I always feel strange rating an autobiography or memoir. Who am I to judge someone else's life? I can say that I was not familiar with Zarna Garg before reading this book but think that a memoir is right in the wheelhouse of many stand-up comedians since so much material is taken from their truth, perhaps somewhat embellished but still sharing snippets of themselves. This book is, in that sense, a longer snippet of her life, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, and generally hopeful. There are common threads that immigrants (regardless of their origin) can relate to, relatable parts of the story for anyone who has switched careers or struggled to find their "thing", relatable anecdotes for those who have complex family dynamics, in short there is something for everyone. Those who enjoy Zarna comedy will likely find this book an interesting read, with same personality shining through (though perhaps a touch less hyperbole) and those who like an eventful bio or memoir will surely find Zarna's story to be an engaging read.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

I hadn't been familiar with Zarna Garg before reading this, but now I've followed her on just about every relevant social media. I suppose you could call me a new fan!

This memoir is witty, heartwarming, funny, and so much more! If you told me that you left this without a newfound sense of respect for this woman who was a complete powerhouse both as a student, a mother, and later a self-made comedian, I'd be very surprised.

This was such a rollercoaster, and I didn't want to put it down. I laughed, I smiled at my Kindle, and yes, okay, maybe I sniffled a little. I'm so glad I chose to pick this up. Thank you to Ballantine Books/Random House Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC, this is my honest review.

I wasn't sure what I was signing up for when I agreed to read and review "This American Woman" for NetGalley. Truthfully, I was not familiar with Zarna Garg or her comedy work.

And now, five days later, I know Zarna's life story. Her story is a good one. There are some sad parts and many happy parts. They combine, like a good stew, to make a tasty autobiography.

If you like humor, biography, and a touch of sadness, let me recommend this book.

My introduction to Zarna was her Prime comedy special, which had me CACKLING, so I had a good feeling her humor would pop through in the book, and it did - but there were also tears.

Coming from a rough child, Zarna learned how to survive on her own quickly. She overcomes struggles, finds love, and eventually we see her discover her space in comedy.

I am a sucker for a good celeb/comic memoir and this one is great. I loved reading about Zarna finding herself and found the story very inspirational!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, and Zarna Garg, for this ARC of “This American Woman—A One-In-A-Billion Memoir” out April 29th, 2025.

I will admit I was not familiar with Zarna Garg before reading this book. I’ve watched some of her standup since starting it and she’s funny. This was an interesting read about her life and her move from India to the US. I also loved that she included photos with the book. It was well done!

This novel was provided by the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for my honest review.

Zarna writes beautifully about her life and determination growing up and into adulthood. I loved reading about her quest for her desires. The book is hopeful, and that theme resonates throughout the story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Zarna Garg's story about coming to America and finding her way is an amazing story of taking chances on yourself. While I may not have been familiar with Zarna before reading her memoir, I was so interested in her story coming from India to the United States. She shares her triumphs and tribulations about finding herself and what makes her happy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Zarna Garg’s memoir. My favorite parts were her relationships with her parents and her siblings. The photographs were perfect for her story. I’ll be searching for her comedy special now.

I had not heard of Zarna Garg before reading her memoir. It is a riveting story of her life in India to becoming an immigrant to the United States and how she succeeds in becoming a successful comedian. Her personality and drive to define her own life came through clearly and, at times, humorously.

This American Woman by Zarna Garg is a funny, heartbreaking, and occasionally jaw-dropping look at Zarna’s life. Those experiences inform her comedy for sure. Her writing isn’t necessarily polished but it reflects her drive, passion, and humor. This is a fast, captivating read. Thank you to #randomhouse #ballantinebooks and #netgalley for the opportunity to preview this book.

I've been meaning to read this book anyway, written by an Indian-American comic. She is smart and funny, but brutally honest about her values and expectations, both from her past and as an immigrant mom, wife, and business person. This American Woman is a moving and hilarious retelling of her of cultural expectations, even with its raw and gritty street language.
As the child of an immigrant and an expat since my late-20s, I recognize many of #zarnagarg's feelings and her caricatures of life as a perpetual stranger. Moving away from our first communities means making constant adjustments as we learn about our host culture.

One of the funniest and most real women in comedy today? Garg writes as she speaks, with the fresh view and freakouts of a newcomer to American life, history, and politics.

As a naturalized American citizen, I understand the lessons learned from the life that you leave behind. I also resonate with the weirdness of being the cultural outsider, living within the local "new normal," which people around you assume is "just the way it is."

From the introduction, you'll be captured by another way of looking at American life and an appreciation of the challenges of living in the USA. If you can handle raw and gritty street language, you'll be captured from start to finish.

This American Woman: A One-In-A-Billion Memoir by Zarna Garg is one of the best memoirs I have read in years. It is brilliant and funny, wise and witty. It will make you laugh and make you cry. Most of all, you will be inspired and cheer the author on in her future endeavors. I loved everything about this book and could not recommend it more. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.