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Born a Crime MP3 CD – MP3 Audio, December 9, 2016

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 108,417 ratings

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The compelling, inspiring, and comically sublime story of one man’s coming-of-age, set during the twilight of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY
Michiko Kakutani,
New York Times • Newsday • Esquire • NPR • 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.

Praise for Born a Crime

“[A] compelling new memoir . . . By turns alarming, sad and funny, [Trevor Noah’s] book provides a harrowing look, through the prism of Mr. Noah’s family, at life in South Africa under apartheid. . . . Born a Crime is not just an unnerving account of growing up in South Africa under apartheid, but a love letter to the author’s remarkable mother.”—Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

“[An] unforgettable memoir.”Parade

“What makes Born a Crime such a soul-nourishing pleasure, even with all its darker edges and perilous turns, is reading Noah recount in brisk, warmly conversational prose how he learned to negotiate his way through the bullying and ostracism. . . . What also helped was having a mother like Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah. . . . Consider Born a Crime another such gift to her—and an enormous gift to the rest of us.”—USA Today

“[Noah] thrives with the help of his astonishingly fearless mother. . . . Their fierce bond makes this story soar.”—People

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About the Author

Trevor Noah is a comedian from South Africa.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio; Unabridged edition (December 9, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • MP3 CD ‏ : ‎ 9 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1531865046
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1531865047
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.75 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 108,417 ratings

About the author

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Trevor Noah
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Trevor Noah is one of the most successful comedians in the world and was the host of the Emmy® Award-winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. Trevor has also notably served as the Grammy Awards host for four years in a row. Trevor currently hosts a Spotify original weekly podcast titled What Now? With Trevor Noah. Trevor is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood which won the 2017 Thurber Prize for American Humor. Trevor's success has also spanned to sold out stand-up comedy shows across 5 continents and 4 Netflix stand-up specials which received multiple Emmy and Grammy nominations. Trevor moved from in front of the camera to a behind-the-scenes turn as executive producer with his Emmy-nominated production company, Day Zero Productions (DZP). In 2018, Trevor launched the Trevor Noah Foundation to improve equitable access to quality education for underserved youth in South Africa. Trevor’s vision is a world where education enables youth to dream, see and build the impossible.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
108,417 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and insightful, providing a valuable glimpse into South Africa's true situation. They appreciate the humor and balance between comedy and tragedy. The writing style is well-crafted and easy to read, with perfect grammar and detail. Many readers describe the book as heartwarming, poignant, and eliciting empathy. They appreciate the author's ability to portray fascinating personalities and his comedic personality through storytelling. Overall, customers find the book an enjoyable and powerful read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

5,397 customers mention "Story quality"5,341 positive56 negative

Customers find the story engaging and poignant. They appreciate the author's storytelling style and how he brings the scenes and people to life. The book is described as the best memoir they've read in a while.

"...This is one book where the audiobook is the best way to enjoy this funny and heartfelt memoir...." Read more

"...books I’ve ever read, filled with such greatly vivid and riveting anecdotes, made more profound and unforgettable by the fact that they’re true...." Read more

"...There is a lot of fun and interesting stories that Trevor talks about growing up, and the outcome for his Mother and Noah, you just need to read...." Read more

"Deeply moving, educational & funny. A profound orgin Story of a, to me, beautiful & very inspirational Human. Grateful!!!!!" Read more

2,659 customers mention "Education"2,650 positive9 negative

Customers find the book insightful, meaningful, and educational. They appreciate the author's recounts of apartheid and his honest descriptions of a life they could never have imagined. The book provides a glimpse into the true situation in South Africa during apartheid.

"...As funny as the book is, it is also poignant and philosophical. Trevor talks about his short stint in jail after being arrested for car theft...." Read more

"...I love it. Born a Crime—it just feels meaningful. And, it is meaningful. I’m walking away from this experience knowing now that I love Trevor Noah...." Read more

"...He has some pretty profound and interesting comments in his book, such as: “..." Read more

"Deeply moving, educational & funny. A profound orgin Story of a, to me, beautiful & very inspirational Human. Grateful!!!!!" Read more

2,595 customers mention "Humor"2,555 positive40 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They appreciate Trevor's writing style and candid family humor. The book balances comedy and tragedy with witty references. Readers find it entertaining and interesting, with a political slant on comedy.

