Trevor Noah's memoir is an open account of the young comedian's life. It has everything you expect from a 30-something year old's story and much more.
The author brings a different worldview to the readers. We get an insight into the author's life off the glamorous stages we have generally seen him in. We learn a lot from the book - about apartheid, race and poverty. If there is one thing that was a takeaway for me, it was the power of language. Trevor reiterates the fact that he could speak multiple languages in the book and walks us through specific situations of how that came handy for him. It was fascinating, original and thought provoking.
I had the pleasure of listening through the audio book and the author's vocal impersonation skills take an engaging story to an almost visual memory for the reader. The book will make the reader laugh, cry and read/hear through the pages in anticipation. Let's not forget that Trevor is a performer by profession and he doesn't disappoint as the narrator of his story. He is especially earnest in the chapters about his mother and that definitely hits a chord with the reader.
There may be some instances where Trevor might seem nonchalant - addressing the skinning of a cat, walking us through his dancer friend's name - to note a couple. But one has to remember that you are seeing it through a child's eye not a grown man's. Trevor has a sense of humor that would seem impossible for someone who has grown through a childhood he has but it is suffice to say, he is rare. He deals with tough subjects with wit and grace and shows that he is observant and smart all throughout the book.
If you have the patience and appetite, I highly suggest you to listen to the audio book. Otherwise, consider adding it to your reading list. Trevor Noah is an insightful writer with an original viewpoint to life.
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