Do you know who Zarna Garg is? If not, she is someone worth learning about. Born in India, Garg was a stay-at-home mom for sixteen years before she tried her hand at standup comedy in her 40s. It didn't take long for Garg to gain notoriety for her hilarious routines, which include stories about her family and Indian culture. Following the success with her first TV special on Prime and a podcast featuring her husband and three children, Garg has now written This American Woman: A One-In-A-Billion Memoir. It's both heartfelt and incredibly funny.

Zarna Garg, born into an affluent family in Mumbai, was outspoken and had an independent nature from a young age. After her three older siblings were married, her father decided it was time for fourteen-year-old Zarna to marry and he began interviewing suitable, wealthy young men. As this was unacceptable to Zarna, she fled to Akron, Ohio, to live with her sister. This captivating memoir details her life in America, including her education, meeting her husband, starting a family, and their eventual encouragement to pursue standup comedy.

This was such an enjoyable book. Since reading it, I've been watching tons of Garg's comedy clips and interviews online. She is a fresh and welcome addition to the comedy scene. Her timing is impeccable. She's smart as a whip and undoubtably an inspiration to women. Her follow-up TV special, Practical People Win, hits Hulu in 2025 with a sitcom in development. Zarna Garg seems unstoppable.

4.5 stars.

I have to admit that I was unfamiliar with Zarna Garg's work before reading this book, but I'm a fan now! Often, while reading, I thought that her life story sounded like something right out of a movie (and she did - in fact - try to make it into a series of movies), but knowing these were real situations she had found herself in was all the more special.

Zarna, through all the ups and downs of her life, manages to stay determined and funny and warm as a person. The memoir will make you laugh and break your heart alike. I'm really glad she's sharing so much of what made her the person she is today with her audience. It takes guts to be so open and Zarna definitely doesn't lack in bravery.

Fazit: 4.5 stars! Absolutely adored this!

4.5 stars rounded down for a book that is an eye opener. Zarna Garg has written an autobiography that is at times, sad, appalling, inspiring and informative. She explains how she grew up in a well off Indian family in Mumbai, India. But then when she was 14 years old, her world changed overnight. Her father informed her that she had to get married to a man that he would choose for her. She refused and he ejected her from his house. India is evidently a male dominated society and her father could do this without consequences. Marriage at age 14 in India is common.
A relevant quote: "In Indian terms, once I hit age twenty, I flipped at exactly midnight from being a precocious child bride to being an over educated nuisance spinster."
By contrast, in the US marriage at age 14 is illegal in almost all states. In the 1 or 2 states that allow it, no child can be forced to marry someone they don't want to marry. When I talked about this subject with my wife she mentioned that there have been newspaper articles about immigrant families from the Middle East or South Asia, who have become entangled with the courts because of trying to force an underage child into a forced marriage.
Zarna lived on the street and sometimes at friends/relatives houses for a year and a half before she gave up and came home to her father. But then fate intervened as a US student visa that she had applied for several months prior was finally approved. With the help of a sibling, she secretly flew to the US.
Once in the US, she was able to extend her stay long enough to get a law degree and meet and marry someone of her own choosing. One more quote: "Indians don't marry for love. We marry for security. If you end up with love, that's a happy surprise. Like a little prize in a cereal box. But Americans demand-nay, worship--"love marriages," which is what Indians call non-arranged marriages."
Then she decides to expand her horizons again at age 40 and becomes a stand up comic. I have watched her on YouTube and she is funny. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about Indian society and how people live there.
This book was a fast read and has some laugh out loud lines. I recommend it to anyone who likes books with humor.
Some thoughts on those who read this review and think that I believe that the US is a perfect society. It is not and has many flaws, some of which are terrible, including for instance, invading another country on a flimsy excuse of weapons of mass destruction, later proven to be a lie.
#ThisAmericanWoman #NetGalley
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

I have followed Zarna Garg on social media and watched her special. She has become one of my favorite comedians. Her story was really touching. Her shaadi profile and her requirements gave me a laugh. I loved reading about her journey coming to America and staying with her sister and brother in law and then moving to New York. Her meeting her husband was really sweet. It was heartbreaking reading about her hardships growing up. She has come a long way from a child and teenager in India to now an amazing comedian. This story is a testament to hard work and determination.

