COMMENTS

23 responses to “Senior Planet Book Club: Born a Crime (Week 1)”

1. Apologies…. Apartheid

   Reply to rox

2. Love Trevor. Have not picked up book yet. Not sure I want to read about Apartid..his mom and dad..he derives much of his act from his life experience. A noble really neat performer.

   Thanks senior planet…will try to get copy of book. On a budget, not sure of price.

   Reply to rox

3. I am a big fan of Trevor and I knew immediately I would enjoy this book. He draws you in. He makes you feel his experiences.

   Reply to Sandra M

4. I’m reading along and laughing at his comical outlook on life and the next minute I’m close to tears as he and his mother are facing the cruelty of life.

   Reply to Bebe Kelly

5. I might have been the only person on the planet who didn’t know who Trevor was when I started reading the book. Now I know. He is living proof of the triumph of a thoughtful mind.

   Reply to Jill Seyfarth

   1. Try to catch his “Daily Show” on Comedy Central channel (690) in Queens. It is on Monday through Thursday, from 11:00 PM until 11:45 PM, and Trevor does it live from his apartment. It usually repeats the next day in the morning or afternoon, depending where you live. A great person.

      Reply to Elaine Coonan

6. It is hard to put this book down! Trevor Noah knows how to communicate his early childhood experiences in his book just as awesomely well as he communicates through video media!

   Reply to Conrad Geiger

   1. Just wanted to add that I saw Trevor Noah live at Radio City about two years ago in January (a Christmas gift from my son). He did more family stories in the show, than he does on his TV show (which is more political, current events, etc. He was hilarious and connects well with his live audience.

      Reply to Elaine Coonan

7. Loved the book, his resilience, his sense of humor, and the fact that his mother always wanted something better for herself and her son. He is certainly a example for positive attitude , and turning a negative circumstance into something very positive.

   Reply to Sylvia Wirth

8. Trevor has had an interesting life but his early childhood experiences with his caring mom that he tells provided a good foundation for his success in life.

   Reply to Conrad Geiger

9. I am really enjoying this book! Trevor is the narrator in the audio format, and I’m so glad to have made this choice. His matter-of-fact assessment of his experiences, combined with his great intelligence and humor light up what really was a difficult life.

   His mother was a strong force in raising this young man to see and speak to life clearly, and without fear. She has done an amazing job.

   In Chapter 5 he writes, “If my mother had one goal, it was to free my mind. My mother spoke to me like an adult.”

   His mother was always telling him stories and also using the Bible for life’s lessons. “She would quiz me on it. What does that passage mean to you? How do you apply it to your life?” That was everyday of my life. My mom did what school didn’t. She taught me how to think.”

   Reply to Jana Weed

10. “Being chosen is the greatest gift you can give to another human being.”
    What a powerful thought this man utilized to rise above the sorrows and struggles of his early life. Thought provoking. Thinking and enjoying the read. ..

    Reply to Chrissie Brown

    1. I so agree, Chrissie. A powerful thought we should all embrace on all our levels of human interaction. Trevor has a unique and precious gift of imparting life knowledge in a totally accessible way.

       Reply to Michelle Mindak

11. Trevor Noah manages to evoke every emotion in his book. Being of Euro/African/American descent, I was surprised at how uninformed I am. This book is proving to be a great lesson for me. I can’t wait to read more.

    Reply to Wilhemina Boyd

    1. Trevor’s stories of his childhood was amazing in how he really tried to connect with the emotions of his readers. I couldn’t put the book down. He had me laughing, once for two full pages!

       Reply to Conrad Geiger

12. Am anxious to join the book club, just have to find a way to get hold of the Tervor Howard’s book. Live in Jackson Heights and my library is not open to lend books and am disabled so cannot walk to East Elmhurst. Lend a Book does not answer the phone but will keep calling.
    Eventually will post a comment about the book and will not whine. Apologies.
    Teri, smiles

    Reply to theresa mongrandi

    1. Sorry you’re having trouble finding it, Teri! Here is a link to a preview of the first 30 pages if you would like to get started:
       https://www.google.com/books/edition/Born_a_Crime/N97UCwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover

       Reply to Senior Planet

13. Usually I am a Fiction reader, so I am surprised how much I enjoy Trevor’s book. It’s a perfect reading choice for these times. I worked with two Africaners. When they talked about their homes in South Africa, they’d talk about their servants; they had a cook, cleaning ladies, gardener. I always wondered how they could afford that. As I read Trevor’s stories I understand now, and I am saddened. Saddened too, that we all come from people who subjugated others. Trevor’s ability to excel despite the injustices is very uplifting. And even to become a Comic. A inspiring story.

    Reply to Karlene NivaColgan

    1. Yes, Trevor has had a rich and diverse early childhood experience that translates in his awesome ability to communicate with everyone about the human experience. One important item was that Trevor grew up around people that cared about him – especially his mom who was his best friend and life navigator.

       Reply to Conrad Geiger

14. Enjoying the book so far and learning a lot about what was going on at that time. It’s interesting to hear about his childhood in these chapters. I think the storytelling of the dog Fufi was one example of how he successfully he related his thinking on relationships to a simple story you could believe happened while he was a child. He does these type of comparisons very well and makes the logic so clear.
    He manages to relate with a logical approach without losing any empathy in the telling. What do you think?

    Reply to Chetta V Ramirez

    1. Spot on! He has an excellent knack for addressing the complex with clearly understandable simplicity.

       Reply to Harold Hall

       1. Yes. The chapter about reconnecting with his father and trying to interview his way into getting to know him. Loved the end when his father asked what he learned and he says nothing, only that he is extremely secretive. His father replies, “You see. You’re getting to know me already.” Loved that!

       2. Well said Harold!