Born a Crime
Stories from a South African Childhood
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $31.26
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Trevor Noah
-
Written by:
-
Trevor Noah
About this listen
Highest-rated new book of 2016 by Audible customers
Winner: Audible's Best of 2016 - Celebrity Memoirs
In this award-winning Audible Studios production, Trevor Noah tells his wild coming-of-age tale during the twilight of apartheid in South Africa. It’s a story that begins with his mother throwing him from a moving van to save him from a potentially fatal dispute with gangsters, then follows the budding comedian’s path to self-discovery through episodes both poignant and comical. Noah’s virtuoso embodiment of all the characters from his childhood, and his ability to perform accents and dialects effortlessly in English, Xhosa, and Zulu, garnered the Audie Award for Best Male Narrator in 2018. Nevertheless, Noah’s devoted and uncompromising mother—as voiced by her son—steals the show.
©2016 Spiegel & Grau (P)2016 Audible, Inc.You may also enjoy...
-
Finding Me
- A Memoir
- Written by: Viola Davis
- Narrated by: Viola Davis
- Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever. This is my story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. This is the path I took to finding my purpose but also my voice in a world that didn’t always see me.
-
-
We think we are alone…truth is, we are not.
- By RITU G on 2022-05-28
Written by: Viola Davis
-
Hello, Molly!
- A Memoir
- Written by: Molly Shannon, Sean Wilsey
- Narrated by: Molly Shannon
- Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At age four, Molly Shannon’s world was shattered when she lost her mother, baby sister, and cousin in a car accident with her father at the wheel. Held together by her tender and complicated relationship with her grieving father, Molly was raised in a permissive household where her gift for improvising and role-playing blossomed alongside the fearlessness that would lead her to become a celebrated actress.
-
-
What a book!
- By Terri H. on 2022-11-02
Written by: Molly Shannon, and others
-
I Can't Make This Up
- Life Lessons
- Written by: Neil Strauss - contributor, Kevin Hart
- Narrated by: Kevin Hart
- Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Superstar comedian and Hollywood box-office star Kevin Hart turns his immense talent to the written word by writing some words. Some of those words include: the, a, for, above, and even even. Put them together and you have the funniest, most heartfelt, and most inspirational memoir on survival, success, and the importance of believing in yourself since Old Yeller.
-
-
5☆ Book All The Way Through!
- By Amazon Customer on 2018-01-13
Written by: Neil Strauss - contributor, and others
-
Arboreality
- Written by: Rebecca Campbell
- Narrated by: Cynthia Farrell
- Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Campbell's astonishing vision pulls the echoing effects of small acts and intimate moments through this multi-generational and interconnected story of how a West coast community survives the ravages of climate change.
Written by: Rebecca Campbell
-
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
- A Novel
- Written by: Heather Morris
- Narrated by: Richard Armitage
- Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (German for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners. Imprisoned for more than two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism - but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.
-
-
Excellent content w an obvious recording flaw
- By Jody on 2019-06-03
Written by: Heather Morris
-
A Promised Land
- Written by: Barack Obama
- Narrated by: Barack Obama
- Length: 29 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency - a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.
-
-
I wanted to love this eAudiobook so much more
- By Laurie ‘The Baking Bookworm’ on 2020-12-19
Written by: Barack Obama
-
Finding Me
- A Memoir
- Written by: Viola Davis
- Narrated by: Viola Davis
- Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever. This is my story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. This is the path I took to finding my purpose but also my voice in a world that didn’t always see me.
-
-
We think we are alone…truth is, we are not.
- By RITU G on 2022-05-28
Written by: Viola Davis
-
Hello, Molly!
- A Memoir
- Written by: Molly Shannon, Sean Wilsey
- Narrated by: Molly Shannon
- Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At age four, Molly Shannon’s world was shattered when she lost her mother, baby sister, and cousin in a car accident with her father at the wheel. Held together by her tender and complicated relationship with her grieving father, Molly was raised in a permissive household where her gift for improvising and role-playing blossomed alongside the fearlessness that would lead her to become a celebrated actress.
-
-
What a book!
