I did not know much about Garg before reading this book and that turned out to be a fine thing. The book gives you a firsthand account of her history and eventual comedy success (down to repeating some of the jokes) so it's easy to follow along.

There is no denying that Garg's story is an outstanding one, from her beginnings in India, to her arrival in American, to some funny stories about being a stay at home mom, and then ending with stories about how she became a stand up. One thing is certain, she knows how to hustle.

The one thing that is weird when stand-ups write memoirs, is (by nature of their profession) people expect their stories to be funny. Honestly, though much of Garg's early history is not funny--more traumatic. She acknowledges this, but doesn't spend too much time sitting in those feelings, instead walking a difficult balance of repeating sad facts, but looking for the funny silver lining in them.

Most of the time, this worked well, but for some stories (like her "spa visit" for her wedding, or some of the stories about her dad or mom) it was a gut punch. I wanted to hug her more than laugh with her since you can see that some of her laughs come from enormous pain.

I'm actually glad I read this book before I'd heard her standup, because ironically, I enjoyed her live a little less than I did on the page (jokes about setting brides on fire will never be funny to me.) But I do acknowledge that she is a force of nature, and I enjoyed her book.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I had a lovely time reading Zarna Garg's memoir. Her life in India was very interesting to read about. I had the impression that I was reading an excellent work of fiction. It was unbelievable to me how much she endured. Her life in India was also really fascinating to me. Prior to reading this book, I had never heard of Zarna, yet I had already searched social media for her comedic routine before finishing it. What a wonderful woman she is! In my opinion, what truly makes her unique is that she endured a lot, had a family, and didn't discover her calling until she was in her forties. Overall, Zarna's life was fascinating and inspiring, and I look forward to following her career and seeing what she does in the future. This memoir was both entertaining and educational. I learned about schools in New York City and was unaware of the extent of the city's ruthless school system, which I found crazy as a NY state teacher. I also learned about the arranged marriages and Indian marriage ceremonies.

Zarna is hilarious, engaging, and reflective on business and life in this memoir. I loved reading so much about her I didn't know and her perspective (often funny and poignant) on everything from family to growth to business to challenges.

This memoir is fascinating. Zarna Garg tenderly and hilariously tells her story from life as a homeless teen in India to a successful comedian in America. She is funny, smart, and so hardworking. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. It feels strange to rate a memoir of somebody’s life, but as far as enjoyment of the writing, I’d give this 4.5 stars.

Thank you to Random House Publishing and Netgalley for the early copy.

Zarna's personal experience is one of perseverance. This is a woman who never gave up. What I liked most was reading about her life and culture growing up in India and her point of view about life in the United States. She was always a person who spoke her mind and did what she wanted to even when it was the harder choice. I was expecting more laughs but most of the humor fell flat for me. I think maybe some of the stand up humor just didn't hit the same when when reading it and perhaps I was not her target audience.

I've been following Zarna for a few years on social and she always always makes me laugh so hard! Her interactions with her kids and her family are hilarious and bring a smile to my face. Her life has been HARD and the way she writes about her family life growing up is moving. She is a big personality and has really come so far from living on the streets in India. I loved this book and would definitely recommend to others!

I started watching Zarna on social media during the pandemic. Her outrageous sense of humor hides the long and difficult journey she's taken to reach this point in her life. Before reading this book, I never knew about her personal struggles from childhood. She deserves every bit of success that comes her way. And I just have to say that Shalabh is the greenest green flag a girl would ever find! You lucked out there, Zarna!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

Thanks for the review copy. This is a very funny comedian. I really enjoyed this memoir. This book is very inspiring.

Zarna Garg is a rising star in the comedy world but has a very unique and super interesting background. We had seen her stand-up routine when she opened for Amy Poehler and Tina Fey and loved her. She is so clever and funny; I would highly recommend reading this book and watching her specials. I would put this book up with the books of those other two ladies and many others I've read. In fact, this book really sets itself apart for being so interested, well-plotted, and well-written. I thought this was fascinating and had a great cover (like, an A+ cover), and I just loved learned about Zarna's life and her personality. This is a fantastic comedy memoir.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

Zarna is a current day comedian but that is not what she was most of her life. This book follows her from her childhood in India through her journey of motherhood in America to becoming a successful comedian known worldwide. I thought the book was hilarious with Zarnas funny quips throughout. I would definitely recommend.

Zarna Garg's memoir was a really great read. I especially enjoyed reading about her life in India. It felt like I was reading a really good fiction book. I couldn't believe all of the things she went through. I also found her life in India to be incredibly fascinating. I had never heard of Zarna before I read this book and before I finished this book I had already gone on social media to find her comedy routine. She is an incredible woman! What really sets her apart in my mind is that she went through so much, had a family, and did not find her passion until she was in her forties. I find that so inspiring especially because I am in my forties and I can't imagine starting over with my career.

