Comedian, author, and former The Daily Show host Trevor Noah has built a global reputation not just for his humor, but for his intelligence, perspective, and storytelling ability. Over the past decade, Noah has gone from a rising comedian in South Africa to one of the most recognizable voices in global entertainment.
What makes Noah stand out isn’t just his delivery, it’s the depth behind it. His comedy is layered with history, politics, culture, and personal experience. And if you’ve ever watched his stand-up or read his memoir Born a Crime, you already know that his worldview is shaped by a wide range of influences.
That influence becomes even clearer when you look at Trevor Noah’s favorite books.
This reading list is as diverse as his comedy. It spans continents, genres, and generations, featuring everything from philosophical classics to deeply personal memoirs and powerful historical accounts. These are not just great books, they are books that help explain how Noah sees the world.
Let’s take a closer look at the 10 books that made Trevor Noah’s list and why they matter.
Trevor Noah’s 10 Favorite Books
- The Wonderful Story of Henrey Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
- My Taritor’s Heart by Rian Malan
- To Quote Myself: A Memior by Khaya Dlanga
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
- Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life by Steve Martin
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
- Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
- But What If We’re Wrong by Chuck Klosterman
- Native Life in South Africa by Sol Plaatje
1. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl is often associated with children’s literature, but this collection shows a darker, more philosophical side of his writing. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More explores themes like greed, transformation, and self-discovery.
For someone like Trevor Noah, who blends humor with deeper meaning, Dahl’s storytelling style makes perfect sense. These stories are imaginative but grounded in human nature, something Noah excels at in his comedy.
2. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Few books have had the universal impact of The Little Prince. This short yet profound novel explores love, loneliness, and the loss of innocence through the eyes of a child.
Its philosophical tone and emotional depth align closely with Noah’s ability to approach serious topics with simplicity and clarity. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful truths are the easiest to overlook.
3. My Traitor’s Heart by Rian Malan
This deeply personal and complex memoir examines South Africa’s apartheid era through the lens of identity and morality. Rian Malan doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, making this a challenging but essential read.
For Trevor Noah, who grew up during apartheid, this book likely resonates on a deeply personal level. It reflects the kind of nuanced thinking and historical awareness that often appears in his commentary.
4. To Quote Myself: A Memoir by Khaya Dlanga
Khaya Dlanga’s memoir is witty, honest, and insightful. It captures the realities of growing up in South Africa while blending humor with sharp observations about society.
This choice highlights Noah’s appreciation for voices that balance humor with truth. Dlanga’s storytelling mirrors the kind of tone Noah himself uses, light on the surface but meaningful underneath.
5. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Homegoing is a sweeping, multi-generational novel that traces the legacy of slavery through two family lines, one in Africa and one in America.
This is one of the most powerful modern novels about history’s long shadow. Noah’s inclusion of this book reflects his awareness of how deeply interconnected global histories are. It’s a story about identity, displacement, and the lasting effects of the past.
6. Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life by Steve Martin
Steve Martin’s memoir offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a comedian, something Noah understands firsthand. It’s not just about success, but about the grind, discipline, and evolution required to make it in comedy.
This pick is especially telling. It shows Noah’s respect for the craft of comedy and the people who paved the way before him.
7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
It’s no surprise to see Harry Potter on this list. The series has influenced millions of readers around the world, offering themes of friendship, courage, and identity.
For Noah, who often talks about belonging and identity, this story likely holds personal meaning. It’s also a reminder that even the biggest global icons appreciate stories that spark imagination.
8. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela’s autobiography is one of the most important books of the modern era. It tells the story of his life, his fight against apartheid, and his vision for a united South Africa.
This book isn’t just influential, it’s foundational. For Trevor Noah, Mandela’s story represents resilience, leadership, and the power of change. It’s easy to see how this book shaped Noah’s worldview.
9. But What If We’re Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman
Chuck Klosterman’s book challenges the idea that our current beliefs are correct. It explores how future generations might look back at us and question everything we think we know.
This aligns perfectly with Noah’s style of questioning assumptions and encouraging critical thinking. It’s a book that pushes readers to stay curious and open-minded.
10. Native Life in South Africa by Sol Plaatje
This historical work provides firsthand insight into the effects of colonialism and racial segregation in South Africa. Written in the early 20th century, it remains a crucial piece of literature.
Noah’s inclusion of this book highlights his deep connection to history and his commitment to understanding the roots of modern society.
Why Trevor Noah’s Reading List Stands Out
What makes this list so compelling is its diversity, not just in authors, but in perspective.
Trevor Noah doesn’t stick to one genre or region. Instead, his reading habits reflect a global mindset. You’ll find African literature, European classics, American memoirs, and contemporary fiction all in one place.
This isn’t just a list of great books, it’s a blueprint for becoming more informed, empathetic, and thoughtful.
Many of these books explore themes like:
- Identity and belonging
- History and its lasting impact
- Humor as a tool for understanding
- Personal growth and self-awareness
- The complexity of truth
These are the same themes that show up in Noah’s comedy and writing.
How These Books Influenced Trevor Noah
If you’ve ever wondered why Trevor Noah’s comedy feels different, this list provides the answer.
He doesn’t just tell jokes, he tells stories. He connects global issues with personal experiences. He challenges perspectives while still being entertaining.
Books like Long Walk to Freedom and Native Life in South Africa give him historical depth. Memoirs like Born Standing Up shape his understanding of comedy. Novels like Homegoing expand his perspective on global narratives.
All of these influences come together to create a voice that is both unique and powerful.
Trevor Noah’s Legacy Beyond The Daily Show
Trevor Noah’s departure from The Daily Show marked the end of an era. During his time as host, he brought a fresh, global perspective to political satire.
He wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult topics, and he often approached them with nuance and empathy. That ability didn’t come out of nowhere, it was built over years of learning, reading, and observing.
As he moves on to new projects, one thing is certain: his voice will continue to evolve. And if his reading list is any indication, it will remain thoughtful, informed, and globally aware.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Read These Books
Trevor Noah’s favorite books aren’t just recommendations, they’re invitations.
They invite you to think differently. They invite you to explore new perspectives. And most importantly, they invite you to grow.
Whether you’re a fan of Noah or just looking for your next great read, this list is a fantastic place to start. It combines timeless classics with modern masterpieces, offering something for every type of reader.
Some of these books may already be on your radar. Others might be completely new. Either way, they’re all worth your time.
What Stands Out to You?
Which of these books have you read? Which ones are you adding to your reading list next?
Trevor Noah’s list is proof that great minds are shaped by great books and this is one list you don’t want to ignore. Until next time, happy reading!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook
Posts
Discover more from Books of Brilliance
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I’ve only heard of a couple of the books on the list, and I must check them out soon. Speaking of Trevor Noah, I have to say that his book Born A Crime is pretty interesting. I’m halfway through it now. Anyway, thanks for this post!