- By Terri H. on 2022-11-02
Written by: Molly Shannon, and others
-
I Can't Make This Up
- Life Lessons
- Written by: Neil Strauss - contributor, Kevin Hart
- Narrated by: Kevin Hart
- Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Superstar comedian and Hollywood box-office star Kevin Hart turns his immense talent to the written word by writing some words. Some of those words include: the, a, for, above, and even even. Put them together and you have the funniest, most heartfelt, and most inspirational memoir on survival, success, and the importance of believing in yourself since Old Yeller.
-
-
5☆ Book All The Way Through!
- By Amazon Customer on 2018-01-13
Written by: Neil Strauss - contributor, and others
-
Arboreality
- Written by: Rebecca Campbell
- Narrated by: Cynthia Farrell
- Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Campbell's astonishing vision pulls the echoing effects of small acts and intimate moments through this multi-generational and interconnected story of how a West coast community survives the ravages of climate change.
Written by: Rebecca Campbell
-
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
- A Novel
- Written by: Heather Morris
- Narrated by: Richard Armitage
- Length: 7 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (German for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners. Imprisoned for more than two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism - but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.
-
-
Excellent content w an obvious recording flaw
- By Jody on 2019-06-03
Written by: Heather Morris
-
A Promised Land
- Written by: Barack Obama
- Narrated by: Barack Obama
- Length: 29 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency - a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil.
-
-
I wanted to love this eAudiobook so much more
- By Laurie ‘The Baking Bookworm’ on 2020-12-19
Written by: Barack Obama
-
Becoming
- Written by: Michelle Obama
- Narrated by: Michelle Obama
- Length: 19 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites listeners into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her - from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it - in her own words and on her own terms.
-
-
I tried so hard to love this book...but couldn't..
- By Makizzo on 2019-01-28
Written by: Michelle Obama
-
I'm Glad My Mom Died
- Written by: Jennette McCurdy
- Narrated by: Jennette McCurdy
- Length: 6 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction." She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income. In I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail.
-
-
A must read
- By Ashley Simpson on 2022-08-23
Written by: Jennette McCurdy
-
Bossypants
- Written by: Tina Fey
- Narrated by: Tina Fey
- Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Before Liz Lemon, before Weekend Update, before Sarah Palin, Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: A recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV. She has seen both these dreams come true. At last, Tina Fey's story can be told. From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we've always suspected: You're no one until someone calls you bossy.
-
-
funny!
- By Deanna La Jambe on 2019-06-07
Written by: Tina Fey
-
Spare
- Written by: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
- Narrated by: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
- Length: 15 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.
-
-
Insightful, detailed, honest, beautifully written
- By Diana on 2023-01-10
Written by: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
-
Piranesi
- Written by: Susanna Clarke
- Narrated by: Chiwetel Ejiofor
- Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Piranesi lives in the House. Perhaps he always has. In his notebooks, day after day, he makes a clear and careful record of its wonders: the labyrinth of halls, the thousands upon thousands of statues, the tides that thunder up staircases, the clouds that move in slow procession through the upper halls. On Tuesdays and Fridays Piranesi sees his friend, the Other. At other times he brings tributes of food to the Dead. But mostly, he is alone.
-
-
Confused by my delight
- By S. Toughill on 2020-10-18
Written by: Susanna Clarke
-
Into the Uncut Grass
- Written by: Trevor Noah
- Narrated by: Trevor Noah
- Length: 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the tradition of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse comes a fable about a young child’s journey into the world beyond the shadow of home, a magical landscape where he discovers the secrets of sharing, connection, and finding peace with the people we love. Infused with the author’s signature wit and imagination, it’s a tale for listeners of all ages—to be read aloud or listened to alone.
Written by: Trevor Noah
-
The Covenant of Water
- Written by: Abraham Verghese
- Narrated by: Abraham Verghese
- Length: 31 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, The Covenant of Water is set in Kerala, on South India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl from Kerala’s long-existing Christian community, grieving the death of her father, is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time.
-
-
Stunning Book!
