1.   Did you know who Trevor Noah was before reading his memoir? If yes, what did you expect from the book? Did the book live up to your expectations, or not?

2.   Noah begins the book about being thrown from a moving car. Why do you think he chose to begin his narrative with this anecdote?

3.   Noah describes apartheid as “institutional racism.” How much did you know about apartheid before reading this book? Were there any details that surprised you?

4.   Although Noah’s parents’ relationship was against the law and could have induced violence if discovered, his mother always made sure that Noah knew he was loved and wanted, even though he lost contact with his father for many years. How do you think this knowledge affected Noah growing up, and in his mother’s insistence that he reconnect with his father?

5.   Noah’s mother is a strong woman who taught her son to respect women, and yet she ended up marrying a man who physically abused her, Noah, and his younger brother. Discuss these contradictions, and the effect they had on young Noah.

6.   Patricia’s faith is also an extremely important aspect of the book–her faith was strong and unwavering, even in the face of great adversity. Noah tended to doubt a bit more. Discuss the effects of Patricia’s faith, and how Noah struggled with it.

7.   Despite Noah’s pain seeing his mother in an abusive marriage, discuss the effect that she has on him. He writes, “My mother showed me what was possible”–what did she show him? What advice of hers does he take to heart? How does it impact his growth?

8. Noah speaks multiple languages–discuss how his knowledge of language affects his view of culture and helps him move between worlds .