Zarna Garg’s This American Woman is a hilarious and heartwarming memoir that charts her escape from an arranged marriage in India to building an inspiring Instagram-worthy career through stand-up comedy—the kind of second act that makes you believe in reinvention at any stage of life. From surviving homelessness on the streets of Mumbai to navigating Akron, Ohio, through roles as varied as lawyer, stay-at-home mom, and matchmaker, Garg’s journey is a triumphant testament to resilience and self-belief. Her razor-sharp wit, vivid storytelling, and raw honesty earned effusive praise from comedy legends like Amy Poehler (“deeply honest and hilarious... you always win if you bet on yourself”) and Tina Fey (“Zarna thinks like a lawyer, writes like a mother, and kills like a stand-up”). The writing is laugh-out-loud funny, deeply relatable, and endlessly motivational, making every curveball in her life feel like an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Ultimately, This American Woman is an exuberant, unstoppable memoir that not only entertains—it reminds us that reinvention is always possible, and sometimes the sweetest victories come later than we expect.

This American Woman compares and contrasts two cultures with self effacing wit and humor. The author necessarily drags not only her husband, but her whole family into the fray. I found the book more enjoyable
than her standup comedy version of the same title.

I am always a sucker for memoirs by people I don't know. I am also always intrigued by stories of people who have left all that they have known in search of a different or better life for themselves.

While Zarna Garg may be a comedian, her story is no laughing matter. The book is not particularly funny, but I don't think it was meant to be. What it is however, is incredibly heartwarming despite all the family drama she had to endure as a child. I greatly admire her grit and perseverance alongside her desire to have self-fulfillment but also not neglecting her children and her family at the same time. Even though I am a white American woman living in Suburbia, I think that Zarna's experiences and desires mirror what most middle=aged women feel and that is a need for a purpose beyond that of "wife" or "mother", but at the same time doesn't mean we don't want to also be "wife" and/or "mother".

This was a quick, enjoyable read and even though I have never seen Zarna's comedy routines, I am sure to now go look it up. I would recommend this to anyone who is already a fan, but also anyone who enjoys reading about strong women who overcome adversity. Do not go into this thinking it is going to be a humorous book. There are lighthearted moments, but it is mostly a memoir/autobiography.

Thank you to NetGalley. Zarna Garg and Ballantine for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

I knew nothing about Zarna, had never seen her comedy, but the description for this memoir intrigued me so I picked it up. I can’t believe how much I adored it. Her story is interesting and shocking and she is so funny and real in the telling.

This American Woman is Zarna telling her own story. How she went from a privileged child to homeless in India to how she became a comedian. It's heartwarming and touching. A great read.

This American Woman
This American Woman is a well written memoir. I feel like you really get to know Zarna on a personal level, her personality and humor shine in this book. This book isn’t just a story of her life and rise to comedy stardom through grit and perseverance but also an analysis of culture, family relations/obligation, parenthood, and the socioeconomic status. I found myself sympathizing with the author throughout her life but also laughing with her as she made light of her situations and shared some of her skits. I first heard about this book by a friend sending me a TikTok of Zarna promoting her book, we were cracking up! And after scrolling on net galley I stumbled across the arc and am so thankful to both her and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I hope Zarna makes her way to Chicago again bc id love to attend her show live!

Wow, I've loved Zarna's comedy but I had no idea what she went through in her life to get to where she is now. What an incredibly resilient woman! I'm even more in awe of her after reading this and feel like I now have a much better understanding of her comedy.

People can be funny but it doesn't translate into a great novel. It was a good ready but not a great read.

Would still recommend.

This woman named ZAR N a s was born in mumbai india. She always went to america every year because her sister lived there with her Husband in akron ohio. She had a very normal childhood until her mother died. Her.
Oldest brother was kicked out of the house because he made some remarks about the father. He was struggling now with his wife and child and starting to build a new life. When the mother died, her father tried to marry her off at 14 and she had no part of that so she rolled the streets in the city, trying to get places to stay. And sometimes we would stay with their brother.. Eventually, she moved back into her father house and agreed to be married, but this did not last long because she sent an application to the American ambassador so she could go to college in America. She came to America and loved every minute of it. She started really hard but she felt she needed to marry somebody so she found somebody.. This book was very interesting because it showed how this woman was very strong minded. When she had children she did not like the private schools because they did not teach the children about reality. She was also a lawyer as well but did not practice. When her children were growing up she stayed home put as they left the nest. They started to career as a comedian talking about her life. When she did get.
Married, I'm 22.Her father was not very happy with her. This book is really interesting to see how you can make everything come out in the end

Loved it! Zara is hilarious. I’ve been a follower on social media for awhile and this did not disappoint. She managed to maintain her sense of humor in her memoir while capturing some of the horrors of oppression, discrimination, and the fear of starting over in a new country. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I cheered, I became an even bigger fan!!

Whatever you’re doing right now stop and go get a copy of this book, clear your schedule and sit down and start reading. You can thank me later! Or rather and certainly more importantly you can thank the author. This book is incredible, Zarna shares with us her journey from escaping a potential forced marriage at the tender age of 14 to the incredible strong, smart, funny woman she is. She is incredible and a force to be reckoned with. Somehow in all of the trauma she experienced she had and has so much self esteem and it allowed her homelessness and worrying about her next meal to always believing in herself. Not only is she riotously funny, but a brilliant writer, mother, woman and overall amazing woman. I loved this from start to finish.

Thanks to Ballantine and Random House for this advance copy!

Zarna Garg is a hilarious comedienne and it comes through perfectly in her memoir This American Woman. Coming from childhood tragedy and family conflict to find love and her own brand of comedy. While you can see her trying to make light of some very horrible moments in her life (like a good comedienne), she never fails to let you into her life, her insecurities, her culture, and again, her joy. This was a fun read.

Zarna is such a funny comedian so I knew right away I would most likely enjoy this book. And I was not wrong. It was really interesting to read about her childhood and complicated relationship with her father and to see how her resilience helped her become a loving mother, wife and successful comedian.
This is a quick and fun read.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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.