The Short Version
If Born a Crime made you laugh and cry in the same chapter, you’re probably looking for your next memoir. So here are seven books that share something with Trevor Noah’s: a hard childhood, a remarkable parent, a country in transition, or a voice that turns pain into humor.
Educated
First, Educated by Tara Westover, from twenty eighteen. Westover grew up in rural Idaho with survivalist parents, never went to school, and taught herself enough to get into college, and eventually earn a PhD at Cambridge.
Like Born a Crime, it’s about a family that shapes you and a world that tries to limit you. It’s less funny, more intense, and impossible to put down.
The Glass Castle
Second, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, from two thousand five. Walls writes about growing up poor with brilliant, chaotic parents who moved the family constantly.
If you loved Patricia Noah, you’ll be fascinated by Walls’s very different parents. It shares Noah’s ability to describe chaos without self-pity.
Long Walk To Freedom
Third, Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, published in nineteen ninety four. If Born a Crime made you curious about apartheid, this is the essential next step: Mandela’s own story, from his childhood to his twenty seven years in prison and his release.
It’s long and serious, but it fills in the history behind every one of Noah’s essays.
Kaffir Boy
Fourth, Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane, from nineteen eighty six. Mathabane grew up in Alexandra, the same township where Trevor sells CDs in Born a Crime, but under full apartheid in the nineteen sixties and seventies.
It’s a raw, harrowing account, and a powerful companion to Noah’s lighter tone. The title uses a slur, which is part of its point.
Becoming
Fifth, Becoming by Michelle Obama, from twenty eighteen. It’s a different world, the South Side of Chicago and then the White House, but it shares Born a Crime’s warmth, its focus on family, and its honesty about race and belonging.
It’s also a great choice for book clubs that loved Noah’s book.
Crying In H Mart
Sixth, Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, from twenty twenty one. Zauner, a musician, writes about her Korean mother, food, identity, and grief after her mother’s death.
If the mother-and-child story was the heart of Born a Crime for you, this is the book to read next. Bring tissues.
I’m Glad My Mom Died
And seventh, I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, from twenty twenty two. McCurdy, a former child actor, writes about a controlling mother with dark, sharp humor.
It’s the mirror image of Born a Crime: a mother who held her child back instead of pushing her forward. And it’s darkly funny in a way Noah’s fans will appreciate.
How To Choose
Quick guide. Want another underdog story? Educated. Want a wild family? The Glass Castle. Want the history? Long Walk to Freedom or Kaffir Boy. Want warmth? Becoming. Want a mother story? Crying in H Mart or I’m Glad My Mom Died.
Your Turn
Which memoir would you add to this list? Tell me in the comments. My Born a Crime review and history check are linked below. Thanks for watching, and happy reading.
