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Are you searching for books like 'Born a Crime'? Best known as the host of The Daily Show and stand-up comedy, Trevor Noah brings his signature wit and insight to his memoir, weaving humor into deep themes of racism, identity, and resilience.
If 'Born a Crime' is one of your favorite books, and you want to read more like it, you’re in the right place. Below are 13 book recommendations, including The New York Times bestsellers, that explore themes of resilience, identity, and systemic oppression Black people faced during Apartheid.
From Malala Yousafzai's fight for education to Michelle Obama's journey to the White House, these books capture the same spirit that makes 'Born a Crime' unforgettable. Want to absorb these powerful stories faster?
Download Headway for 15-minute summaries that deliver key insights from world-changing memoirs, helping you grow smarter every day.
Quick guide to books like 'Born a Crime':
'I Am Malala' by Malala Yousafzai — fights against oppression through education.
'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot — reveals overlooked contributions and medical ethics.
'Educated' by Tara Westover — showcases the transformative power of learning against all odds.
'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi — explores life, mortality, and finding meaning.
'Becoming' by Michelle Obama — chronicles personal growth and empowerment in public life.
Read on for the full list of books!
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Try now13 best books similar to 'Born a Crime'
If a nonfiction book like 'Born a Crime' resonates with you, you'll find these thought-provoking memoirs and narratives equally impactful. Many of the books recommended here are based on a true story, sharing themes of resilience, identity, and overcoming challenges, much like Noah’s experiences.
This extensive booklist reflects these themes, each with a summary and similarities to guide you in finding your next great read. Dive into these stories that resonate with the deep feelings found in Noah's memoir!
1. 'I Am Malala' by Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai's memoir, 'I Am Malala,' tells the inspiring story of her fight for education in the face of Taliban oppression. The narrative highlights her courage and determination as she stands up against systemic challenges.
Malala's advocacy for education underscores its transformative power in challenging oppressive systems.
Similarities between the books:
Both highlight the courage needed to face systemic oppression.
They stress the importance of education and resilience.
Both use personal experiences to reveal broader societal truths.
2. 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot
'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' explores the story of an African American woman whose cells were taken by scientists for testing without her knowledge in 1951.
These tests led to significant medical breakthroughs. The narrative delves into the systemic racism that overlooked her contributions and the ethical issues surrounding consent in medical research.
Similarities between the books:
Both books delve into the lasting effects of segregation and systemic racism, offering powerful stories of individuals overcoming societal barriers.
They delve into ethical dilemmas and identity.
The books’ stories highlight the overlooked contributions of marginalized people.
3. 'Educated' by Tara Westover
'Educated' follows Tara Westover's life growing up with survivalist parents in Idaho and her determination to pursue education against the odds. The memoir illustrates her journey from an isolated upbringing to achieving academic success, showcasing education’s transformative power.
Similarities between the books:
Both stress the transformative power of education.
They chronicle journeys from adversity to success.
The stories reflect family dynamics and beliefs.
4. 'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi
Paul Kalanithi's 'When Breath Becomes Air' is a poignant memoir capturing his journey as a neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer. The narrative explores profound themes of life, death, and the search for meaning in the face of mortality, offering deep insights into the human experience.
Similarities between the books:
Both offer profound insights into the human experience.
They delve into adversity and identity.
The stories consider personal and societal challenges.
5. 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama
In 'Becoming,' Michelle Obama shares her life's journey, focusing on her personal growth and experiences as First Lady of the United States. Her narrative addresses themes of identity, empowerment, and the challenges faced in public life, offering a compelling story of self-discovery and resilience.
Similarities between the books:
Both highlight personal growth and empowerment.
They delve into identity and resilience.
The stories explore overcoming adversity and public challenges.
6. 'Crying in H Mart' by Michelle Zauner
'Crying in H Mart' delves into the complexities of cultural identity as Michelle Zauner navigates her Korean American heritage. The memoir reflects on the challenges of blending two cultures and the sense of belonging that comes with it. Zauner's experiences reveal the intimate relationship between food and cultural identity.
Similarities between the books:
Both delve into cultural identity and heritage.
They stress family bonds and cultural traditions.
The stories explore personal loss and its impact on identity.
Crying in H Mart
7. 'The Glass Castle' by Jeanette Walls
'The Glass Castle' is a compelling memoir detailing Jeanette Walls' challenging childhood with mentally ill parents and the impact on her mental health and mental illness. Despite her tumultuous upbringing, Walls' journey to success highlights the resilience of the human spirit.
Similarities between the books:
Both detail challenging childhoods and resilience.
They delve into complex family relationships.
The stories consider overcoming adversity and achieving success.
The Glass Castle
8. 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee
'Pachinko' is a multigenerational novel telling the story of Sunja, a young woman navigating life in Japanese-occupied Korea. The book explores identity and resilience in the face of systemic oppression.
Similarities between the books:
Both explore identity amid systemic oppression.
