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Maxwell's Reviews > Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
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If you're going to read this book, definitely listen to the audio version. Trevor Noah is one of the most effortless narrators I've ever listened to. It genuinely feels like he is sitting down with you and telling you his life story. Not only that, but you get to learn quite a bit about pre- and post-Apartheid South Africa from the perspective of someone who hypothetically shouldn't exist. Noah's mother is black and his father is white, and when he was born any mixed-race relationships were illegal. I was instantly intrigued by his story, not only because of this unique perspective but also because he is such a wonderful storyteller.
I do think the chronology of the book was a bit strange at times—one chapter would be from his childhood and then the next would jump to his teen years, and back. And at the end of each chapter there was always a short snippet that completely changed directions and had pretty much nothing to do with the previous chapter (maybe in the physical copy of the book that section is identifiably set apart?).
Nonetheless, this was a great listening experience, one that was enlightening, hilarious, heartbreaking, frustrating and well told. Would highly recommend.
I do think the chronology of the book was a bit strange at times—one chapter would be from his childhood and then the next would jump to his teen years, and back. And at the end of each chapter there was always a short snippet that completely changed directions and had pretty much nothing to do with the previous chapter (maybe in the physical copy of the book that section is identifiably set apart?).
Nonetheless, this was a great listening experience, one that was enlightening, hilarious, heartbreaking, frustrating and well told. Would highly recommend.
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Reading Progress
January 2, 2017
– Shelved
January 2, 2017
– Shelved as:
to-read
January 2, 2017
– Shelved as:
owned
January 2, 2017
– Shelved as:
audiobook
January 2, 2017
– Shelved as:
non-fiction
January 16, 2017
–
Started Reading
January 20, 2017
–
Finished Reading
June 18, 2020
– Shelved as:
black-authors
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Jan 20, 2017 08:12PM
I read an eARC and those little snippets confused me at first, too, until I realized they were a sort of preview to the following chapter. I assumed the weird formatting was due to it being an ARC!
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Mariana wrote: "I read an eARC and those little snippets confused me at first, too, until I realized they were a sort of preview to the following chapter. I assumed the weird formatting was due to it being an ARC!"Ohh that's interesting. I definitely did not notice that. Oops.
I'm listening to this audio book based on your review and am enjoying it very much. Thank you for the recommendation!
I did *not* listen to the audio book, but I read most of the book in his voice :P
I agree - the audio book is the best! I love it!
Soooooo good. I normally hate audio books (so slow!), but to miss all the nuance of the languages, the accents, the voices would be a shame. I almost wish they had released it ONLY in audio so everyone would have to listen to it.
Loved it on audio book!
To add to this comment, his exceptional fluency in multiple languages is on display in the audiobook. It invites the reader even deeper into his heart and home, as he effortlessly glides between English and several different African languages.
I agree. I usually prefer to read the book. But for some random reason I decided to try the audiobook. I was amazing indeed.
I so agree. I would encourage anyone who has already read it to go back and listen to it. His voice breathes a whole new level of beauty and authenticity to the book.
I had a free trial on Audible and chose Born A Crime to listen to and I'm so glad I did. Trevor's narration of the stories added a level of intimacy and understanding for the listener. His impressions of the people in his life, from his mother to his childhood friends, helped paint a picture of them that I feel couldn't be captured by simply reading the text. Regardless, i loved the book and am going to purchase a physical copy.
I agree - the audio version added so much to the story. I don't typically feel that way but I think this book should be heard and not read :-)
I’ve never listened to an audiobook before, but because of this review, I’m listening to Born a Crime on audio and I’m loving it! Thanks for your review
Alexis wrote: "I’ve never listened to an audiobook before, but because of this review, I’m listening to Born a Crime on audio and I’m loving it! Thanks for your review"Let us know how you like it!
I really want to try listening to an audiobook and because of your review I thought this could be a good one to start with. Guess what? I`m loving it. Thank you so much!
I'm glad to hear it. I think it makes a big difference with a book like this. Much more of a performance
The audio version was perfect! Hearing his facility with language and accents makes the narrative so much more engaging and amusing.
excellent point! I took for granted that I had the audio version but +1 on getting the audio. He narrates this book expertly and really brings the dialogs to life!
It totally READS in his voice too. Like, I could hear him narrating it in my head. Might have to try the audio book too :)
Amelia - DEFINITELY listen to the audio book. It's a great experience!
I approve! the audiobook is better!
I agree, his voice and style make this story even more interesting.
It is on YouTube. It probably won't be for long, so hurry if you wish to listen to it right away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3ZDY...
I thought the snippet was more foreshadowing the next chapter, sometimes giving info needed to better understand the next chapter. I imagined those snippets being on a separate page in the book in between the chapters and thought it a little sloppy on whoever put the audiobook together not to have made it a separate section like I’ve seen in other audiobooks.
Thanks for the suggestion man . The audiobook experience is far better ....
I found the audio book on amazon audible but it's in Spanish only? Any idea where I can find the English version narrated by the author?
Rashmi wrote: "I found the audio book on amazon audible but it's in Spanish only? Any idea where I can find the English version narrated by the author?"Go directly to Audible's own site. It is there and you can listen to a sample too, of course.
Tried out the whisper sync feature with this book, was worth it. Trevor’s articulation in the audio version really took it to another level.
The short snippet after each chapter on the audiobook is actually meant to be before the next chapter in the physical book- it sets the scene for the next chapter.
