race was the worst crime one could commit. He wasn’t black nor white but a light skinned child referred to as colored. His parents weren’t married and couldn’t stay together due to the system of racial segregation in South Africa. His mother was a religious, fearless, brave wonder woman who solely raised him. Trevor’s awkwardness to cop up with other races’ kids during school life, his first theft, his ability to speak different languages, his struggle to help and work with his auto mechanic stepfather, his pirated CDs and DVDs trade, his deejaying skill to warm parties up, his small smart trades those he bartered, his experience being in prison; all these and many more events are described so amazingly that it feels like that this fun-filled ride should not be ended. The last chapter ‘My mother’s life’ is indeed an impassioned one. Here it feels like ohh! so much pain, now it should end. Motherhood has no race and all mothers are alike. She (Petricia) is his teammate, her vision to look at the life with a fighter’s spirit touches hearts. Trevor is gifted with all humorous gestures from this amazing woman. Once you start reading this book, within a jiffy you will get connected to it. This flawless content is written so effortlessly and hilariously that even troublesome part becomes a piece of cake and interesting to read. It is important for an author to establish a bond with readers, Trevor Noah has done a splendid job and has given a complete justice to his life story. “Language even more than a color, defines who you are to people.” – Trevor Noah “Being chosen is the greatest gift you can give to another human being.” – Trevor Noah “The first thing I learned about having money was that it gives you choices. People don’t want to be rich. They want to be able to choose. The richer you are the more choices you have. That is the freedom of money.” – Trevor Noah