Confessions of an Advertising Man vs. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Confessions of an Advertising Man
David Ogilvy was considered the "father of advertising" and a creative genius by many of the biggest global brands. First published in 1963, this seminal book revolutionized the world of advertising and became a bible for the 1960s ad generation. It also became an international bestseller, translated into 14 languages. Fizzing with Ogilvy's pioneering ideas and inspirational philosophy, it covers not only advertising, but also people management, corporate ethics, and office politics, and forms an essential blueprint for good practice in business.
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...


Reviews
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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Advertising Bible | 1 |
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Read by Trevor Noah | 1 | |
Funny | 1 | |
Easy listen | 1 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
'Confessions of an Advertising Man' by David Ogilvy is a foundational text in advertising that provides insights into effective communication strategies within the context of marketing and business. It covers various aspects of advertising, people management, and corporate ethics, making it a comprehensive guide for professionals in the field. In contrast, 'Born a Crime' by Trevor Noah, while humorous and engaging, focuses more on personal storytelling and cultural commentary rather than professional communication techniques. Therefore, if your goal is to learn about effective communication in a business context, 'Confessions of an Advertising Man' would be the better choice.
'Born a Crime' by Trevor Noah is designed to be an entertaining read, filled with humor and personal anecdotes from his life in South Africa. The audiobook, read by Noah himself, adds to the experience with his comedic timing and storytelling ability. On the other hand, 'Confessions of an Advertising Man' is more of a serious guide to advertising principles and may not provide the same level of entertainment. Therefore, for pure entertainment value, 'Born a Crime' is likely the better option.
'Born a Crime' is highly relatable for many readers due to its focus on personal experiences and the challenges of growing up in a complex socio-political environment. Trevor Noah's storytelling resonates with a wide audience, making it accessible and engaging. In contrast, 'Confessions of an Advertising Man' is more specialized, focusing on the advertising industry and may not resonate with those outside of that field. Thus, for general relatability, 'Born a Crime' is likely to appeal to a broader audience.
'Confessions of an Advertising Man' is a seminal book written by David Ogilvy, widely regarded as the 'father of advertising.' First published in 1963, the book revolutionized the advertising world and became a bible for the 1960s ad generation. It covers a wide range of topics including advertising, people management, corporate ethics, and office politics, and serves as an essential blueprint for good practice in business.
The pros of 'Confessions of an Advertising Man' include its status as an 'Advertising Bible,' offering pioneering ideas and an inspirational philosophy that has influenced many in the advertising industry. No cons have been listed by users so far.
David Ogilvy is considered the 'father of advertising' and a creative genius by many of the biggest global brands. He revolutionized the advertising industry with his pioneering ideas and inspirational philosophy, which he detailed in his seminal book, 'Confessions of an Advertising Man.'
'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.