Trevor Noah's 7 favorite works that explore life's challenges
The former host of The Daily Show recommends works by Miranda July, Percival Everett, and more

- 'The Message' by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- 'What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures' by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
- 'All Fours' by Miranda July
- 'Martyr!' by Kaveh Akbar
- 'Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me)?' by Jay Ellis
- 'Catalina' by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
- 'James' by Percival Everett
When you make a purchase using links on our site, The Week may earn a commission. All reviews are written independently by our editorial team.
Trevor Noah's new book, "Into the Uncut Grass," is an illustrated fable about a child's journey beyond the security of home. Below, the former host of The Daily Show and the best-selling author of the memoir "Born a Crime" names his favorite books of 2024.
'The Message' by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The return of one of America's best writers to nonfiction, seven years after the publication of his 2017 collection "We Were Eight Years in Power," makes the publication of this book an unmissable literary event. Buy it here.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
'What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures' by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Johnson is perhaps the most famous climate scientist in the world, and in her new book she brings together a range of experts to explore possible solutions to the climate-change crisis. "What If We Get It Right?" is a book full of joy, justice, and love for the future. Buy it here.
'All Fours' by Miranda July
Quirky and smart, July's second novel tells the story of a married middle-aged woman who throws herself into an affair with a younger man. It's about how we find the lives — and romantic constructs — that serve us, and it has been shortlisted for fiction's National Book Award. Buy it here.
'Martyr!' by Kaveh Akbar
Another of the current National Book Award finalists, this debut novel from poet Kaveh Akbar unfolds a hard-to-describe but totally original story about displacement, history, and family secrets. A brilliant voice and unlike anything out there. Buy it here.
'Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me)?' by Jay Ellis
A unique coming-of-age story from the actor, whose imaginary friend helped him survive a rocky childhood. Buy it here.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
'Catalina' by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
This exceptional novel from the author of "The Undocumented Americans" follows an undocumented immigrant during her senior year at Harvard. It's about how we navigate a world of difference — a world that might not seem to have a place for us. It's also funny and raw and wise. Buy it here.
'James' by Percival Everett
Probably the best novel of the year, by a writer who is finally getting his due. Another National Book Award finalist, it retells Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" from the perspective of Jim, and it's unforgettable — subversive, but also genuinely entertaining. Buy it here.
This article was first published in the latest issue of The Week magazine. If you want to read more like it, you can try six risk-free issues of the magazine here.
-
Why ‘anti-Islam’ bikers are guarding Gaza aid sites
In The Spotlight Members of Infidels MC, who regard themselves as modern Crusaders, among private security guards at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites
-
China: Xi seeks to fill America’s void
Feature Trump’s tariffs are pushing nations eastward as Xi Jinping focuses on strengthening ties with global leaders
-
Rebrands: Bringing back the War Department
Feature Trump revives the Department of Defense’s former name
-
A tour of Sri Lanka’s beautiful north
The Week Recommends ‘Less frenetic’ than the south, this region is full of beautiful wildlife, historical sites and resorts
-
Giorgio Armani obituary: designer revolutionised the business of fashion
In the Spotlight ‘King Giorgio’ came from humble beginnings to become a titan of the fashion industry and redefine 20th century clothing
-
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale – a ‘comfort’ watch for fans
The Week Recommends The final film of the franchise gives viewers a chance to say goodbye
-
The Paper: new show, same 'warmth and goofiness'
The Week Recommends This spin-off of the American version of The Office is ‘comfortingly and wearyingly familiar’
-
Rachel Jones: Gated Canyons – ‘riotously colourful’ works from an ‘exhilarating’ painter
The Week Recommends The 34-year-old is the first artist to take over Dulwich Picture Gallery’s main space
-
Born With Teeth: ‘mischievously provocative’ play starring Ncuti Gatwa
The Week Recommends ‘Sprightly’ production from Liz Duffy Adams imagines the relationship between Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe
-
Art review: Lorna Simpson: Source Notes
Feature Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, through Nov. 2
-
Jessica Francis Kane's 6 favorite books that prove less is more
Feature The author recommends works by Penelope Fitzgerald, Marie-Helene Bertino, and more