It is about a Boy from the streets of a Ghetto in South Africa. It is about Trevor Noah- the boy who never really belonged anywhere. Under apartheid legislation, Noah’s mother was classified as Black, and his father was classified as White. Noah himself was classified as Coloured. In those times, Noah’s mere existence was a crime, punishable by death. But then the boy realized that life isn’t really about fitting in but making life fit you!

        This memoir is a light-hearted version of a boy’s gloomy childhood, but as the story progresses, the harsh and melancholic reality and the subtle yet deep poignancy slowly bleeds into the pages. Life wasn’t exactly easy, but when it dealt him lemons, he went on and made a pretty terrific lemonade. And what made it possible? It was a strong mother who made it her life’s mission to not just feed his body but also his mind and soul. She taught him many languages because, even then, she realized that it opened doors for him. She didn’t spend on delicacies and instead what little money she had, she used it to buy him books -a lot of books. Even before the abolition of Apartheid, when it was unthought-of, she made sure that her son didn’t feel the limitations that she had had as a child. She gave him wings when they didn’t even know that flying might be an option. She made sure that he was a free-thinking, warm-hearted human first; a gentleman second; and a son third. Hats off to the woman who gave her child the right order of priorities.

                 Nobody did him any favours. He, by his own volition, realized that sustenance is not the only reason for living, just surviving is not thriving, and merely existing isn’t life’s biggest achievement. He wanted something bigger and better out of life, and he had the courage to pick himself up, extricate himself from the reality that was pulling him under and went for the stars.

              Life threw at him a lot of curveballs. But, the sense of confidence, morality and humanity his mother had instilled in him has made him who he is now- a dignified, successful and adored stand-up comedian and television host. It is one of life’s irony that the ones that experienced the utmost despair are the ones capable of the most uproarious humour.

        Noah was named one of “The 35 Most Powerful People in New York Media” by the Hollywood Reporter in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He is undoubtedly an inspiration and a living example reminding every one of us that we are not defined by our race, demography or economic status. It is who we have the courage to be!!! This book is a must-read for everyone who wants to become someone.