Review: Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was vaguely familiar with Trevor Noah, occasionally coming across his show in Netflix. I also stumbled upon the book numerous times, but besides a glance, I didn't engage with it. Until, I decided to listen to the book, which is narrated by Trevor himself. And I was hooked. Born a crime is tale of Trevor's childhood, his struggles as the son of a struggling single mother, as a colored child who didn't really fit anywhere, in the apartheid era of South Africa. What I appreciate the most about the book is that it is also a first hand account of what the apartheid was all about and how that system worked. The story, in parts is also a biographical account of Patricia Noah, who should be a celebrity of some sorts given how much she has endured without a trace of bitterness or self-pity in her personality, according to her son. I am looking forward to this artist's future works, be it books or stand-up acts.

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Review: Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

David Goggins could not have chosen a better title for his book. This is the tale of a man who turned his life around to become a Navy SEAL and a world-class endurance athlete. Considering all his feats, he comes as a superhuman. His story is inspirational as well as cautionary. The level at which he operates, the pain he subjected himself to and his drive are definitely inspirational. The way he ignored his body's warning signs at times is cautionary. The liberal use of swear words in the book also does not make the writing elegant. However, I don't think that's what the author had in mind. The book is hard hitting and honest. This is guy is no b*********r. It gave me a new perspective on pain, and its role in our life. The wisdom Goggins espouses in this book is product of his first hand experiences. At the end of the day, I would count this as one of the better books I have read.

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