Wanderlust Challenges discussion

March/April Group Read
Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

Everyone is invited to join us in our Group Read for March & April.

**Please use spoilers when posting your comments.



Trevor Noah is one of the comedy world’s brightest new voices, a light-footed but sharp-minded observer of the absurdities of politics, race, and identity, sharing jokes and insights drawn from the wealth of experience acquired in his relatively young life. As host of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, he provides viewers in America and around the globe with their nightly dose of biting satire, but here Noah turns his focus inward, giving readers a deeply personal, heartfelt, and humorous look at the world that shaped him.

This collection of eighteen personal essays, tells the story of Trevor as 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. Born a Crime is equally the story of that young man’s fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother—a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that ultimately threatens her own life.

His stories weave together a moving and funny portrait of a lovable delinquent making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time, armed with only a keen sense of humor and a mother’s unconventional, unconditional love.

I've heard nothing but great things about this book and am looking forward to it. I know several of you have already read this but I hope there are a couple members who will be joining me. I'll be listening to the audio.

I’m in Jan.

Yay Cecile!

I've got The Goose Girl in audio next and then I'll join you. Also audio most likely. Especially since the reserve list for the book is a mile long in my library system. It sounds good. People love him on The Daily Show.

I'm in i just got it from the library can't wait to start it.

Glad you both will be joining us!!

Just saw on Facebook that it’s going to be a movie.

Allie wrote: "Just saw on Facebook that it’s going to be a movie."

Really!! That's interesting Allie...

I listened to the audio a couple of months ago. He narrates it himself.

This book is fantastic! If you can get ahold of,the audio, go for it, Trevor is the narrator and it totally makes the book. I would love a re read of this one but I just did it last year, I will try to jump in on comments if I can. I hope you guys love it!!!

I'm 17th in the hold line at the library. It's a library consortium so about 20 libraries involved. So let's hope!

Good luck Denise!

For anyone that likes audiobooks and hates waiting on library copies, this audio is free on YouTube :)

Allie wrote: "For anyone that likes audiobooks and hates waiting on library copies, this audio is free on YouTube :)"

Would you supply a link for us Allie? I get lost in YouTube trying to find audioboooks.

Allie wrote: "For anyone that likes audiobooks and hates waiting on library copies, this audio is free on YouTube :)"

It seems unlikely that the ENTIRE book would be free on You Tube.

BC - I know lots of people that find full length audio books on YouTube. But I never can seem to find the though.

Jan wrote: "Allie wrote: "For anyone that likes audiobooks and hates waiting on library copies, this audio is free on YouTube :)"

Would you supply a link for us Allie? I get lost in YouTube trying to find aud..."

Uhhhh you think me too tech savvy, Jan!

All I did was search “born a crime audiobook” and it came up right away. The first one that came up says full audiobook and I went for it :)

Book Concierge wrote: "Allie wrote: "For anyone that likes audiobooks and hates waiting on library copies, this audio is free on YouTube :)"

It seems unlikely that the ENTIRE book would be free on You Tube."

That’s how I listen to 90% of my audiobooks! You’d be surprised how many are on there :)

But if someone wants to check just to be safe....this said “full audiobook” and is 8 hours and 47 mins long. (And in the first few mins it says it came from Audible.)

It's March!!! I'm going to start this tonight!!

I’m already 2 hours into the audio :)

Oh!! Comments?????

I read this just before you posted thar it would be the March/April book, so I'll check back on and off to see if I can add to the discussion.

Jan wrote: "Oh!! Comments?????"

I’m liking it more than I thought I would. Although I don’t think it would be the same book for me if I was actually reading it. It seems like I would get bored. But in audiobooks, narration is key and he’s the perfect narrator for his own work.

Really soothing voice to listen to as well.

OK - Thanks Allie! for the you tube connection on audiobooks

It's Allie who needs the thanks! She's the YouTube Queen!

Allie wrote: "Jan wrote: "Oh!! Comments?????"

I’m liking it more than I thought I would. Although I don’t think it would be the same book for me if I was actually reading it. It seems like I would get bored. Bu..."

I think the narration is what makes it too!!

