Born a Crime
Book Details & References
Reading Guide & Summary
Born a Crime is an autobiographical book by South African comedian Trevor Noah. The book was published in 2016 and quickly became a bestseller. It provides readers with an intimate and compelling look at Noah’s life growing up in South Africa during the final years of apartheid and the tumultuous transition to democracy that followed.
Born a Crime Summary
Born a Crime is a memoir about Trevor Noah’s childhood in South Africa. Born to a black mother and a white father, Noah’s existence was literally a crime during apartheid in South Africa. The book explores his journey growing up as a mixed-race child in a world where segregation and racism were the norm. Noah describes his family’s struggle with poverty and violence, as well as his own personal struggles with identity and belonging. Through it all, he maintains a sense of humor and an optimism that is truly inspiring.
Subjects of the Book
- Racial Identity: Trevor Noah’s mixed-race heritage played a significant role in his upbringing, and the book explores the complexities of racial identity during apartheid and beyond.
- Family Dynamics: Born a Crime is also a story about family, and Noah’s relationship with his mother is a central focus. Her strength and determination in the face of adversity is truly remarkable.
- Cultural Differences: The book also touches on the cultural differences between the different racial groups in South Africa, and how those differences affected Noah’s life.
- Social and Political History: Noah provides a unique perspective on the final years of apartheid in South Africa and the transition to democracy that followed. He also explores the impact of poverty, violence, and crime on the country.
- Humor and Resilience: Despite the challenges he faced, Trevor Noah’s sense of humor and resilience shines through in the book, making it an uplifting and inspiring read.
Famous Quotes from the Book
“I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done in life, any choice that I’ve made. But I’m consumed with regret for the things I didn’t do, the choices I didn’t make, the things I didn’t say. We spend so much time being afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. But regret is the thing we should fear most.”
“The name Hitler does not offend a black South African because Hitler is not the worst thing a black South African can imagine. Every country thinks their history is the most important, and that’s especially true in the West. But if black South Africans could go back in time and kill one person, Cecil Rhodes would come up before Hitler. If people in the Congo could go back in time and kill one person, Belgium’s King Leopold II would come way before Hitler. If Native Americans could go back in time and kill one person, it would probably be Christopher Columbus or Andrew Jackson.”
“We tell people to follow their dreams, but you can only dream of what you can imagine, and, depending on where you come from, your imagination can be quite limited.”
“It’s easy to be judgmental about crime when you live in a world where you have a lock on your door and a phone at your side. But when you live in a world where those are luxuries, you realize that crime is less a matter of morality and more a matter of opportunity.”
“I have a drawer full of passports that I don’t look at. When I look at my passport, I don’t see myself. I see ancestors.”
Notable Comments on the Book
Born a Crime received critical acclaim upon its release and has been praised for its insightful and humorous look at South African society. The New York Times called it “an engaging, fast-paced and vividly written narrative.”
The Guardian called it “a rich, complex read, bravely tackling the difficult topics of race, identity, and history with humor, insight, and empathy.”
The Washington Post praised Noah’s “gift for storytelling” and noted that “the book is a love letter to his mother and to South Africa, both of which he misses deeply.”
Another notable comment came from Oprah Winfrey, who selected Born a Crime for her book club, calling it a “must-read.” Winfrey said, “Trevor Noah is one of the brightest lights of our time, and he brings that same intelligence and generosity of spirit to his memoir.”
Overall, Born a Crime has been praised for its unique perspective, humor, and powerful storytelling.
Similar Books
- Educated by Tara Westover
- The Color of Water by James McBride
- The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
- The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
Read Born a Crime
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Read Born a Crime at English:
Born a Crime is an autobiography, it was written by … and published in 2016.
… is a South African comedian, writer, and overall entertainer, he currently hosts The Daily Show, and other entertainment shows on Comedy Central.
Born a Crime is the story of a young South African boy, who was born out of an interracial relationship between a white Swiss man and a black South American woman.
In the timeline where the story takes place, such relationships were not allowed and were often punished by law.
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Born a Crime ‘s Cover:
Diving into Born a Crime :
The title of this book; Born a Crime , comes from the idea that the birth of the main character was due to an illegal relationship.
His very existence is tangible proof that his mother and father committed a felony and thus should be punished accordingly.
Torn between the harsh reality of his existence and an overprotective mother, Noah finds himself more often than not in dangerous situations.
This is a story of a brave young boy who tried to find a place for himself in this world that wanted nothing to do with him.
English: The Ebook’s Hub
Conclusion:
Born a Crime is an exceptional memoir that gives readers an intimate look into the life of Trevor Noah, one of the most successful comedians and talk show hosts of our time. Noah’s unique perspective on growing up as a mixed-race child in South Africa during apartheid is both insightful and inspiring. The book tackles heavy themes with humor and honesty, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and engaging take on life under oppressive systems. Its powerful message about the need for empathy and understanding in our increasingly divided world makes it a book that should be read by all.
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