"...This is one book where the audiobook is the best way to enjoy this funny and heartfelt memoir...." Read more

"...tell you, his childhood is better than any fiction and there are too many humorous and affecting moments to count...." Read more

"...Many funny moments too! I am going to have my ten year old grandson read this book." Read more

"...I will not expound on the rest of the story. There is a lot of fun and interesting stories that Trevor talks about growing up, and the outcome for..." Read more

1,334 customers mention "Writing quality"1,241 positive93 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing quality. They find it well-written and easy to read. The author speaks perfect English, and the book is filled with vivid anecdotes and details. The author manages to convey a message while making you laugh or cry with his story.

"...Because it's a memoir and not a stand-up routine, Trevor has time to set up each story...." Read more

"...one of the most engaging books I’ve ever read, filled with such greatly vivid and riveting anecdotes, made more profound and unforgettable by the..." Read more

"...He has some pretty profound and interesting comments in his book, such as: “..." Read more

"...Because of the lighter color of his skin and his ability to speak many languages, he found he could blend into many groups without really becoming a..." Read more

1,089 customers mention "Heartwarming"1,049 positive40 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and poignant. They appreciate Trevor's ability to describe sad and violent events with empathy. The experiences evoke empathy for Trevor's love and loyalty for his mother. Readers praise the author's compassionate, intelligent, and happy nature.

"...As funny as the book is, it is also poignant and philosophical. Trevor talks about his short stint in jail after being arrested for car theft...." Read more

"...memoir that doesn’t pierce you, wound you with truths, yet it soothes you with humor. I laughed because it was impossible not to...." Read more

"Deeply moving, educational & funny. A profound orgin Story of a, to me, beautiful & very inspirational Human. Grateful!!!!!" Read more

"...Trevor had done such a great job of solidifying this wonderful bond he had with his mother, that the end of the book was a shock...." Read more

592 customers mention "Personality"588 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's personality. They find the descriptions of Trevor Noah as a youth under apartheid and after memorable. The author's comedic personality shines through his storytelling abilities. Readers appreciate the loving description of his mother as a great character and the real hero in the book.

"...He carefully creates each character, describing their background and then mimicking their voice. He paints a picture that's easy to see...." Read more

"Where to begin? This book is a very powerful tribute to Noah’s Mother. As far as how he became a comedian, it is not described in this book...." Read more

"Trevor life was very interesting growing up in South Africa. I encourage everyone to read this book for yourself. Love" Read more

"...Trevor Noah is a pretty good storyteller as a comedian, and this isn't an exception...." Read more

569 customers mention "Pacing"489 positive80 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it engaging and fast-paced, with humor and seriousness at the same time. Readers describe it as an enjoyable read that leaves them feeling satisfied.

"...He draws readers very quickly into the book by talking about his Mother taking him to church, and yes, he does it with delightful humor...." Read more

"...Even though it's a fairly short book and a very quick read, the book packs a lot...." Read more

"...This is a fast, enlightening book on a culture few of us know as well as a review of apartheid, Nelson Mandela, and the many languages spoken..." Read more

"...inadvertently educated, but more importantly, like I just had an awesome 5 hour, casual dinner and drinks with the author himself...." Read more

524 customers mention "Honesty"517 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the honesty in the book. They find it truthful, sincere, and accessible. Readers also mention that the book is an eye-opening look into the world with humor and beautifully described human dynamics.

"...there were big chunks missing about his life but it still was a intimate read. Many funny moments too!..." Read more

"...The chief strength of this book, I believe, is how open and honest Trevor is about his relationship with his mother...." Read more

"...Noah's writing style is not just conversational but natural; he is obviously a born storyteller...." Read more

"I loved the honesty and description of a life I could never have imagined. I highly recommend this book to everyone." Read more

