Born a Crime by Trevor Noah vs. Outlive By Peter Attia
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...
Outlive By Peter Attia
Modern healthcare is often reactive. This is part of the reason why preventative medicine is so key.

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 the author, Trevor Noah. The book is filled with funny anecdotes from his childhood in South Africa, making it feel like a stand-up comedy show. In contrast, 'Outlive' focuses on serious topics related to preventative medicine and longevity, which may not appeal to those looking for entertainment. Therefore, if you're seeking humor and entertainment, 'Born a Crime' is likely the better choice.
'Born a Crime' provides a wealth of personal insights through Trevor Noah's experiences growing up in a racially divided South Africa. His storytelling is deeply personal and often reflective, allowing readers to connect with his journey. On the other hand, 'Outlive' is more focused on scientific concepts and preventative healthcare strategies, which may lack the personal narrative aspect found in Noah's work. Thus, for personal insights, 'Born a Crime' is the stronger option.
The audiobook of 'Born a Crime' is highly praised because it is narrated by Trevor Noah himself, adding an extra layer of authenticity and engagement to the listening experience. His comedic timing and delivery enhance the humor of the stories. In contrast, 'Outlive' is typically read in a more traditional format, focusing on informative content rather than entertainment. If you prefer an engaging and humorous experience, the audiobook of 'Born a Crime' would be the better choice.
'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.
'Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity' by Peter Attia focuses on the importance of preventative medicine over reactive healthcare. The book delves into strategies and scientific principles that can help extend human life and improve health span.
Peter Attia is a physician specializing in the applied science of longevity. He is known for his work in preventative medicine and has a background in surgery, as well as expertise in nutritional biochemistry.
The main themes of 'Outlive' include the importance of preventative medicine, strategies to extend life span, and scientific principles to improve overall health. The book aims to shift focus from reactive healthcare to proactive measures that can enhance longevity and wellness.