Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I listened to this on audiobook after I was gifted it by a friend. Man am I glad that I listened to it! I think reading this book would also be great, but Trevor Noah does read this audiobook and it is so good.This book is titled Born A Crime because Trevor is born of mixed races in South Africa during the apartheid. So his birth was literally a crime. His insight into living during this time period was incredibly interesting! I didn't know very much about the apartheid other than referencing Nelson Mandela and his prison time. I feel like I know quite a bit more now, but I'm still interested in learning more.Trevor grew up in South Africa and has since moved to the states. He references just how different his life was from the typical life here in the States. It was all just really eye opening. (Let me preface that I have been to Africa- a few countries in southern Africa, so I did have a good frame of reference from how different their lives are from my own.) There is just a huge power in hearing someone's personal story and how much that can show you about the world.I loved hearing stories about Trevor's mom, and his extended family. His intense and alcoholic step dad. All of the scenes that he describes are written so well, and they feel so real while you're listening.He's a strong writer, in fact, part way through the book I actually forgot he was a comedian/celebrity. It just seemed like a regular memoir.Fun fact, this book as been optioned to become a movie starring Lupita Nyong'o as Trevor's mom! I can't wait to watch it!Pick this book up, (and on audio!) you won't regret it!This book is REQUIRED READING for memoir lovers!