I've read through Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ I'm loving Trevor's narration and learning the inside scope on living through Apartheid is fascinating. I never really thought about the struggles of someone with a mixed heritage in this situation. And I have to say, his mom is one tough cookie!!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[OMG I could NOT believe this chapter. I waffled between laughter and being disgusted. I do find the acceptance and belief in both Jesus and Witchcraft very interesting. They have all the bases covered. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4: (view spoiler)[ Trevor's gift of languages is pretty impressive. And he was smart to use it to help "fit in" and be accepted as part of the tribe. (hide spoiler)]

Jan: (view spoiler)[The poo scene where the grandma is running amok thru the neighborhood had me LOLing all alone in the middle of the night while listening to this. My sister probably thought I’d gone mad. (hide spoiler)]

This audio was so good, I loved it! Glad to see you ladies enjoying it as well.

We just had a huge wind storm and I haven't had internet connection for three days - so I only got to listen to Chapter 1. so far. I'm at the library doing some work on the computer but it's very frustrating not having easier access. Luckily enough another huge storm is to begin tomorrow night so who knows when I'll be back.

Chapter 1(view spoiler)[The book begins with a copy of South Africa’s Immorality Act of 1927 on which Trevor’s life is based.
It is the basis, the texture and provides the nuances that form the first part of his life, having an impact on his whole life and why it is how it is to be Born a Crime.

I like how these essays start out with a preface of what is going on in the larger society and then related to Trevor’s life.


Chapter 1 Run.

Trevor reviews the power structure of whites against the many black tribes in South Africa – divide and keep conquered. He explains how many of the things in white culture, particularly religion were adopted by the blacks and “by adopted I mean it was forced on us.” His mother is very religious and takes him to three different religious types of services on Sunday – the white, the mixed and the black. His mother is very strict as well and he learns how to run very fast in an attempt to allude her while she learns how to run even faster. He uses the religious services and this running to tell a horrifying story about the car not starting on a Sunday and how at the end of the day they are almost killed to explain the hate each black tribe has for each other. In the struggle for power the whites have done a good job pitting one tribe against the other against the other, etc. With the release of Nelson Mandela and the ending of apartheid these forces of hate grow more intense in a new type of power struggle – blacks are about to take over running the country. Trevor shows us how he used humor as a child to deal with his personal trials and to please his mother. (hide spoiler)]

Very detailed comment Denise...impressive! Sorry you are having internet/storm issues. No fun!!

(view spoiler)[ I really liked how he prefaces each essay with the larger scope info too!! It works well. (hide spoiler)]

Listened to several chapters on my commute to work today. Let's see what I remember....lol.

Chapter 5 & 6: (view spoiler)[I love how his mom told him that she choose to have him because she wanted something to love! And then in the next chapter she says the same thing but add - then I gave birth to the most selfish piece of sh*t on the earth. Surprise, surprise..kids are all about "me, me, me".

I laughed as he shared how he would play catch with the frisbee and fetch with the ball in the park. And that he didn't know that was what whites did with their dogs. And their letter writing too each other - too funny! He was a naughty little boy and I couldn't believe some of the stuff he did. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7:(view spoiler)[ I think its interesting he kept calling Fufi stupid when I thought he was pretty smart to have two families feeding and taking care of him. Double the attention! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8: (view spoiler)[ I bet it really made Trevor feel good when his father brought out that scrapbook he put together about him. It was an odd relationship. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9: (view spoiler)[His mom knew it wasn't a good idea to tell Abel about the mulberry incident. I think Trevor discovered Abel's true nature that day and regretted tattling on the boys. (hide spoiler)]

Haven’t listened to much over the weekend :/

Chapter 6 - But the (view spoiler)[Letter writing part....oh man. If I told my parents the reason why I was stupid/crazy/bad/whatever was because of them....my mother would have “knocked me into next Wednesday” and I’d never be seen or heard from again if it was my father. And then the “oh no, you must put it in a letter” talk back to her. Yup, I’d be dead (hide spoiler)] 😳

still whining about no internet connection at home (can't get online OR stream my shows arrghh) but listened to a chapter on Youtube at the library

Chapter 2

(view spoiler)[Chapter 2 Born a Crime

Society of institutionalized racism is the background which explains how the mingling of the races is even worse than treason in South Africa. Trevor explains the different levels – white, black, colored (mixed race) and how the law oppresses blacks and colored.