- By Suzanne Flaro on 2023-06-14
Written by: Abraham Verghese
-
Yearbook
- Written by: Seth Rogen
- Narrated by: Seth Rogen, full cast
- Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hi! I’m Seth! I was asked to describe my audiobook, Yearbook for websites and shit like that, so...here it goes!!! Yearbook is a collection of true stories that I desperately hope are just funny at worst, and life-changingly amazing at best. (I understand that it’s likely the former, which is a fancy “book” way of saying “the first one.”) I talk about my grandparents, doing stand-up comedy as a teenager, bar mitzvahs, and Jewish summer camp, and tell way more stories about doing drugs than my mother would like.
-
-
hilarious
- By Leanna on 2021-05-15
Written by: Seth Rogen
-
The Color Purple
- Written by: Alice Walker
- Narrated by: Samira Wiley
- Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Celie has grown up poor in rural Georgia, despised by the society around her and abused by her own family. She strives to protect her sister, Nettie, from a similar fate, and while Nettie escapes to a new life as a missionary in Africa, Celie is left behind without her best friend and confidante, married off to an older suitor, and sentenced to a life alone with a harsh and brutal husband. In an attempt to transcend a life that often seems too much to bear, Celie begins writing letters directly to God.
-
-
Beautiful Powerful, Wonderfully Narrated
- By Pibby on 2020-06-06
Written by: Alice Walker
-
How to American
- An Immigrant's Guide to Disappointing Your Parents
- Written by: Jimmy O. Yang, Mike Judge - foreword
- Narrated by: Jimmy O. Yang, Mike Judge
- Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jimmy O. Yang is a stand-up comedian, film and TV actor and fan favorite as the character Jian Yang from the popular HBO series Silicon Valley. In How to American, he shares his story of growing up as a Chinese immigrant who pursued a Hollywood career against the wishes of his parents: Yang arrived in Los Angeles from Hong Kong at age 13, learned English by watching BET's Rap City for three hours a day, and worked as a strip club DJ while pursuing his comedy career.
-
-
best book about Chinese immigrant.
- By liyoujia007 on 2018-04-11
Written by: Jimmy O. Yang, and others
-
The Home for Unwanted Girls
- Written by: Joanna Goodman
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1950s Quebec, French and English tolerate each other with precarious civility - much like Maggie Hughes' parents. Maggie's English-speaking father has ambitions for his daughter that don't include marriage to the poor French boy on the next farm over. But Maggie's heart is captured by Gabriel Phénix. When she becomes pregnant at 15, her parents force her to give baby Elodie up for adoption and get her life "back on track".
-
-
Being Picky
- By Susan on 2019-09-03
Written by: Joanna Goodman
-
Face It
- A Memoir
- Written by: Debbie Harry
- Narrated by: Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Clem Burke, and others
- Length: 8 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Musician, actor, activist, and the iconic face of New York City cool, Debbie Harry is the front woman of Blondie, a band that forged a new sound that brought together the worlds of rock, punk, disco, reggae, and hip-hop to create some of the most beloved pop songs of all time. As a muse, she collaborated with some of the boldest artists of the past four decades. The scope of Debbie Harry’s impact on our culture has been matched only by her reticence to reveal her rich inner life - until now.
-
-
Certainly not a fluff piece
- By Reviews on 2019-10-10
Written by: Debbie Harry
What the critics say
"Comedian Trevor Noah's stories of growing up in South Africa are vivid, sometimes harrowing, and often laugh-out-loud funny. The bonus of audio is that listeners get to HEAR Noah tell these stories in his South African-accented English, as well as hear him speak snippets of various other South African languages. Noah (who succeeded Jon Stewart as the host of 'The Daily Show') is a natural storyteller - skilled, engaging, and relatable.... Noah's narration offers insights and intimacy." (AudioFile)
"The author’s gift for vocal impersonation elevates the audio version into something even more splendid than an already terrific memoir.” (The Washington Post)
Discover 6 Titles that Help Guide, Entertain and Connect You While Travelling
Canadians know the value of a good winter getaway. While many of us politely tolerate cold weather, others look for ways to escape to sunnier, warmer places. Now that winter has officially settled in, many of us are counting down the days until that next big trip! Find out why these 6 titles from our huge library are the perfect travel companions on our blog, Audible Explore.
