Born a Crime

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What did you previously know about Trevor Noah? How did your impressions of him in Born a Crime relate to your previous impressions? What surprised you, and what did you already know?
• The text balances humor with high-emotion scenarios. Overall, what did you enjoy most about the narrative style of the text, and what didn’t work for you?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Diverse racial heritage is a key aspect of the text. How did it make you feel to explore an “undefined” identity? Did you experience any moments of newfound clarity or crossover with your own life?
• How does humor impact your ability to cope with life’s hardships?
• Consider a maternal figure in your life. How does your maternal figure differ and relate to Trevor Noah’s mother?
• How did depictions of domestic violence in the text impact you? Did the overall humor of the narrator provide you with some relief during emotionally tense moments?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does the text reflect on race within the US? What kinds of dialogue do you see occurring in the US surrounding race, and how much of this conversation relates to diverse racial heritage?
• What did you learn of apartheid South Africa that you did not previously know? What does Noah say about South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee? 

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