Next Read Club

Books Like Born a Crime

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah has a particular pull. Growing up mixed-race in apartheid South Africa — where his very existence was, literally, illegal.

What tends to stick with readers is its funny, emotional and inspiring feel. Manages to be laugh-out-loud funny while telling a genuinely hard story. Below are 6 books that carry that feeling in different ways, matched on shared mood, themes and reading experience. Born a Crime is a medium, fast-paced read (reading level: beginner-friendly), so we've noted where each pick is quicker, slower or heavier.

Cover of Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

The book you loved

Born a Crime

Trevor Noah

6 books you might enjoy

  1. Cover of Becoming by Michelle Obama

    1.

    Becoming

    Michelle Obama

    If it was the inspiring side of Born a Crime you loved, Becoming delivers it too. Both carry the #memoir tag. Expect a bigger commitment than Born a Crime.

    Long · Easy pace · Beginner-friendly

    Explore this book →Books like Becoming
  2. Cover of Educated by Tara Westover

    2.

    Educated

    Tara Westover

    If it was the emotional and inspiring side of Born a Crime you loved, Educated delivers it too. Both carry the #memoir tag.

    Medium · Fast pace · Beginner-friendly

    Explore this book →Books like Educated
  3. Cover of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

    3.

    The Glass Castle

    Jeannette Walls

    The Glass Castle shares Born a Crime's emotional appeal. Both carry the #memoir tag.

    Medium · Fast pace · Beginner-friendly

    Explore this book →Books like The Glass Castle
  4. Cover of Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

    4.

    Shoe Dog

    Phil Knight

    Like Born a Crime, Shoe Dog is emotional and inspiring. Both carry the #memoir tag.

    Medium · Fast pace · Beginner-friendly

    Explore this book →Books like Shoe Dog
  5. Cover of When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

    5.

    When Breath Becomes Air

    Paul Kalanithi

    When Breath Becomes Air shares Born a Crime's emotional appeal. Both carry the #memoir tag. It's the quicker read of the two.

    Short · Easy pace · Beginner-friendly

    Explore this book →Books like When Breath Becomes Air
  6. Cover of The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

    6.

    The Diary of a Young Girl

    Anne Frank

    If it was the emotional side of Born a Crime you loved, The Diary of a Young Girl delivers it too. The pace is easier than Born a Crime's.

    Medium · Easy pace · Beginner-friendly

    Explore this book →Books like The Diary of a Young Girl

How to choose

  • Short on time? When Breath Becomes Air is a quick read.
  • Ready for something heavier? When Breath Becomes Air is the most demanding pick.

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