Don't even read this review. Just go get this and read it, trust me!
5 out of 5 stars
Don't even read this review. Just go get this and read it, trust me!
Well, I’m just a little salty that someone didn’t MAKE me read this before now because it’s straight up perfection.Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show details his childhood in South Africa in this incredible memoir. With a white Swiss father and a Black Xhosa mother, his life quite literally started as a punishable crime in his home country. He grew up in a time of apartheid and the chaos of the years that followed, which affected almost every aspect of his family’s life.This book is just the perfect memoir. Noah flawlessly switches from laugh out loud funny, to serious, to a quick history lesson, to anecdote, back to raucous laughter.I’m also a little embarrassed to tell you guys that I found out that I knew veeery little about South African apartheid. In this book, Noah talks very candidly about the history and his own experience within that oppressive culture. It’s beyond illuminating.Can I just go ahead and make this my application to join the official Trevor Noah’s Mama’s Fan Club?? Because wow! She is hilarious, smart, hard-working, loving, and so many more wonderful adjectives. I really do believe that Noah wouldn’t be who he is today without her.Also, I’m sure reading the book is lovely. But listening to this, y’all - I was in STITCHES. It’s ideal roadtrip audiobook material. I mean, there’s no way that listening to Trevor Noah reading his own book isn’t better as just plain old reading the book.Don’t be like me. Read this one immediately if you haven’t!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2024
    I remember the first time I saw Trevor Noah sitting behind the desk of the Daily Show. He was replacing Jon Stewart. Where did they get this guy from? I thought. It wasn't long before I became a fan of his wit and humor. The Daily Show was in good hands.

    As much as I would have liked to have read about his rise through the comedy ranks and onto American television, this memoir covers his growing up in South Africa. We'll have to wait for his second memoir to catch up on his more recent escapades.

    For most of the book, I listened to the audiobook, which Trevor Noah narrates. The few times I read from the Kindle, I heard Trevor's voice. This is one book where the audiobook is the best way to enjoy this funny and heartfelt memoir. I don't think anyone else could have pulled it off as well as he did. One advantage of having Trevor as the narrator is that you get to hear him imitate the many characters in the book. It's like having Trevor sitting next to you in a bar and listening to him tell you his stories firsthand.

    I can't remember when I laughed so hard from a book. I know I caused a few stares at the gym as I listened in my earbuds. Because it's a memoir and not a stand-up routine, Trevor has time to set up each story. He carefully creates each character, describing their background and then mimicking their voice. He paints a picture that's easy to see. The story of him taking a crap in the kitchen and his blind grandmother sensing, or smelling that something wasn't right, had me laughing out loud. I can still hear his voice as he was tasked with having to say a prayer to rid the house of whatever demon had left a turd in the trash.

    Trevor owes a lot to his mom. She was the one constant in his life, a teacher, caregiver, and disciplinarian. Later in the book, Trevor talks about his brother Andrew, who had a different father. He describes how his mom treated Andrew differently and didn't spank him as much as she did him. When Trevor confronts his mom about this disparity in corporal punishment, his mom claims that Andrew is small and thin and Trevor has an ass made for whippings.

    As funny as the book is, it is also poignant and philosophical. Trevor talks about his short stint in jail after being arrested for car theft. He talks about how some parents, including his mom, would insist that their sons or daughters face the consequences of their misdeeds and not offer to help them in their time of need. While there may be a time for such tough love, Trevor explains that by not helping them, they risk setting their children up for a lifetime of difficulty.

    The book contains many lessons about racism and culture. Trevor, who grew up in South Africa during Apartheid, has the background to speak authoritatively about these subjects. But he does it through humor.

    I look forward to hearing more from Trevor Noah. In the meantime, listen to the audiobook.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2017
    This book is absolutely glorious. I’m so in love right now, I can barely function. This memoir is unquestionable one of the most engaging books I’ve ever read, filled with such greatly vivid and riveting anecdotes, made more profound and unforgettable by the fact that they’re true.

    I don’t watch The Daily Show, other than a few occasional clips on social media, and I never followed this guy before, so I decided to read this book solely because of the title. I love it. Born a Crime—it just feels meaningful. And, it is meaningful. I’m walking away from this experience knowing now that I love Trevor Noah. I love his writing and I love his wit. He is a fantastic storyteller who told of his childhood, one that was layered heavily with sadness, but for the majority of the time while reading his journey, I felt joyous.

    This memoir is a compilation of notable anecdotes, mixed in with short passages of African history for context against the very special circumstances of Trevor’s birth and childhood. Let me tell you, his childhood is better than any fiction and there are too many humorous and affecting moments to count. Some of my favorites include, the time when a criminal, young Trevor, who was being held prisoner in his Grandmother’s house (for his own good), crawled through a hole under a fence to get to freedom. Then, there’s the time when his first dog, Fufi, taught him his first lesson in love and betrayal. Or, the time when, after growing up on the kind of creative diet that only the very poor are weaned on, Trevor was left completely unimpressed with high cuisine meals such as bone marrow, which are no different or better than the dog bones he ate at home. For more funny and interesting stories, read this book!