His mother rebelled against all this and did as she pleased, taking care to learn how to live in the city of Johannesburg illegally. He explains how she decided to have him, how she chose the father and how once he was born the criminal life they were forced to lead – he could only see his father indoors, to be outside with his mother he had to be walked by a “colored” neighbor as his mother walked nearby. Trevor would spend weekends and holidays with this extended family in the township Soweto. He had to stay indoors and could not go out and play with his cousins because “They are going to take you!” Colored children did get taken from their parents and put in orphanages. He later learned other colored children were taken out of the country to the white parent’s home country but his mother said “This is my country. Why should I leave?” I both admire this determination, yet find I’m somewhat frightened for her. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3
(view spoiler)[
Chapter 3. Trevor, Pray
Trevor writes about his family in Soweto, with its own set of complications and how it is he was raised mostly by women. Soweto is largely absent of men due to work away from the homeland. Religion filled in for that absence with many prayer meetings all around the neighborhood.

He describes the physical Soweto. Because of his light skin, his grandmother, and others, are convinced God hears his prayers first. Yes, they believe white people get heard first by God otherwise why would things be the way they were? Trevor is the closest they know to white so his prayers are more powerful they think. This leads into the Tale of the Toilets and The Demon (my description). (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ Chapter 4. Chameleon.
His grandmother won’t hit him as punishment as she does her other grandchildren because she is afraid to hit a white child – Trevor’s skin becomes blue, yellow and green when hit but the other children’s skin does not. He is favored in many ways because of his light skin. But Trevor is only a child and doesn’t relate this to race. He thinks he is conferred special treatment because he is Trevor.

He followed his mother’s way of bridging the racial gap by learning many different languages – they are Xhosa and speak Xhosa which is close to the Zulu dialect – he learns all the African languages in Soweto and when challenged because of his light skin uses language to get out of any trouble. He is able to learn English (explained later in the book) because it is a mark of intelligence and power. He and his mother get through a lot of tough times by understanding what other people are saying, particularly about them.

After apartheid ends, many things open up for black people. Of most importance to Trevor’s life at this point is school. Elite private schools open their doors to some blacks. Because his mother works for a pharmaceutical company that offers scholarships to private schools he is able to attend preschool and school at a private Catholic school. This was an oasis with a nice mix of races – no segregation – but it also sheltered him from the truth of the larger society he actually lived in. He learned this at age 11 when he went to a government school. He was put in “A school” as one of the smarter students which was mostly composed of white students; he learned at recess there was an ocean of black students and with the help of a gregarious Indian student showed he knew African languages and was accepted by the black students all of whom were in the “B” school. He switched to the “B” school to be with the black students after being warned it would effect many opportunities in his future. He wanted to be with his own people. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ Chapter 5. The Second Girl.
This is a background of his mother’s life and how she grew up, became independent and tried to give Trevor a life completely unlike the one she had been raised in.

I like how Trevor explains their relationship – more like a team than a mother and son, as she speaks to him like an adult. I like how much he was taken with books and how important they are to him. I laughed about him being able to drive on the deserted highway when he was six. His mother is not only a rebel she is an inspiration – she doesn’t set limits to what her child can do they go everywhere and anywhere right into places black people aren’t allowed. She won’t let her son be limited by mere laws and customs. Like the last essay, I find her determination admirable yet a bit frightening. (hide spoiler)]

I'm about to get very busy again so I won't write such long comments!

Chapter 6 (view spoiler)[ Chapter 6. Loopholes
Trevor is basically a wild child. He plays pranks on everyone, runs away from everyone – he is hyperactive. He argues to the point his mother writes him letters when he is still a child so she doesn’t have to listen to his arguments about the loopholes he finds in her rules. He must have been an exhausting child to be around. (hide spoiler)]

You're making great progress Denise!! (view spoiler)[ I agree that he must have been an exhausting little boy. And not having raised little boys I just shake my head at it all. But his mother sure knew how to handle him. She is definitely inspirational!!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ How Fufi, a dog, defined for Trevor, a boy, relationships with people. You can't own them. Good chapter. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ I'm not sure what I think about Trevor's father - he is secretive, private, but at some level cares for Trevor. So far we know nothing about him contributing financially to Trevor's care and it may not have happened or not written about. It was very touching when he showed Trevor the scrapbook he had made of Trevor's accomplishments. I guess I think it's just odd he won't tell Trevor anything about his background. (hide spoiler)]

Denise regarding Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ I agree that his father is a bit strange - you wonder if he has big secrets in his past. I was glad to see the scrapbook because it assured me that he cares about Trevor but the relationship is odd. (hide spoiler)]

Jan wrote: "Denise regarding Chapter 8 [spoilers removed]"

I agree, Jan.