This memoir was entertaining as well as informative. I did not know all that was involved in arranged marriages or India marriage ceremonies. I also learned about schools in New York City. I had no idea just how cutthroat the school system is in the city which was crazy to me because I am a NY state teacher. Overall, Zarna's life was fascinating and inspiring. I look forward to following her career and seeing what she does in the future.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

This book is awesome and I want to buy a physical version once I can as I didn’t realize this had so many images in it. My ereader is a black and white ereader so images do not show up quite the same and it can make it difficult to read novels. I super heavily prefer physical books when there are images in it. That being said, this is an amazing book and I’m incredibly grateful I received a free eARC. This is my honest feedback.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Zarna Garg’s hilarious autobiography, This American Woman. I was lucky enough to see Zarna open for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on their Restless Leg tour and I was in stitches from the minute that she walked on the stage.

This American Woman tells Zarna’s story from her painful childhood trauma to her present day success story. When Zarna was only fourteen she lost her mother, and her father was ready to arrange a marriage for her immediately afterwards. She protested and her father promptly disowned her, allowing her to live temporarily with friends, family and sometimes on the street. Zarna’s resilience and humor saved her then and continues to save her today.

Her life took a turn for the better when she moved to America with the support and love of her sister and brother in law. With their help, Zarna was able to pursue an education and a career in law. She took out a self-deprecating and hilarious personal ad and met her amazing husband, who may be one of the most incredible spouses in the world. Three brag-worthy kids later, Zarna has earned her place in the world of comedy and deserves every good thing that comes her way.

Last summer, my husband and I bought tickets to see a comedy show at the Westhampton Performing Arts Center, in Westhampton Beach, NY. An Indian comic was announced and on stage she walked. Within minutes, she had the whole audience, mostly white privileged Americans, eating out of the palm of her hand. She was so funny! I went home with an aching face and an aching stomach, from laughing so hard.

When Netgalley offered the chance to read, "This American Woman", I had no idea that this was the same person I so liked on stage. What is amazing is that this memoir made me feel so happy. Don't get me wrong, I actually cried at some parts, they made me feel so sad. But her sense of humor shone throughout. And that isn't always the case, even with well known comics; no matter how funny they are on stage. Zarna's writing just jumps off the page, and her story is so interesting and unique, making it all the more compelling. This is a fascinating read and I highly recommend it.

I did not know of Zarna Garg, the comedian, before reading this book, but was immediately engaged with her chatty, down-to-earth style as she described her astonishing twisty-turny life. This is one of the best memoirs I've ever read. I'm now following her on social media and look forward to watching her comedy acts. Inspiring, funny and honest. #Ballantine #RandomHouse #Netgalley #ZarnaGarg

Zarna is one of my favorite.comedians on Instagram so I was so excited to get a preview of her memoir! Her story is filled with love, determination, and of course - humor. I laughed out loud so many times and was left feeling inspired. Her sprinkling of auntie advice between each chapter was just the extra special touch I didn't realize I needed. I can't wait to see this book on pub day!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher. All opinion s are my own.
I enjoy Zarna’s comedy and after reading her book, her perseverance Interesting life story. I really would recommend this book.

This American Woman is an exceptional, hilarious, yet emotionally driven memoir that will make your day even brighter and more thankful to be an American. I absolutely loved reading about Zarna's fortunate lifestyle, then her unfortunate lifestyle with all her struggles and successes. Be sure to read every word it is invigorating.

Thank you Net Galley for an ARC of this book.:
I usually read thrillers and I wasn’t sure if I would like this memoir but I really enjoyed it. Zama lost her Mom at a young age and lived in India with her father. At age 14 he wanted to get her married to someone he picked out for her. She ran away and would stay at different friend’s houses until she ran out of times doing that. Her sister said she could stay with her but she lived in Akron, Ohio so it took a long time for her to get a visa . She did meet a man and got married, had three children. Later in life she tries to figure out what to do with her time. She was encouraged by her daughter and many others to be a stand up comedian and the rest is history.
I would recommend this book to others.

I went into this book not knowing anything about Zarna Garg - in fact I don't usually read biographies or memoirs. They are not usually the type of books that I enjoy reading. However, I did in fact like this book - Zarna's story is engaging and of course humorous. It was an easy read, and I found it hard to put down at times simply because it was a book that made me laugh and smile - and often say to myself "she gets it!" Sometimes I find myself reading a lot of dark mystery/thriller books or heavy books and this was a much-needed break from those books.

It's hard to say what I like most about the book - but it would have to just be Zarna's voice - it felt like she was sitting right there telling me her story. Even though she encountered hardship in her youth she was still able to inject humor into the book - I was invested in her story and how it would turn out. I especially loved her relationship with her husband (how they met was my favorite!) I also really loved her relationships with her siblings and all the pictures included in the book - they really brought it to life. (The leather pants really do look great!!)

I will definitely need to check out Zarna's comedy specials and start following her - I'm really glad that I read this book and discovered her. I would recommend this book for anyone who needs a laugh or would like a book that brings a smile to their face - my book club needs to read it! Thank you to Ballantine Books and Net Galley for an advance copy of this book for my honest review - really glad I got to read this one!