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Born A Crime: Summary

Everything you need to know about Trevor Noah's Born A Crime, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying Born A Crime by Trevor Noah in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
Born A Crime is a memoir written by Trevor Noah, a South African-born comedian. It tells the story of his childhood growing up as a mixed-race child in Apartheid-era South Africa, and how he was able to overcome adversity to become successful. The book details his struggles with identity, poverty, and racism while also highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship. It also touches on Trevor's relationship with his mother and how her guidance helped him achieve success.

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What is Born A Crime about?

Born A Crime by Trevor Noah is an autobiographical account of his life growing up in South Africa during apartheid. The book examines themes of racism, identity, family, perseverance, and faith. It tells the story of a young boy coming of age in a world of extreme racial injustice, and how he navigates through this difficult terrain with courage and optimism. It also highlights the importance of education and self-determination. Through his own struggles, Noah demonstrates that it is possible to rise above adversity and find success.

Born A Crime: Book Club Questions

  1. What is the most memorable experience that Trevor Noah recounts in Born A Crime?
  2. How does Noah's relationship with his mother shape his life story?
  3. How does Noah describe the complex racial dynamics that existed in South Africa during apartheid?
  4. What were some of the adversities that Noah faced as a biracial child growing up in South Africa?
  5. How did Noah's family and community adapt to the changing political and social climate of South Africa after apartheid ended?
  6. How did Noah use humor to cope with the struggles he faced growing up?
  7. What was the most important lesson that Noah learned from his mother about overcoming adversity?
  8. In what ways did Noah's career as a stand-up comic help him to overcome his difficult childhood experiences?
  9. How does the memoir reflect on language and its power to both divide and unite people?
  10. What are some of the themes that recur throughout Born A Crime, and how do they contribute to the overall narrative arc?

What to say about Born A Crime

  • Born A Crime is an inspiring and thought-provoking memoir about the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
  • I found Trevor Noah's story to be incredibly moving, and his unique perspective on South African history was particularly enlightening.
  • The humor woven throughout the narrative was a welcome contrast to some of the more difficult moments.
  • I loved how Noah was able to express complex ideas and emotions with such clarity and simplicity.
  • His experiences demonstrate the importance of family and community in times of struggle.
  • Noah's journey serves as a reminder that hope can be found in even the darkest of situations.
  • It is remarkable how much he achieved despite the various obstacles he faced growing up.
  • This book really made me appreciate how much potential exists in every individual, regardless of their circumstances.
  • Born A Crime is an insightful exploration into the nuances of identity, culture, and oppression in South Africa today.
  • Reading this book was a powerful reminder of how our past experiences shape our present reality.

Top 5 Quotes from Born A Crime

  1. "I was born into a world I never made."
  2. "Your child will not follow the rules you make if you don't follow the rules you make."
  3. "If you don't like your reality, change it. You are not a tree."
  4. "You can't live a positive life with a negative mind."
  5. "If there is no struggle, there is no progress."

Adaptations of Born A Crime

1. Netflix Film Adaptation of Born A Crime: The film adaptation of Born A Crime, starring Lupita Nyong’o and produced by Trevor Noah, is currently in the works with Netflix. 2. Audio Book Adaptation of Born A Crime: Audible has released an audio book version of Born A Crime, read by Trevor Noah himself. 3. Radio Adaptation of Born A Crime: NPR aired an episode titled “Trevor Noah’s 'Born A Crime' And The South African Experience” on its Fresh Air program, which featured an interview with Trevor Noah about his memoir. 4. Podcast Adaptation of Born A Crime: The Trevor Noah podcast features a series of episodes devoted to the book and its themes, including interviews with the author and other guests.

Other books by Trevor Noah

  • The Daily Show (The Book: An Oral History as Told by Jon Stewart and The Best F#@king Journalists in the World
  • Laugh It Up!: Embrace Freedom and Experience Defiant Joy
  • Son of Patricia: A Memoir
  • The Racist: Reflections on a Metaphor
  • That's Racist!: How to Respond When You're Accused of Being Racist
  • Trevor Noah: The Nationwild Comedy Tour Live from South Africa
  • Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Stories from a South African Childhood

Did you know?

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Born A Crime was the first book written by Trevor Noah which became a #1 New York Times Bestseller.