This book piqued my interest by title alone. I also knew very little of Trevor Noah’s personal story, but I periodically enjoy his comedy on the “The Daily Show” and wanted to know more about the person behind the laughs. As the child of a white father and a black mother, born under apartheid, Trevor’s existence was illegal; hence, the title. The book truly is written like a love letter to his Mother, Patricia, interwoven with a coming-of-age story in South Africa in a post-apartheid government. It’s an incredible collection of personal stories that will make you laugh and cry simultaneously, leaving you in shock and awe of the beautiful, unbreakable bond between a Mother and Son. His stories about the variety of foods he “survived” eating are sure to make you appreciate your own adventurous cuisine experiences. I’m positive I will never look at a caterpillar again without thinking of Trevor! He also describes the horrors of domestic violence as well as the lack of resources and protection for women and children during this time. This book gives readers insight into the world that shaped him; he’s a survivor who has thrived by becoming a successful comedian, writer, and T.V. host. His story encompasses some of the largest societal challenges our world faces, which are rarely tackled in a single book that you won’t be able to put down. The audio version is available in his voice for those who want to hear the stories firsthand.