Chapter 9 Mulberry Tree (view spoiler)[ This is a rather grim chapter. More explanation of white, colored, black people's status in society but especially between colored people and the other two groups. The incident at the Mulberry Tree where Trevor gets bullied turns into learning how dangerous his mother's boyfriend, Abel, is. Trevor learns Abel is a mean, violent guy who doesn't know how to stop himself. This is not a good indication for his future. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10 A Young Man's Long, Awkward Occasionally Tragic, and Frequently Humiliating Education in Affairs of the Heart Par I: Valentine's Day (view spoiler)[ well, the title says it all. Trevor about age 12 doesn't have a clue about Valentine's Day, doesn't know what to do. He isn't really interested in girls yet. But, the white girls tell him to ask a particular girl, Maylene, to be his valentine.....they tell Maylene's group Trevor wants her to be his valentine and through the groups he finds out she'll say yes when he asks her. So when he asks her she does say yes. Then Valentine's Day comes and nope it doesn't go as planned. He gives her the flowers, the teddy bear, the card but she says she can't be his valentine because Lorenzo (very handsome and popular) has asked her and she said yes. Poor Trevor. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11 Outsider (view spoiler)[ Trevor doesn't fit in any group at his new school grade 8. He is still a great runner and becomes the first one always to get to the tuck shop (snack) - kids start offering him money to get food for them and take a % for himself, sometimes delivering the food for extra. Eventually, he does a regular business, learns a bit about each group, is on the periphery of groups, tells a few jokes and moves on. He doesn't belong but he isn't an outcast. He's an outsider. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12 A Young Man's Long, Awkward, Occasionally Tragic, And Frequently Humiliating Education in Affairs of the Heart Part II: The Crush (view spoiler)[ So Trevor isn't popular but he is welcome everywhere, partly because he is so funny. He develops a crush on a girl he has an easy time talking to and plans to ask her out to the prom in three years. He even gets her phone number from her but never asks her out because she is stunning and popular and he is awkward and acne ridden. The talk all the time. Then, back at school after a break she isn't there. Her father got a job offer and they have moved to America. The friend who tells him this also said its a shame because the girl had a huge crush on him and kept waiting for him to ask her out but now it's too late. Poor Trevor. (hide spoiler)]

Denise.....I've read through Chapter 11. Just a couple comments below in response to yours.

Chapter 9 (view spoiler)[ Finding out about Abel's true nature does not bode well. I seem to remember earlier Trevor mentioning he was an abusive alcoholic man. Hope that violence doesn't turn on him or his mom. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[ Maylene taking a "better" offer was just so sad. What a hard lesson to learn on your first experience in the art of love. I was surprised that Trevor still gave her the flowers and card and she just took them and walked away. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11: (view spoiler)[ I was impressed at Trevor's entrepreneurism!! Smart way to make some cash. And he did have a way of fitting in yet not really being a part. Though it doesn't sound like he felt lonely or let being an outsider bring him down. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[Chapter 13 – Colorblind. Not a real interesting chapter. Trevor and his best friend Teddy shoplift some candies at a mall. They get caught and run for it. Teddy gets caught. At school police officers look for his accomplice and call on Trevor as he is Teddy’s best friend. They play the video from the security camera and Trevor thinks he is caught now because it is so obviously him. But, they don’t see that – they see dark-skinned Teddy with a lighter skinned boy – because of the camera it makes the boy look white so they are looking for a white boy. Trevor gets off. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14 (view spoiler)[ The Dance. Trevor gets to go with a date to his prom but from beginning to end it goes fairly wrong. Some of it he doesn't even know is going wrong because he isn't paying attention. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15 (view spoiler)[ Go Hitler! Trevor becomes a business mogul making and selling pirated CDs and his empire expands to party entertainment with a technical crew and dance crew. The principal dancer is named Hitler. Unfortunately, the black people in South Africa are not aware what Hitler means to many white people, especially Jews. (This is Trevor Noah's claim, not mine - I have no idea.) They have their own Hitlers - Cecil Rhodes, King Leopold - so when they name their children something like Hitler it is a name they've heard but it isn't loaded like we (Westerners) know it is. They get a gig at a Jewish school and yep, insult the entire school while cheering on the principal dancer, Hitler. Go Hitler. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13:(view spoiler)[ I thought it was interesting that the video tapes of Trevor and Teddy made it look like Trevor was white. Though I think it was strange that the authorities never figured that out. I guess they really were colorblind. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14: (view spoiler)[ What Denise said about Trevor not paying attention was so true. Not knowing his date didn't speak English was pretty sad. I guess he was just so intimidated by her "beauty" and worried about his behavior he never noticed hers. (hide spoiler)]