Our favourite moments from Born a Crime
Editorial Review
Never quite belonging, and never fitting into one place or one race. Alienated, separated, and every bit an individual, Trevor Noah explains what it means to be Born a Crime. In this audiobook, Trevor Noah, award-winning host of The Daily Show, tells the story of his life, starting with his being conceived by a white father and Black mother in a South Africa ruled by apartheid. Beyond recounting his own turbulent childhood, Noah’s memoir reflects the larger picture of a country and culture fraught with pain, separation, and corruption. Noah doesn’t hold anything back, and dives into anecdotes and recollections of his past that are at once deeply personal and universally relatable. Listeners will love the chance to take a peek back into his early years and the formative experiences that have made this infamous comedian the man he is today. Memoirs tend to hit more powerfully when they are read by their author, and Born a Crime is no exception. Noah brings a personal touch to this audiobook with style and grace. His conversational tone is inviting and relatable, while his humour and comedic timing are impeccable. He is able to recount tales using a wide variety of voices and accents to add authenticity, comedy, and heart to his stories; this impressive skill led to his winning an Audie Award for Best Male Narrator. Born a Crime is a story that will touch and uplift listeners—especially those who have struggled with feeling like an outsider or not fitting into any one particular box. Noah uses his life and his biracial background to add poignancy to both a personal memoir and a look at social constructs. History reveals a lot about human nature, and his recollections of South Africa expose the flaws of systemic racism while reminding us of prejudices and biases still present today. Written and performed with humour, grace, and an open heart, this audiobook has a little bit of everything and is truly a must-listen for just about anyone.
What listeners say about Born a Crime
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ana Rad
- 2018-03-25
Best book I have listened to so far on audible.
Hilarious, heartfelt and raw stories brought to life with wit and accents. It was really a pleasure to listen to. His story is very dynamic and unique yet often very relatable. I would recommend listening to it rather than reading print because of the ways he recreates the dialogues in different accents and languages, this adds so much to the action! A must read (audio) book!!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Nadia
- 2019-04-23
this is what they call a must-read... must-listen?
I'm so happy that i picked this book as my first audible experience. To hear his accent and vocal impersonations felt like the age old storytelling tradition...which I enjoyed. I also learned so much about South Africa and its people. We all know about Nelson Mandela, but Trevor gave us another perspective told from a younger generation's voice. I've always thought trevor noah was a classy, good looking dude maybe from a wealthy, educated family. Wow! to learn how tough his life was. Yet he always found the humor in it all. loooooved this from beginning to end
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- KennyD
- 2019-05-01
What an incredible and inspiring story!
I don't know if I would have enjoyed this book as much if I'd read it rather than listened. Trevor Noah's spirited reading, his mastery of all the African languages and accents, and of course his personal connection to the stories made it entertaining from start to finish.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tracy M
- 2020-03-01
Enlightening
It made me laugh, it made me cry, it helped me to understand the crisis in South Africa more. I learnt a great deal listening to this audiobook, not just about about Trevor but south Africa. It caused me to think about Canada and our Aboriginal citizens and what they must have gone through.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 2019-04-17
Thoroughly enjoyed it
Highly recommended. Very entertaining, at times funny and yet humbling story. Narration by Trevor Noah is amazing.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Darcy
- 2018-11-30
yes
The story timeline was a little choppy but other than that a fantastic listen. Trevor noahs life was wuite the adventure.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tosky Toskana
- 2018-10-06
Fantastic
I will buy any audiobook read by Trevor Noah after this experience. the book was captivating, well read and full of good humour in spite of the gruesome details it sometimes throws at you. Trevor was very good at stating complex philosophical narratives in a relatable and simple way. His honesty and unabashed truthfulness makes the reader appreciate his comedy from a different perspective when you watch the daily show after listening to this audiobook. Incredible story, incredible guy!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- sfd
- 2019-05-15
Fabulous
Gifted storytelling by a phenomenal actor heart wrenching yet laugh our loud funny. Completely captivating but
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 2018-08-22
Superb
Well worth your time! Noah's life story is astounding and inspirational. It will make you wonder, cry, laugh, and hit every emotion you have.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Katherine
- 2018-01-11
one of my favourite books ever!
loved this book as a story, and how it was narrated. Will recommend to anybody
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!