A Book Review Of 'Born A Crime' By Trevor Noah | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Book Review Of 'Born A Crime' By Trevor Noah

“Language, even more than color, defines who you are to people.”

750
A Book Review Of 'Born A Crime' By Trevor Noah
Goodreads

"Born a Crime" is an autobiographical memoir written by comedian and Daily Show host, Trevor Noah. He recounts his early life and experiences while growing up as a mixed-race child during apartheid in South Africa.

Though it focuses primarily on Noah’s life and experiences, the book also deals with a number of very important social issues such as race, class, and evaluating differences between people both historically and presently.

The title of this book is a reference to a time in South Africa when interracial relationships and having mixed raced children were illegal.

Trevor Noah grew up during this time period and reflects on his personal experiences. He felt he was forced to live much of his early life in hiding, due to the fact that he has a black South African mother and a Swiss-German father.

This was a collection of essays from his life. He discusses spending summers with his grandmother and his extended family in a black South African neighborhood, to his experiences in school, to his experiences as a DJ as a young adult, to time spent with his father.

Due to his situation, Noah learned to be super critical of race and how something so insignificant to the person can control and dictate entire lives.

Something that I found really interesting about this book was that it not only told the story of Trevor Noah but also told the story of South Africa. Going into this book, I did not know very much about the history of Apartheid, even though it was a significant part of South Africa's history.

This book is absolutely hilarious at times but absolutely heartbreaking at others. There were times where I absolutely burst out into laughter.

Trevor Noah makes it very clear that though it is a serious story, it is not a sad story. It is just his story. All of his essays come together beautifully in a way that is simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking.

I do feel that this is a very important book and I do recommend it to everyone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190262
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14933
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457889
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26647
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments