Born a Crime by Trevor Noah vs. After the Quake
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood is Trevor Noah’s autobiography, published in 2016. It tells the story of his early years growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. The title comes from the fact that his birth—he had a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss-German father—was literally considered a crime under apartheid laws that banned interracial relationships at the time. The book is a mix of humor and tough truths. Much of it focuses on Trevor’s relationship with his mother, Patricia, who plays a huge role in his life. She’s portrayed as tough, religious, and fiercely independent—someone who dragged him to multiple church services every week, even during times of violence and unrest. Her strong influence shapes his character, often through strict discipline and sharp lessons about right and wrong. Trevor shares stories from his childhood that range from funny to intense. There’s a scene where his mother throws him out of a moving minibus to save him f...
After the Quake
An electronics salesman who has been deserted by his wife agrees to deliver an enigmatic package— and is rewarded with a glimpse of his true nature. A man who views himself as the son of God pursues a stranger who may be his human father. A mild-mannered collection agent receives a visit from a giant talking frog who enlists his help in saving Tokyo from destruction. The six stories in this collection come from the deep and mysterious place where the human meets the inhuman—and are further proof that Murakami is one of the most visionary writers at work today.

Reviews
Reviewed on 2/25/2025
I'm a sucker for audiobooks read by the author and this is one of them. Trevor Noah is a skilled comedian and his stories of his growing up in South Africa are genuinely hilarious. It's like listening to a book-length stand up show.
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Frequently Asked Questions
'Born a Crime' is often considered more entertaining due to its humorous storytelling and the engaging performance by Trevor Noah, who reads the audiobook himself. The book is filled with funny anecdotes from his childhood in South Africa, making it a light-hearted listen. In contrast, 'After the Quake' features a collection of surreal and thought-provoking stories that delve into deeper themes, which may not appeal to those looking for pure entertainment. Therefore, if you prefer humor and a comedic narrative, 'Born a Crime' is likely the better choice.
'Born a Crime' provides a highly personal experience as it is a memoir detailing Trevor Noah's life and experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa. The author's narration adds an intimate touch, allowing listeners to connect with his stories on a personal level. On the other hand, 'After the Quake' consists of fictional stories that, while imaginative and profound, do not offer the same level of personal insight into the author's life. Thus, for those seeking a personal narrative, 'Born a Crime' is the more suitable option.
'Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood' is Trevor Noah’s autobiography that recounts his early years growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid. The book explores themes of race, identity, and resilience, focusing on his relationship with his mother and the challenges they faced due to the apartheid laws that deemed his very existence a crime.
Trevor Noah is a South African comedian, television host, and political commentator, best known for hosting 'The Daily Show' on Comedy Central. He gained international fame for his insightful and humorous takes on current events, and his autobiography 'Born a Crime' has been widely praised for its storytelling and humor.
Pros of 'Born a Crime' include that it is read by Trevor Noah himself, making it an engaging audiobook experience. Many listeners find it funny and appreciate its easy listening quality. There are currently no cons listed for the book.
'Born a Crime' has an engaging and warm ambiance, as Trevor Noah uses humor to navigate serious topics. His storytelling style creates a relatable and entertaining atmosphere, making listeners feel as though they are part of his journey.
Readers have praised 'Born a Crime' for its humor and authenticity. Many enjoy listening to the audiobook version, especially since it is narrated by Trevor Noah himself, which adds a personal touch to the stories he shares about his childhood in South Africa.
'After the Quake' is a collection of six short stories by Haruki Murakami. The stories revolve around characters dealing with the aftermath of the Kobe earthquake. An electronics salesman who has been deserted by his wife agrees to deliver an enigmatic package; a man who believes he is the son of God pursues a stranger who may be his human father; and a mild-mannered collection agent receives a visit from a giant talking frog who enlists his help in saving Tokyo from destruction. These stories explore the deep and mysterious intersection of the human and the inhuman.
'After the Quake' is authored by Haruki Murakami, a renowned Japanese writer known for his unique blend of surrealism, magical realism, and contemporary themes. He is one of the most visionary writers at work today.
The main themes in 'After the Quake' include human vulnerability, the impact of natural disasters, existentialism, and the intersection between the human and the inhuman. Murakami explores how these events shape the characters' lives and their perceptions of reality.
'After the Quake' belongs to the genres of literary fiction and magical realism. The stories often contain surreal and fantastical elements that blur the lines between reality and imagination.