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.

I first saw Zarna Garg live (opening for Amy Poehler and Tina Fey), then watched her full comedy show before reading her book.

She was hilarious on stage, and I loved learning more about her story. From an upbringing many would admire from afar, she chose to own who she was no matter the cost - and her story brings it to life so well. In a time where everyone has something to criticize and so many have opinions, her ambition, relationships (family, mentorship), and self belief come through the pages!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House - Ballantine for a review copy.

Zarna Garg’s This American Woman is an explosion of heart, humor, and hustle. From fleeing an arranged marriage in India to crushing it on the American comedy scene, Zarna’s journey is as jaw-dropping as it is laugh-out-loud funny. Her voice is sharp, honest, and absolutely irresistible. Whether she’s navigating life as a lawyer, matchmaker, or stand-up star, she proves that reinvention isn’t just possible—it’s powerful. If you’ve ever doubted it’s “too late” to chase your dreams, Zarna’s here to set you straight (and make you laugh until you cry).

Thank you Zarna Garg, Random House Ballantine, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

#thisamericanwoman #netgalleyarc #netgalleyreview #netgalley #arcreview #arc #arcreader #review #somanybookssolittletime

I haven't read a memoir in a while. I had never heard of Zarna Garg before reading this, as I'm not particularly into the comedy scene, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The voice was humorous and entertaining, and the story was both somber and very triumphant. I'm going to have to watch her comedy special now!

Zarna Garg never imagined that her interesting way of observing the world around her could evolve into a successful career in comedy after moving to the U.S. and getting her law degree.

Zarna is a much later child in her parents’ lives, which doesn’t stand out to her much until her siblings are grown, married, and out of the house,and her mother dies, making her marriage (at age 14) her father’s next goal. While it was certainly more traumatic at the time, her retelling of the story in this amusing memoir gives a great sample of Zarna’s humor, since she obviously survived.

The story of Zarna’s marriage, parenting, and evolution of careers was inspiring and entertaining. The story earned 3 out of 5 stars, and her other books would probably prove equally amusing. This (and most likely her other books) could be recommended to those who enjoy parenting stories, books about realized dreams, and stories about Indian cultures and people.

Title: This American Woman: A One in a Billion Memoir
By: Zarna Garg
Pub. Day: April 29, 2025

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Memoir, Comedy, Biography,

Trigger Warnings:
Loss of a parent, Discussion of disturbing situations

Memorable Quote:
“When you lose a parent, you lose your childhood.”

Summary/Review:
This is the tragically bittersweet memoir of Comedian Zarna Garg who grew up in Mumbai, India, and left her family behind after running away from an arranged marriage at the ripe old age of 14. The author masterfully composes her story which is funny in all the right ways and down right devastating in all the others. Her narrative will lift your heart and break it all in the same sentence. I appreciated her humorous, yet honest reflection of life in India. Her inspiring courage to make a better life for herself is a powerful reminder that change is always possible, it's up to us to move forward with hope . I began to read this memoir and it quickly drew me in, I purchased the audiobook and finished my read in a few short hours! Highly Recommend the author’s reading of this audio. Zarna Garg pulled me into her story and as a reader I was laughing out loud while at the same time filling a sucker punch to the gut!

Thank you to Zarna Garg, Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine, and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my personal review.

#ZarnaGarg
#RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine
#ThisAmericanWomanAoneinaBillionMemoir
#advancedreadercopies
#ReluctantReaderReads
#NetGalley

I had never heard of Zarna Garg until I read about this book on NetGalley. I was especially intrigued by the fact that Amy Poehler had written a blurb for it. Her quote, "A deeply honest and hilarious book about how you always win if you bet on yourself," is completely accurate. This riches-to-rags-to-riches story is definitely hilarious, but also tremendously moving, stunning, and inspiring. What an amazing journey she's had already. Can't wait to hear more.

😂 There are certain books I classify as ‘annoy my husband’ books. They’re the books that I can’t stop talking about the entire time I’m reading them and every one of my sentences starts with, ‘In the book I’m reading…’ And this was one of them! So thank you @ballantinebooks for introducing me to Zarna Garg. Her book, ‘This American Woman’ is out now— and I can’t recommend the audio enough!

😂 When Ballantine emailed me about getting an advanced copy of Garg’s memoir I admittedly had never heard of her, but her story sounded interesting and I love a good memoir, so I was all in. And goodness, am I glad I listened!

😂 Garg is hilarious and seems like such a joy and a bright light in this world. She immigrated to America from India, after running away to escape an arranged marriage at the age of 14. She lived a fascinating life before trying her hand at stand-up comedy in her 40’s! Her journey to get there was so unique and original, and she tells it in such a heartfelt way. I couldn’t help but fall head over heels for her. We even looked up her comedy special and watched it— which you can find on Prime Video btw.

😂 If you’re like me and live for a great memoir, definitely give this one a try. It made me laugh and cry and feel all the feels. I can’t recommend it enough.