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Born a Crime

Noah, Trevor

  26 Reviews

Comedian Trevor Noah has not just survived being born a crime (according to the Immorality Act of 1927), but has thrived. With a black mother and a white European father, he was forced to negotiate the racially restrictive apartheid laws of 1980s South Africa, fortunately armed with a secret weapon: his fearless and indomitable mother Patricia.

Both funny and insightful, this is a memoir of witty truth telling, exposing a South African upbringing to the sensitive insights of an acute observer. [Small font]

Pages
282
Year
2016

Reviews

AUCK 466
31-10-2024
Great book! We all loved it - and it created great conversation.
CHCH 558
05-09-2024
The book generated a good discussion and we all found it easy to read, apart from one member that found it too heavy. Good way to learn more about South Africa. The writing style presents facts and history in a fun way - as much as possible, given some of the more grim moments - and they are explained well. They are needed to understand the social context of South Africa and of Trevor's life. Some of us felt that at times the book read as a collection of unrelated short stories, although the gaps between them were resolved at the end. Made us think about our own lives and how lucky we are.
CHCH 527
26-02-2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this easy to read book. Informative about apartheid days - writing style jarred with some of us. Sheds light on a different time and political system.
CHCH 552
24-08-2023
Easy to read, our group loved the humour and found it very thought provoking and educational.
WAIKA 002
10-07-2023
A harrowing history told with humour.
AUCK 014
10-05-2023
Enjoyed by most of the group as an insightful memoir, simultaneously hilarious and disturbing. It certainly provided a perspective about apartheid and racism in general. It outlined the importance of having a 'sense of belonging', but also the limitations of that sense when it is used to exclude others. Not all the group appreciated the style of writing but it was an easy and interesting read and we had quite a lively discussion about it.
WESTO 001
30-03-2023
Everyone enjoyed this book, well-written, thought provoking and humorous. Would like to see a follow on book about his life and what happened next.
WHAKA 013
17-03-2023
We all thoroughly enjoyed this book!
NELS 044
10-08-2022
While some in the group didn't like the style of writing of this memoir, all found it increased their knowledge of the apartheid era. Others of us loved every moment.
HAMIL 064
03-08-2022
This was one of our most popular books yet. An amazing story of triumph over adversity, and one particular anecdote made us cry with laughter.
HAMIL 062
01-06-2022
Everybody found this book easy to read and informative on the personal effects of apartheid. We all learned a lot as the topic was explained in simple relatable ways. He wrote without bitterness and humorously ridiculed the many inconsistencies and frustrations of apartheid that he and his mother navigated. The mother was a favorite character, a strong, courageous and provocative woman with a strong faith and trust in God. Quibbles were the strong language and a jagged timeline. Would have liked to know more about how he went from Soweto to being a big time broadcaster.
CHCH 009
25-01-2022
We gave this book a rating of 4.5, and considered it "as enjoyable as it was thought-provoking". It is probably the only book we have had which has received universal praise!!
HAMIL 068
15-11-2021
Definitely up there as one of the best reads - not only comedic but insightful. Every chapter had a profound moment. Such a wise, powerful, witty, incredible read.
BLENH 017
13-09-2021
We all loved it!
MAST 005
18-12-2020
All loved this book, it provoked much discussion about racism and whether we are tribally separate and whether cataclysmic events bring us together eg. Covid, earthquakes, mosque killings. Should be compulsory reading.
ASHB 004
11-12-2020
A real eye opener about life in South Africa. We thought the writing was very clever as we learnt about what was going on behind the scenes with apartheid without feeling lectured, while getting insights into his life. We had an interesting discussion as to whether "coloured" is a derogatory term. We all enjoyed the book, enjoyed the readable writing style.
TAUP 009
20-08-2020
This book was a real eye-opener to life in South Africa under, and following apartheid, but written in a funny way so it was really engaging. Many of us went on to watch Trevor's comedy routines after reading the book.
WELL 041
14-08-2020
This was a fascinating read and we all enjoyed it. From the title and on through the book, we were led into the life of South Africa and Noah and his mother's lives. Love is paramount. His mother is a strong woman who pulled herself into a life that we all admired. An excellent read and thoroughly recommended.
PALMN 029
15-06-2020
Great stories. Well-written and an excellent read. We all found the book really engaging. It lead to a great conversation.
WELL 086
08-05-2020
Everyone loved this book, apart from the violent bits. Very informative about colour classification in apartheid South Africa. A welcome distraction!
TEMUK 001
01-05-2020
We didn't have a meeting in April, but got quick feedback - a very informative read.
CHCH 145
24-03-2020
All but one in our group thought the book was wonderful. An amazing story about apartheid, and the dismantling of apartheid from the perspective of a young coloured boy.
BLENH 007
09-03-2020
Our group really enjoyed this book; and the internet and YouTube showed some of Noah's comedy. Good discussion about apartheid and "language". Everyone participated. The idea of giving a man the fishing rod while giving him instructions to fish, was also discussed.
WHAKA 017
26-02-2020
Our group thinks that everyone would enjoy this book. It is well-written, easy to read and informative about racism and apartheid. Trevor Noah had a very interesting childhood and a very interesting mother!!
ALEXA 006
18-11-2019
EXCELLENT. Great read and very insightful. Questions/information also great.
TAUR 057
09-08-2019
The best book we have read through BDS yet. Everyone in the group without exception rated 'Born A Crime' very highly. Well-written and both entertaining and very thought provoking. We all learned a lot and it provoked a long and wide-ranging discussion.