I was given a widget of this book by the publisher. I don't usually read memoirs and I'd never heard of Zarna before but I did enjoy this story. She has an amazing life story that was really interesting - from her struggles in India, to fitting in once in America, to life as a mom and then life as a comedian. I was surprised, amazed, laughing and cheering for her as I read the book. Thanks so much for giving me this ACR in exchange for my honest opinion.

She is loud, boisterous, and very funny. Her life experiences as wife and mother, lawyer, entrepreneur,and immigrant from India added up to material for her career as a stand-up comic. She is
Zarna Garg and this is her story.

I loved This American Woman! Zarna is amazing, with an extraordinary attitude. I read this while at my Mom's hospital bed and I needed her optimism. Thank you for being you!

****Publishing April 29, 2025****

Zarna Garg wrote a fascinating memoir about growing up in a strict Indian family in Mumbai, India. After her mother’s death, her father wanted to marry her off at age 14. Zarna decided to run away to escape a prearranged marriage. She stayed with family and friends. When her sister, who was living in America, arranged for a plane ticket and student visa, she took it and never looked back. Zarna eventually went on to become a successful comedian.
It is a fast-paced read that opened your eyes to life in India and its culture. Also, how she navigated living in America to finding a husband, having kids and becoming successful. I loved Zarna’s sense of humor, as this book will have you laughing at times! A great book for book clubs!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Zarna is an inspiration for anyone who want to live their live their way. I was astonished by how brave and bold Zarna is, not only in every day living but in pursuing her dreams. I love that she came from a well to do family and when her father told her she had to get married she went on her own but unfortunately she told her father that she would marry someone her father wanted, but a miracle happen and she came to America instead.
Zarna is what all Americans dream about doing, pursue a career she loves, but in the meantime she had many hurtles to master before she found her way. I love that Zarna went looking for her own husband and found him. I like that she raise her children not only to be the best but to also realize that they can't be to sheltered from the world and it seems like her idea about education turn out pretty good.
I found Zarna's writing fun, honest and engaging, and I could see and feel what she went through as she pursued her goal and made it happen. I found that reading about the people in Zarna's life, to be people she could count on and who care a great deal about her no matter what she wanted to pursue and it's nice to know she had so many watching her back.

I want thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of a book about a woman who pursed the American dream and got it.

*This American Woman* by Zarna Garg is a sharp, witty exploration of identity, culture, and self-discovery. Garg’s storytelling is both hilarious and poignant, blending humor with real-life struggles in a way that feels super relatable. The characters are well-developed, and their complexities make the story both engaging and thought-provoking. Overall, it’s a refreshing take on the immigrant experience, and if you’re looking for something both funny and meaningful, this book is definitely worth picking up.

I was not familiar with Zarna Garg prior to this book, and this was the perfect introduction! What an inspiring story about a girl who bets on herself and makes her own dreams come true. I can't wait to see what she does in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for a copy of this book for an honest review.

There is a way to tell a life story in a way that’s compelling, has a story arc, and is totally authentic, and when you find those rare gems of a memoir, it’s like magic. When you can add to that a life story that’s nearly unbelievable and laugh out loud hilarious even as it’s opening your world view up to another culture? Dear reader, it’s a book you should absolutely read.

This story in this book is true life but it really feels like it could also be a hilarious movie. Zarna toes the line of being honest and being much too honest with a wit and verve that makes her feel like your Indian auntie. I did not know about Zarna Garg before I read her book, and now I find I want to know her personally. She is absolutely unstoppable, and she now has a new cheerleader as she claws her way to the top. If you don’t believe she can, maybe you could read her book and reconsider? Loved this read!

I would like to thank Random House and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book. Following Zarna’s story from a tragic childhood to her successes today was a great and heartwarming story. I love memoirs. This one did not disappoint. Zarna has a way with words and I loved the few pictures included. Thank you for sharing this story!!

So I started this book never having heard of Zarna Garg. I have to say that I will now be watching her special and any other that she releases after this first one. Zarna has had an incredible life. She is an absolute delight and I would love to be friends with her. She overcame being homeless in India and made her way into America where she went to college and law school. She found her Indian husband on the internet in 1997, hello being ahead of her time. Her drive and determination is so fierce, I don't think there is anything that she can't do. How lucky are her children to have her tigermom skills to back them up.

