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calebmatthews's review against another edition
5.0
Definitely one of the best memoirs I’ve read, but number one is still The Glass Castle (followed by Becoming).
I listened to this one on Audio and it was great. Trevor Noah reads well and does some great accent work for different people.
The story with the mom at the end was moving. I also liked the story of his crush, his dance, and his dance group.
I heard a rumor that they are going to make this into a movie. I think that would be GREAT. This book taught me a lot about apartheid. I wish I would have read it before my trip to South Africa.
I listened to this one on Audio and it was great. Trevor Noah reads well and does some great accent work for different people.
The story with the mom at the end was moving. I also liked the story of his crush, his dance, and his dance group.
I heard a rumor that they are going to make this into a movie. I think that would be GREAT. This book taught me a lot about apartheid. I wish I would have read it before my trip to South Africa.
soliteyah's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Really enjoyed this. The informative passages about apartheid, race and culture were fascinating, and Trevor's mom was inspiring.
tabatha_shipley's review against another edition
4.0
What I Didn’t Like:
-Content warning: there are abusive relationships and swearing in this book. While that doesn’t bother me, if it bothers you consider yourself warned.
-If I’m being picky, there are a few times, I suppose, when Trevor’s antics as a teenager are cringeworthy. But they read like reflections from an adult on stupid things you did as a kid, so it worked for me.
What I Did Like:
-He’s a storyteller. Of course watching him on his show I feel like I already knew this. That’s what they pay him to do. He does a good job in this book of weaving a story you get lost in. You can see the details of his childhood and get a true understanding of what it was like to grow up in South Africa. I LOVED that.
-History. Trevor has included lessons on the history of South Africa along with his first hand account. They’re delivered in a way that makes them engaging and interesting, almost to the point where you don’t realize you’re learning something new. This book is an AMAZING blend of history of the country as well as a memoir of this particular human.
-Mrs. Noah. Trevor, you already know this but your mother is a gem. Her strength just radiates from the pages of this book. Trevor’s appreciation for her, which obviously has bloomed now that he’s an adult, is evident. She’s a remarkable woman and this is as much her story as it is his.
The Verdict: 4 stars. If you like Trevor’s storytelling style, learning about other cultures, or memoirs in general … you’ll love this book. Personally, I adored it.
-Content warning: there are abusive relationships and swearing in this book. While that doesn’t bother me, if it bothers you consider yourself warned.
-If I’m being picky, there are a few times, I suppose, when Trevor’s antics as a teenager are cringeworthy. But they read like reflections from an adult on stupid things you did as a kid, so it worked for me.
What I Did Like:
-He’s a storyteller. Of course watching him on his show I feel like I already knew this. That’s what they pay him to do. He does a good job in this book of weaving a story you get lost in. You can see the details of his childhood and get a true understanding of what it was like to grow up in South Africa. I LOVED that.
-History. Trevor has included lessons on the history of South Africa along with his first hand account. They’re delivered in a way that makes them engaging and interesting, almost to the point where you don’t realize you’re learning something new. This book is an AMAZING blend of history of the country as well as a memoir of this particular human.
-Mrs. Noah. Trevor, you already know this but your mother is a gem. Her strength just radiates from the pages of this book. Trevor’s appreciation for her, which obviously has bloomed now that he’s an adult, is evident. She’s a remarkable woman and this is as much her story as it is his.
The Verdict: 4 stars. If you like Trevor’s storytelling style, learning about other cultures, or memoirs in general … you’ll love this book. Personally, I adored it.
ledade503's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Very unique read, engaging, emotional, and effective! Funny throughout all the tragedy and unfairness described.
jcaballero0725's review against another edition
5.0
What a story this man has had. I thought I liked him before, now I have such a respect for the man he has become. Amazing book, highly recommended!
kemmie's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
The best decision I made was choosing to read this book. The better decision was choosing to listen to it as an audiobook instead. It felt less like a memoir and more of a history and sociology lecture. An exciting history and sociology lecture. I have learnt so much about South Africa- the culture... the dynamics of race and apartheid. Most importantly I got a human story about the people through the tiny glimpse offered by the perspective of one person. Trevor is a brilliant story teller... intelligent, witty and oh so funny. The only negative thing I have to say is that this book left me craving for more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Domestic abuse
babsi_222's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
terminus1066's review against another edition
5.0
Well written and great insight into apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa, as well as a portrait of his mother who worked around it.
its_elyses_pieces's review against another edition
4.0
Trevor Noah's writing is exactly as intelligent as I presumed and hoped it would be. His story-telling capabilities are seemingly endless, and his ability to infuse dry humor into, at times, very sad situations makes perfect sense, considering his comedic background. Mind you, the book is not nearly as funny as I was expecting it to be, since it was written by THE Trevor Noah, but still very enjoyable.
My only 'complaint' - possibly what kept me from rating it five stars, but I'm honestly not entirely sure - was that his stories didn't follow in a chronological order. Each chapter felt distinctly separated from the last to me, which is okay in some circumstances, but I often found myself wondering what events happened when, what came before this and after that, etc.
Nevertheless. It's a truly fantastic and fast read for anyone looking for something entertaining and, for myself, very educational. Most of all, Trevor's relationship with his mother will be heartwarming and familiar to anyone who is close to their parent or parental figure.
My only 'complaint' - possibly what kept me from rating it five stars, but I'm honestly not entirely sure - was that his stories didn't follow in a chronological order. Each chapter felt distinctly separated from the last to me, which is okay in some circumstances, but I often found myself wondering what events happened when, what came before this and after that, etc.
Nevertheless. It's a truly fantastic and fast read for anyone looking for something entertaining and, for myself, very educational. Most of all, Trevor's relationship with his mother will be heartwarming and familiar to anyone who is close to their parent or parental figure.