The Book Club: Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
Born A Crime was a reflection of social-political-economic culture through the eyes of a humble South African child. A child who at times didn't seem to understand the gravity of the situations around him, but found his own way, through whit, and comedy to accommodate to the challenges of growing up in a time where your existence itself was an abomination. Trevor Noah, a self-proclaimed social chameleon; unable to fit into any side of the animal kingdom, made his own side, weaving through the rules of society, and creating his own space where he could coexist with the mold, outside of the mold.
I really connected with the stories of his life, as they in some ways mirrored my own. The child of a God-fearing, no shit's taking single mother raising her kids in a way that keeps them humble, clever, and curious, but doesn't shield them away from the reality of the real world.
Going to church 3 times a day (a little excessive), being thrown out of a car.. by your own mom OUCH! His charm and beautiful storytelling made it seem like he was right there in front of you telling you his story. He had me in the palm of his hand the entire book through.
Check out the other books in The Book Club.
I have always been a big fan of Trevor since I happened across one of his comedy sets on YouTube, but this book made me love and respect him that much more. He is a brilliant man, a talented, gentleman whose humble beginnings, and drive to push forward are truly inspiring. His stories will take you from deep contemplation to tears, to stomach clutching laughter (to the point where your mom comes in the room wondering, praying to God that she did not raise an unhinged child who laughs at the walls) to new understandings in every chapter. I literally could not put the book down once I picked it up and am genuinely happy that I did (284 pages later, so is my mom... and my friends, and cousins... and possibly every stranger I've spoken to about this book).
To be honest, Apartheid wasn't something I was very familiar with. Quite frankly, I was never really exposed to it. In school, much of our history lessons are contained in North American history and they don't focus on much of anything else. Reading this book, really opened my eyes to this fact. Of course, I've known this for years, but my lack of prior knowledge of Apartheid highlighted the holes in my knowledge about other places around the world.
If you're looking for an enlightening memoir, with deep insight, rounded socio-political observations, and thought-provoking criticisms, balanced with the candid tongue-in-cheek moments, I truly suggest picking up Born A Crime.