They spotlight stories of resilience.
The themes highlight cultural heritage and generational struggles.
Pachinko
9. 'The Sympathizer' by Viet Thanh Nguyen
'The Sympathizer' is a gripping narrative about a half-Vietnamese, half-French communist spy during the Vietnam War. The novel intertwines personal identity with historical and political contexts, exploring the complexities of mixed-race identity.
Similarities between the books:
Both delve into mixed-race identity.
They consider individual and societal challenges.
The themes weave personal experiences with historical events.
The Sympathizer
10. 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong's 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' delves into themes of identity, exploring the author's Vietnamese heritage amid the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The narrative is crafted as a letter from a son to his mother, weaving personal and historical trauma into a rich, poetic framework.
Similarities between the books:
Both address systemic oppression and identity complexity.
They delve into personal and cultural trauma.
The stories offer profound insights into identity and resilience.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
11. 'Heavy: An American Memoir' by Kiese Laymon
In 'Heavy: An American Memoir,' Kiese Laymon offers a candid exploration of his own life, reflecting on the complexities of identity and societal pressures. The memoir highlights resilience and the strength required to confront personal and societal struggles.
Similarities between the books:
Both memoirs confront the lasting effects of systemic racism and inequality on personal identity.
Both authors share deeply vulnerable reflections on navigating trauma and societal expectations.
Both stories highlight the pivotal role of family, especially mothers, in shaping resilience.
12. 'Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China' by Jung Chang
'Wild Swans' narrates the lives of three generations of women in China, exploring their personal histories against a backdrop of significant societal changes. The memoir illustrates the resilience of women who faced immense hardships through political upheaval, cultural revolutions, and personal struggles.
Similarities between the books:
Both delve into generational resilience and societal challenges.
They spotlight personal and political narratives.
The themes consider courage and determination amid oppression.
Wild Swans
13. 'Between the World and Me' by Ta-Nehisi Coates
'Between the World and Me' examines the harsh realities and enduring legacy of systemic racism in America. Coates discusses his experiences and vulnerabilities as a Black individual, reflecting on the struggle against systemic injustice.
Similarities between the books:
Both tackle systemic racism and personal identity.
They probe into societal challenges and personal resilience.
The stories offer profound insights into the human experience.
Between the World and Me
What is 'Born a Crime' about?
Trevor Noah's riveting biography joins the ranks of influential memoirs by leaders like Barack Obama. It provides a candid look at his South African childhood, revealing the harsh realities of growing up mixed-race under the oppressive Apartheid regime.
As a young man growing up in South Africa, Trevor Noah faced unique challenges, with his very existence considered illegal due to his heritage and his parents' different racial backgrounds.
Through funny and touching stories, Noah's memoir captures a compelling coming-of-age journey, addressing serious issues like racism, identity, and personal struggles in a profoundly relatable way.
He emphasizes the critical role of his mother, Patricia, and explores themes of family, resilience, and adapting to different cultures.
Continue your reading journey — Get Headway for more stories like 'Born a Crime'!
The 13 books on this list share the same powerful combination that makes 'Born a Crime' unforgettable: resilience, identity, and the courage to confront injustice. From Malala's fight for education to Ta-Nehisi Coates' examination of systemic racism, these memoirs offer profound insights into the human experience.
Ready to explore these transformative stories but short on time? Headway delivers the most valuable insights from world-changing nonfiction in bite-sized formats tailored to your pace. It's a great tool for discovering more books like 'Born a Crime.'
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Frequently asked questions about books like 'Born a Crime'
What themes do these recommended books share with 'Born a Crime'?
Many of our recommended books resonate with young adult and adult readers, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and overcoming adversity. These shared themes highlight universal human experiences and help readers understand diverse perspectives on navigating societal challenges and finding one's place in the world.
Are these books all memoirs?
Not all these books are memoirs; the list includes both powerful memoirs and compelling novels. While most recommendations are nonfiction accounts like 'Educated' and 'Becoming,' some are fictional works such as 'Pachinko' and 'The Sympathizer' that explore similar themes through rich storytelling and character development.
Can I find these books on Headway?
Yes, you can find summaries of many popular books, including those similar to 'Born a Crime,' on Headway. The app's extensive library features hundreds of nonfiction titles, allowing you to explore key insights from these powerful memoirs before committing to the full read or while building your knowledge base.
Why should I use Headway?
Using Headway allows you to learn and stay informed efficiently with concise summaries and audio options, making it ideal for busy individuals. The app streamlines your learning journey, helping you absorb transformative ideas from world-changing books in just 15 minutes, whether you're commuting, exercising, or taking a lunch break.
How does Headway enhance the reading experience?
Headway improves your reading by offering cross-device synchronization, themed collections curated by experts, and text highlighting to review later. These capabilities provide you with a personal and convenient method to engage with reading. You can resume your reading on any device by simply adding the book, while also tracking your progression toward learning objectives.
