I never fully comprehended just how oppressive Apartheid was until I read this book. Trevor Noah really opened my eyes. His book is smart and insightful, honest and compelling. And I came away from it admiring both him and his fearless and amazing mother. Here's one of my favorite quotes from this book:
"We tell people to follow their dreams, but you can only dream of what you can imagine, and, depending on where you come from, your imagination can be quite limited....My mother showed me what was possible. My mom raised me as if there were no limitations on where I could go or what I could do."
Instead of focusing on the things in life he can't do because he was born without arms or legs, Rob Mendez chooses to focus on all the things he can do. It's a powerful message. I loved his honesty in this book, and his confidence, humor and positivity, too. Here's one of my favorite quotes:
"When an opportunity presents itself, you should be eager to seize it. That means not only recognizing the opportunity for what it is but also being willing to risk failure or embarrassment or any number of other negative outcomes."
These are two great nonfiction reads and I recommend them both.
Happy Reading!
Thanks for these titles, Lark. Both are the kind of books that evoke empathy and understanding. And an attitude of hope and determination?
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely a lot of hope and determination in both of these stories. :)
DeleteAmazing stories, both of them.
ReplyDeleteYes! I admire both men.
Deletehumans can be astonishingly courageous!
ReplyDeleteThey really can!
DeleteThese both sound like such powerful, uplifting reads!
ReplyDeleteThey are both good reads, and utterly unforgettable. :)
DeleteI really need to read more nonfiction. Who Says I Can't? sounds so inspiring!
ReplyDeleteIt is so good. And it's not a long book either, so it reads fast.
DeleteI've always wanted to read Noah's book. It sounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteIt was fascinating. I learned a lot about South Africa that I never knew before.
DeleteI loved Trevor Noah's memoir - the audio read by him was excellent.
ReplyDeleteOh, I bet it was! Now I wish I'd listened to the audio book instead of just reading it. :)
DeleteI've heard such good things about the Trevor Noah. It's still popular at my library, though...
ReplyDeleteIf you ever do get a chance to read it, it's a good one.
DeleteYeh, I never realized about apartheid South Africa – the need for a police state to enforce the rules mercilessly in systems based on such monstrous injustice as chattel slavery or Jim Crow – until I read a mystery called The Stream Pig. It hinges on a how person’s racial classification got changed (to their disadvantage) and how it turned their life over.
ReplyDeletehttps://majoryammerton.blogspot.com/2015/04/vintage-mystery-6_13.html
It's crazy what went on in South Africa...and for so many years! It's very hard for me to imagine, which is why I think it's important books like this one get published. Thanks for commenting. :)
DeleteI have been wanting to read Born a Crime. These both sound like amazing and inspiring reads.
ReplyDeleteBorn a Crime is so good. And you learn a lot about what life in South Africa was like during Apartheid!
DeleteTwo books with characters in difficult situations. Well worth reading!
ReplyDeleteThe way both of these men have responded to the challenges in their lives is what really impresses me.
DeleteBoth these books are so inspiring. I enjoy Trevor Noah very much, I'll have to check his book out.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very compelling and interesting read.
DeleteSound inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThey really are.
DeleteI've had the Trevor Noah book on my list forever, but the Coach Mendez book sounds fab, too.
ReplyDeleteBoth are very good. I think I liked the Trevor Noah book the best.
DeleteThey both sound inspirational. Glad to hear they were hits! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to read about people who truly do have it hard in life, but who choose not to complain or point fingers and blame others. It's refreshing.
DeleteI've only followed Trevor Noah on Youtube and it is obvious his mother was a woman of immense courage.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like an amazing person. I have great admiration for her.
DeleteTwo inspiring books! Love the book quotes.
ReplyDeleteIt was easy to find good quotes in both of these books. :)
DeleteI haven't read either of those but good to know they are good.
ReplyDeleteThey really are.
DeleteThanks for sharing, both of the quotes are great!
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to like about both of these books. :)
DeleteThese both sound great. I'm going to try to read more nonfiction titles this year so I'll have to add both to my list.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to read more nonfiction this year, too. I have a list of books...it's just fitting them into my reading plans.
DeleteI've heard that the audiobook of Born a Crime by Trevor Noah is good.
ReplyDeleteI bet the audio version would be awesome to listen to.
DeleteWho says I can't? looks to be a powerful book. The premise reminded me of those questions from James Allen: "Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?" I wish I had that kind of determination!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had that kind of determination and grit, too!
DeleteLove the first one.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great book.
DeleteI don’t think I’ve read a review of Trevor Noah’s book — he seems like such a talented person.
ReplyDeleteHe is very talented. And his book is so good! All the stuff he went through growing up was so interesting, and eye-opening.
DeleteHi Lark, I too must read more nonfiction and I like memoirs. Trevor Noah and Coach Rob Mendez faced difficult challenges growing up but they persevered. They have alot to teach us.
ReplyDeleteI really admired their positive attitudes, and their belief that they could go for their dreams and tackle hard things. I need to be more like that in my own life. :)
DeleteThe Noah book seems wonderful. I still need to get to it .... but I'm glad it's eye-opening. The audio with the author reading it might be good!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely read Trevor Noah's book...and I've heard such good things about the audio version I wish I'd listened to it instead of reading it myself.
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