Very funny and timely! Highly enjoyed the astute and hilarious observations and Garg’s voice. Will be recommending to friends and colleagues.

I've seen clips of Zarna Garg's comedy and she's a very funny lady. I had no idea that she's led a fascinating life. Born into a wealthy but complicated family, Zarna is stifled by the expectations thrust upon her. After her mother's death she runs away from her father's home when he announces she will be married. After years of homelessness she is able to join her sister in America.

Zarna's memoir is both hilarious and emotional. She definitely has a singular voice.

I both read and listened to this memoir, and she made me laugh out loud as well as collapse in tears even as I heard the tears in her own eyes. This was not a professional narrator, but it was Zarna Garg telling her own story. I knew nothing about her before this book crossed my radar, so I have not seen any of her stand-up routines. But she is an excellent storyteller, and yes, she is very funny, in part because she tells it like it is, but also because you don't expect a short, middle-aged Indian woman to easily drop F-bombs in her story. Not that her story is full of them. But they are perfectly and effectively placed.

What I loved about this memoir was hearing her story of growing up in a very wealthy family with a very controlling and chauvinistic father who was largely protected by her older brother, who was the favorite son (until he wasn't). When she turned 14, her mother died from hepatitis, and her father decided he was done with her and was going to an arrange a marriage for her so he could live life as a bachelor again. For those you whose jaw may be dropping, in his defense, it was the norm for girls to be married at that age, especially if you were wealthy or had a good family name, because it was common for girls to be used as pawns to forge alliances with one family or another. In fact, there were many people, women and men, who asked her why she was making it so hard for herself when all she had to do was agree to marry a boy, likely from a good family, who could provide for her and her children very well. Love is something that might happen over time if you're lucky, but it's certainly not part of the equation when the marriages are arranged.

But, as Zarna said, she has a big mouth, and if she were to agree to the marriage, she would have to forever silence her big mouth. So, she balked and was essentially homeless for the better part of 2 years. I loved learning about the culture shock as she eventually moved to America, as well as the good and bad of both cultures she has lived.

I could write more, but I think you should really hear the story from her mouth, and yes, even if she's not a professional narrator, hearing the emotions in her voice makes this story very raw and real, and you can't help but cheer her on.

I would highly recommend this memoir, even if you have never heard of her.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Truly a "One in a Billion Memoir!" I was cheering for Zarna from the very first words. This book is filled with heartbreak, determination and self belief. What a fabulous role model! Thanks #NetGalley #BallantineBooks

5 Stars

This is an amazing memoir. It was so heartfelt and emotional in all the right ways. Hearing her story touched me so much I had to immediately follow her on social media. Her and her family are so funny. Such a good read.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read this book

Zarna Garg's memoir is a vibrant, laugh-out-loud journey of resilience, rebellion, and reinvention. Garg brings humor and heart to every chapter. Her unique perspective as an immigrant and midlife trailblazer makes this both inspiring and entertaining. This is an empowering read that proves it's never too late to start over and shine!
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book!

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I'm going to be honest, I did not know who Zarna Garg was prior to reading this book. But I have now gone to social media to see her videos and she cracks me up. I already have the audiobook requested from my library because Zarna is the narrator.

This book made ma laugh, cry, and then laugh again.

This memoir was not what I expected from everybody's favorite aunty comedian Zarna Garg. I was thinking the book was going to be more anecdotal with lots of comedic elements but this was actually quite serious and poignant. Her memoir really takes us back to her roots - the story of how she amassed her huge success is such an inspiration to many, especially to mothers who are finding themselves after raising children. I am glad she didn't use humor to distract from the emotional rollercoaster that was her life - it made her story more authentic.

I wish when she describes her feelings about India she made it specific to the area she grew up in. It was clear to me she was talking about her own state but if someone not familiar with India read her book, I feel like they would think India is backward and too conservative. While it might be true in some areas, it is not generalized to the whole country. It's also funny how much of a feminist she is but her comedic material is so stereotypical Indian.

With that being said, I really enjoyed this book! I think she is a great writer with a thought provoking and emotional story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a fan of memoirs and books about the Indian diaspora, so this was right up my alley. Heartwarming, funny, and at times, self-deprecating, This American Woman is inspiring. I am not familiar with Zarna Garg, but will look at her videos. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This American Woman is Zarna's journey from a kid in Mumbai to a successful comedian in the US. However, it's a much complicated story than that, with her homeless wanders on the streets of Mumbai, and her struggle to find herself after being a stay-at-home mom for years.

