Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah


Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah


                    This is such a great collection of essays. Just enough comedy to make light of some extremely tough situations, with amazing insight into social issues that resonant across every boundary. Born A Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood is the story of Trevor Noah’s life growing up in South Africa with the apartheid finally ending. With his birth being that of a literal crime is where these essays begin and we travel with him throughout his life, following through his trials and tribulations, the difficulties of growing up a poor “colored” child in South Africa, trying to negotiate a social scene that he never necessarily fit into. 
                    I was genuinely surprised to learn so much about Noah and his experiences in South Africa. Part of it has to do with how little I know of the apartheid in South Africa. The other part has to do with how much shit Noah experienced throughout his life. If you had told me that one of these essays would deal with his experience in lock up awaiting bail hearings I would never have laughed. Instead I laughed nonstop while reading about his experience waiting for a bail hearing. And as funny as this book is, I don’t want to take away how amazing his social commentary is. Noah is able to dismantle in the most succinct way possible the racism, classism and systematic oppression he experienced. So much of it resonates with my own experience growing up in the states.
                    I recommend this book. It’s highly entertaining but also deeply moving. Noah is also a really talented writer whose essays were cohesive and flowed together beautifully. I give this 4 out of 5 stars.


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