This book was so quick and easy to read. I am not joking when I say I truly want to be friends with Zarna. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Thank you to NetGaley and Random House Publishing for the ARC of this ebook. All opinions expressed are my own.

It was a good book. Zarna’s had a fascinating story, especially her younger years in India and the circumstances around her meeting her husband and getting married. I enjoyed reading but found myself skimming through many parts because there was too much detail.

This American Woman is a compelling and thought-provoking story that delves into identity, love, and self-discovery. The writing is sharp, and the characters feel real and relatable. A powerful, emotional read!

Zarna Garg’s This American Woman is a hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply inspiring memoir that charts her journey from a rebellious girl in India to a fearless stand-up comedian in America. With razor-sharp wit and unflinching honesty, Garg recounts the struggles and triumphs of forging her own path despite cultural expectations, family pressures, and the unpredictability of life itself.

From dodging an arranged marriage at 14 to navigating an array of wildly different careers—including law, matchmaking, and screenwriting—her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition. But it’s in stand-up comedy where she truly finds her voice, proving that even the cutthroat world of entertainment is no match for her determination.

Packed with humor, cultural insight, and an empowering message, This American Woman is a must-read for anyone who has ever dared to dream beyond what society expects. Garg’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and the belief that it’s never too late to chase what truly makes you happy. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even reconsider your own dreams, this is it.

I'm not one to give 5 stars, usually for memoirs. However, this one truly touched me! After laughing, getting choked up with tears and laughing again (millions of times)... Zarna truly stole my heart with this memoir! I feel like I know her so deeply and felt related to the mom level of losing ourselves and getting bored. It was beautiful hearing about how she came to America, but heartbreaking hearing about her hardships as a teen in Mumbai. I loved hearing about her family aspects as her sister and brother truly seem like amazing people! Also, her husband is hilarious. Like they're legit perfect for one another. I love her funny banter. You can just feel her radiance and comedic moments through the words on the page. I giggled so hard while reading this. It made my cheeks hurt! I absolutely loved this! Someday, I hope to see Zarna live, as I know she's even more hilarious during her sets. Thank you for opening the world up to your story and journey. It was beautiful to read! Motivating, uplifting, relatable, and deep moments, but other moments are quite hilarious!

I received this ARC from Random House / Ballantine Books to read/review. All of the statements are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

Zarna Garg is a very funny comedian but someone who tells jokes in front of a live audiance isn't always guaranteed to write a funny memoir. But Zarna is as funny and genuine in print as she is in person. Her life story is incredible and inspiring, suriving the streets of India, finding her way to America, and finding success in the most unexpected way, And boy did she really nail the absurdity of wealthy private schools!

This American Woman: A-One-In-A-Billion Memoir
by Zarna Garg
Pub Date: April 29 2025

One definition of a memoir is “an essay on a learned subject”. This definition fits Zarna Garg’s memoir to a T. She “learned” life through her 50-plus years like no one else.

The need to learn, determination, courage, plus maybe a lot of “grabbing the luck when it crosses your path” frame Zarna’s story as an American Dream come true. Zarna Garg is an everyday Mom transformed from outrageous helicopter parent to star comedian opening for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and front-lining her own comedy show.

Zarna is brilliantly funny as she holds nothing back in her telling of her days in India, Akron Ohio, New York City, and on the stage. Her life has not been one of a typical Indian woman. She narrowly escapes a badly-matched, arranged marriage by running away to then finding herself living on the streets of Mumbai. Thanks to the kindness of many, she survives to study in the US and becomes an attorney. From there her life takes on many changes that lead her to extreme jobs and crazy career investments to support her family and feed her need to “learn.”

I laughed, I cried and I threw my arms up in victory for Zarna. I am so thrilled that I was asked to read this memoir as I am not sure it would have found its way to my bookshelf. I have recommended it to many friends and my book club. It fed MY need to “learn” in so many ways. I recommend this memoir in celebration of a strong woman fighting for her identify and her right to live her life as she wishes, all while being a near perfect Indian-American Mom.

Five Stars! Available April 29th!

Net Galley and Ballatine Books have provided me with an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.