#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • More than one million copies sold! A “brilliant” (Lupita Nyong’o, Time), “poignant” (Entertainment Weekly), “soul-nourishing” (USA Today) memoir about coming of age during the twilight of apartheid “Noah’s childhood stories are told with all the hilarity and intellect that characterizes his comedy, while illuminating a dark and brutal period in South Africa’s history that must never be forgotten.”—Esquire Winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor and an NAACP Image Award • Named one of the best books of the year by The New York Time, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle, NPR, Esquire, Newsday, and Booklist Trevor Noah’s unlikely path from apartheid South Africa to the desk of The Daily Show began with a criminal act: his birth. Trevor was born to a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison. Living proof of his parents’ indiscretion, Trevor was kept mostly indoors for the earliest years of his life, bound by the extreme and often absurd measures his mother took to hide him from a government that could, at any moment, steal him away. Finally liberated by the end of South Africa’s tyrannical white rule, Trevor and his mother set forth on a grand adventure, living openly and freely and embracing the opportunities won by a centuries-long struggle. Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man’s relationship with his fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother—his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life. The stories collected here are by turns hilarious, dramatic, and deeply affecting. Whether subsisting on caterpillars for dinner during hard times, being thrown from a moving car during an attempted kidnapping, or just trying to survive the life-and-death pitfalls of dating in high school, Trevor illuminates his curious world with an incisive wit and unflinching honesty. His stories weave together to form a moving and searingly funny portrait of a boy making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time, armed only with a keen sense of humor and a mother’s unconventional, unconditional love.
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About the author
Trevor Noah
Author
Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He was the host of The Daily Show, an American late-night talk show and satirical news program on Comedy Central, from 2015 to 2022. Noah has won various awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named one of "The 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media" by The Hollywood Reporter in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, Time magazine named him one of the hundred most influential people in the world.
Born a Crime
by Trevor Noah
Books Like Born a Crime
If you're looking for books similar to Born a Crime, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela
An iconic autobiography about Mandela's struggle against apartheid in South Africa. The book provides deep historical context to the social environment Noah describes in his memoir. Mandela's narrative explores themes of resistance, justice, and personal transformation. It offers profound insights into South African history and the fight against racial oppression. The memoir is a testament to human dignity and perseverance.
Just Mercy
Bryan Stevenson
A powerful memoir about justice, race, and social transformation. Stevenson's narrative explores systemic injustice and personal resilience. Like Noah's book, it provides deep insights into social structures and personal experiences. The memoir reveals the human impact of societal inequalities. It combines legal analysis with deeply personal storytelling.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou
A groundbreaking autobiography about growing up Black in the segregated American South. Angelou's memoir explores themes of racism, identity, and personal transformation. Like Noah's story, it uses powerful storytelling and humor to address serious social issues. The book reveals the strength of the human spirit in the face of systemic oppression. Angelou's narrative is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Becoming
Michelle Obama
A powerful memoir about identity, race, and personal growth. Obama's narrative explores navigating complex social landscapes and personal challenges. Like Noah's book, it combines personal story with broader social commentary. The memoir reveals the power of education, determination, and family support. It offers insights into personal transformation and societal change.
Educated
Tara Westover
A memoir about a woman who grows up in a strict, isolated family and ultimately pursues education against all odds. Westover's journey of self-discovery mirrors Noah's exploration of identity and personal growth. The book demonstrates remarkable resilience in overcoming familial and societal constraints. Her story is about transformation, learning, and finding one's own path. It combines personal struggle with broader social commentary.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Rebecca Skloot
A powerful narrative exploring race, medical ethics, and personal identity. The book reveals systemic inequalities through a deeply personal story. Like Noah's memoir, it combines social commentary with intimate personal experiences. It explores complex historical and social dynamics through individual stories. The narrative is both informative and emotionally compelling.
The Glass Castle
Jeannette Walls
A powerful memoir about growing up in a dysfunctional family with unconventional parents. Walls chronicles her challenging childhood marked by poverty, resilience, and survival. Her story, like Noah's, explores overcoming difficult circumstances through humor and determination. The book reveals how family bonds can sustain individuals through extreme hardship. It offers a raw and honest portrayal of childhood survival.
Wild
Cheryl Strayed
A memoir about personal transformation and healing through an extraordinary journey. Strayed's narrative explores self-discovery and overcoming personal challenges. Like Noah's story, it demonstrates remarkable resilience and personal growth. The book reveals how challenging experiences can lead to profound personal transformation. It combines adventure with deep emotional insight.
Angela's Ashes
Frank McCourt
A poignant memoir about growing up in extreme poverty in Ireland. McCourt, like Noah, uses humor to address serious life challenges. The book explores family dynamics, survival, and personal resilience. It demonstrates how wit can be a powerful tool for processing difficult experiences. The narrative is both heartbreaking and surprisingly funny.
Running with Scissors
Augusten Burroughs
A darkly humorous memoir about a deeply unconventional childhood. Burroughs, like Noah, uses wit to navigate extraordinary family circumstances. The book explores survival through humor and resilience in a chaotic environment. His storytelling combines painful experiences with comedic observations. It reveals how humor can be a powerful coping mechanism.
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