BORN A CRIME
by Trevor Noah
My co-editor and I so enjoy receiving book recommendations from our readers that we both read Born A Crime this month after our friend Jane Amara endorsed it. I was aware of the book, but unsure of its appeal. Thanks to Jane, I read it and recommend it highly.
Noah tells riveting stories about his fascinating childhood growing up in South Africa during and immediately after apartheid. He includes stories filled with love and encouragement and others of violence and bigotry. I found the most memorable aspect of his life story to be his unending struggle to figure out where he fit in the world. The son of a black mother and a white father, he was the product of a criminal union. His renegade mother found ways to keep the family safe from the authorities. But throughout Noah’s childhood and adolescence, his teachers, classmates and virtually everyone else in his life reinforced his “otherness”.
As you might expect, Noah is a great storyteller. He’s funny and smart and endearing. What I hadn’t anticipated was how poignant and pointed his stories would be – especially those about his mother. His love and admiration for this incredible woman will touch you to your core. Read this book. You’ll love it. (Liz)
A SECOND HELPING
My mom and I don’t usually read books at the same time, but I didn’t want to wait to add my two cents about Born A Crime. Noah is an incredible writer: funny, insightful and brutally honest. I was completely sucked into the world of this book and I cannot recommend it highly enough. (Lily)
