64 pages • 2 hours read
It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
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Book Brief
It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Middle Grade | Published in 2019304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
South Africa • 1980s-2000s
2019
Middle grade
12-18 years
780L
Super Short Summary
It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime chronicles Trevor Noah's experiences growing up in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa as the mixed-race child of a Black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss German father. The memoir blends humorous anecdotes with serious themes of racism, identity crises, and domestic violence, depicting Noah's journey from a boy navigating racial prejudices to a young adult seeking to break free from the cycles of crime and violence.
Humorous
Informative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Inspiring
Reviews & Readership
11,954 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Trevor Noah's It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime is praised for its engaging storytelling and humor while tackling serious issues of apartheid in South Africa. Reviewers appreciate Noah's nuanced perspective on race and identity. However, some critics feel the transitions between anecdotes can be abrupt. Overall, it's an inspiring and informative read suitable for teens and adults alike.
Who Should Read It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime?
Ideal for those captivated by personal stories of resilience and humor, It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime appeals to fans of Becoming by Michelle Obama and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. Readers who appreciate insightful, yet entertaining narratives about overcoming adversity and navigating cultural complexities will enjoy this memoir.
11,954 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah
Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah
Trevor's mother, who plays a key role in shaping his worldview and character, instilling values of resilience and independence. Her defiance of apartheid laws and determined spirit significantly impact Trevor's upbringing.
Robert
Robert
Trevor Noah's father, a reserved and supportive figure who maintains a relationship with Trevor despite the challenges posed by the apartheid system. His periodic presence and the scrapbook he keeps reflect his quiet pride and love for Trevor.
Abel
Abel
Patricia's later husband and a significant antagonist, whose volatile behavior and troubled relationship with Patricia and Trevor introduce themes of domestic tension. His unpredictable temperament and struggles with alcohol form a critical part of the narrative.
304
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
South Africa • 1980s-2000s
2019
Middle grade
12-18 years
780L
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