    Born a Crime begins before his birth, when his impetuous and wise mother convinced her kind, white neighbor to give her a baby, during a time when there were strictly enforced laws that prohibited intercourse between Natives and Europeans. The stories he describe span from that time to the end of Apartheid, and further to a time when blacks and coloreds were free to live the life they could wrangle from the system.

    Trevor’s—I’m calling him Trevor because I feel like I know him now. His thoughts on race and power are spot on and made more impressive because of his ability to use humor to show the illogical and ridiculous nature of the whole enterprise. Trevor is very smart, and a very adept communicator. There isn’t a single part of this memoir that doesn’t pierce you, wound you with truths, yet it soothes you with humor. I laughed because it was impossible not to. I laughed so hard that I cried, and then I cried because I had to cry.

    Trevor grew up on a divided country, and the numerous poignant moments show clearly a boy caught between the many cultures of South Africa, which he navigated by becoming a chameleon, fitting in everywhere and nowhere at the same time. He adapted to each new situation as many entertainers do, by being whoever the people want them to be. That’s not to say that Trevor is disingenuous in any way; no, he’s observant, and his musings on life and relationships make it apparent that he has a damn good understanding of the human condition.

    What is most lovely about his coming-of-age story is how Trevor speaks about his mother. His mom features largely in his story, and his love and respect for her is obvious, not only in his words, but in the actions he describes. Their bond is a tangible thing, and the most moving pockets of this book are the ones filled with his mom.

    Honestly, this memoir is so brilliantly insightful that there are many many pages I marked, so many gems and memories I’ve saved to revisit again and again. I don’t read a lot of biographies, preferring fiction to real life, but I’m insanely delighted that I strayed from my norm and read Born a Crime. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone, sincerely, because it is truly glorious.

    Audiobook notes: Just perfect. Trevor Noah pulls you in with his animated voice and more than brings this story to life.
    61 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
    I felt there were big chunks missing about his life but it still was a intimate read. Many funny moments too! I am going to have my ten year old grandson read this book.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Yvonne
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Journey through Humor and Insight.- A Must Read!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 29, 2024
    I absolutely love this book!

    "Born a Crime" is an incredible book! Trevor Noah's writing style and storytelling are both captivating and insightful. He skillfully blends humor with detailed accounts of his life, delivering powerful messages along the way. The book offers profound insights into experiences many of us may/may not have lived through and might or might not relate to. The book provides a deep understanding and sheds light on the mindset of those who perpetuate racism and other societal injustices. A must-read for anyone seeking a profound and entertaining narrative. Highly recommended!
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 13, 2025
    Excellent! Would highly highly recommend. Give a real insight into growing up in South Africa. Dotted with raw emotion, history and laughter. It is beautifully written.
  • Zabeeh
    5.0 out of 5 stars It’s Fascinating
    Reviewed in India on December 23, 2024
    For months, I struggled to finish a single book—everything I picked up felt half-hearted and ended up abandoned. Then, a friend stepped in and urged me to read Born a Crime. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first, but I finally gave it a shot, and wow—what a game-changer. Sometimes, the right recommendation is all you need, and this was exactly that. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down.

    This book isn’t just a read—it’s an experience. Born a Crime takes you on an emotional roller coaster, blending sharp sociopolitical insights with heartfelt personal stories about family, friendship, first love, crime, and unexpected chaos. The short, non-linear chapters somehow make it even more addictive, pulling you deeper into each story. It’s raw, hilarious, and deeply moving—a book that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

    Huge respect to the mom—she brought back memories of my own past. This book is absolutely fascinating, offering a deep dive into the world of non-white life in South Africa, especially in the years following apartheid. It captures the tribal and urban complexities of South Africa, painting a vivid picture of life in a very third-world setting.

    What’s incredible is how the book weaves all these elements together, not to brag, but to celebrate resilience and achievement over ego. Every single incident—whether light and humorous or deeply sobering—delivers one unshakable truth: in South Africa, race shapes everything. This is a story that entertains, educates, and leaves a lasting impression.
  • Maus
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super, lehrreich und witzig
    Reviewed in Germany on November 10, 2024
    Liest sich sehr gut. Würde es jedem empfehlen der ihn sowieso mag.
  • Margaret L.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on November 5, 2024
    Good one