I have laughed and cried so many times throughout the book. Her honest and heartfelt writing is such a pleasure to read. Especially how she described her relationships with her family, some are tough, some are supportive, and all of them tug on our heartstrings.

I highly recommend this book! Even if you haven't seen Zarna's comedy (which you should, by the way!), it is a enjoyable ready through and through.

I love Zarna Garg and I adored reading her story! Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!

“This American Woman”is a cheerful story of fighting for your right to determine your own destiny and triumphing beyond what you ever dreamed was possible. Zarna's mantra becomes a call to action: It's never too late. If Zarna can do it, you can, too.

I’m not going into detail of details about her life as I think it is a book that deserves to be read. It is a memoir that I enjoyed reading. I admire her story for fighting for the life she wanted. It’s an uplifting memoir for me. I found myself laughing. I have a friend that would enjoy this book so I’m going to buy it and mail it to her.

Zarna is an absolute legend! I’ve always loved her comedy, her down to earth nature, but this book revealed to the world the fight she has and I’m a forever fan now

I think that this would’ve been better as an audiobook because it had a very strong voice. In print that came off as a little flat. I guess it makes sense because she’s a comedian. What sounds good spoken often is a little choppy when written and this book suffered from that. She did have an interesting story to tell and I enjoyed it. She was very charismatic.

This memoir/biography reads like a novel. Rough going for Zarna's life, but it made for good reading. The first half had really good flow. The last half seemed to be pieced together, but that's where we brought in a husband and kids and many different life changes. The last half was a bit slower going but frenetic at the same time. Again with life. I hadn't heard of Zarna before this book, so reading it was kind of like finding a new friend.

I did not know anything of Zarna Garg before reading this book, and I will now be seeking out some of her comedy to experience. This memoir is funny, heartfelt, warm, and engrossing. It will definitely make you think about the paths we take in life, what we will do to survive when we have to, and what success means to each of us.

This book was sent to me to preview, and I'll admit that I had never heard of Zarna and went in totally blind. I was surprised by this book in all the best ways; it was sad, hopeful, moving, warm, and laugh-out-loud funny.

At age 14, Zarna escaped an arranged marriage and turned her world upside down, surviving from the kindness of others until she was able to escape to America and pursue the American dream. Zarna provides an eye-opening look at Indian culture and details the struggles of living between two worlds- Indian and American cultures.

For me, the most touching part of her story came when she considered pursuing a stand-up career but thought that she was too old or that she wouldn't succeed. Hearing this, her daughter launches into action in a campaign to encourage her mother. It's one of a handful of chapters that is not told by Zarna, and it left me in tears. Sometimes, the exact message you need to hear is delivered by the exact person from whom you need to hear it, and this was one of those moments. The audiobook further elevated this moment.

This is one of the best memoirs I've read in a long time because it introduced me to new perspectives and left me feeling like I'd spent some time walking in another person's shoes. I could feel every bit of Zarna's story, from the peaks to the valleys. It was so well-rounded and deeply personal. Definitely recommend for any of Zarna's established fans, but after reading this book, EVERYONE will be cheering her on!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.

Zarna's Garg's, This American Woman, is entertaining, hopeful, and humorous. I don't read a lot of memoirs, but this one pulled me right in. I was most interested in her life in India. I love reading about other cultures and seeing how people grew up differently than me. Zarna's life couldn't have been more different. She is truly inspirational. Her story shows that true grit, humor, and a lot of hard work will take you places in life.

I love watching her Tik Tok videos now. I had never heard of her until I read her book, but now I am a big fan. I love seeing her comedy shows, especially the ones she included in her book. I hope this book has a lot of success because Zarna deserves it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Zarna Garg for sharing a free copy of this book with me. This is my honest opinion.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t know Zarna Garg before I read her memoir. After reading this, I am so incredibly inspired by this force of nature that is Zarna! This book had me in absolute stitches one moment, and crying the next. Zarna had overcome so much just to prove that she doesn’t have to live the life that was expected of her. She is so strong, so brave, and so. Freaking. Funny. 10/10 recommend.

Zara Garg’s debut is warm, witty, and full of heart. It made me laugh out loud and tear up in the same chapter. A charming, feel-good read that’s sneakily wise—I already can’t wait for her next one.