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!

I think all memoirs I read in the future should be ones written by comedians. There’s something about reading about the struggles a person faces in their life and they can write about it in a way that makes you laugh, or maybe just not feel completely depressed reading about their life. Zarna Garg and I are completely different people with different personalities, from different places, living different lives and yet there were still things she experienced that I could relate to that made me feel less bad about the choices I have made, or that I’m not alone in feeling anxious about some of the things I do. I imagine that when people see Zarna’s comedy routine in person it’s hard to believe she could have legitimate insecurities, even while addressing them in This American Woman she seems so comfortable with who she is. But as someone not quite as outgoing as she is or who isn’t always as persistent it’s valuable to see the vulnerability behind it. A reminder that what I project may be different than how I feel inside. And Zarna is funny, from her relationship with her husband and kids, her unbounded enthusiasm for learning and trying new things, her unabashed fan geeking over Kevin Hart. It all feels authentic and genuine, not carefully worded for the most laughs. Her heritage and culture also provide an extra level of depth and insight to this book, evoking not just laughs but an opportunity to learn about India and its people in a fun and unexpected way. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoy any biography/memoir that I can learn from. I was not familiar with this author, but found her writing to relatable and humorous. I enjoyed her stories and was also baffled by some of the family issues that exist. Fleeing to avoid her father's control and arranged marriage, Garg comes to America to live with her sister. Garg is a resilient spirit who really paved her own way.

When was the last time you stopped reading a memoir to check out the writer's presence on You Tube and Instagram? Never, right? But about halfway through This American Woman, I did just that and also watched her special on Prime. I had never heard of Zarna Garg, perhaps because I am not from India. But all my Indian friends have known about her for years yet never told me what I'd been missing.

Replete with her insecurities, Garg has written a fascinating and emotional book. It describes her unusual childhood in Mumbai as the second family of a wealthy import/Export businessman. Zarna's mother married this rich widower with three children and then gave birth to Zarna.

Her growing up with her three much older half-siblings and surviving her authoritarian father are fascinating, as is her tale of running away to escape an arranged marriage at age 15. If all this is new to you, I would advise you to wait before screening One in a Billion. Zarna Garg's story is honest, real and a joy to read. (This from a reader who enjoys few memoirs.) You will learn much about life in Mumbai and more about how to become a stand-up comic in New York.

I heartily recommend becoming friends with arna through this book. Thanks so much to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC copy to enjoy. This review is my honest opinion.

I didn't know who Zarna Garg was before I read her book but I def know who she is now! What a delight. She is hard working, funny, and spirited. Highly recommend.

I don't read much non-fiction, but when I do I tend to choose things written by funny people. Zarna Garg is a very funny person.
I have to start by admitting that I hadn't seen any of her comedy prior to requesting this book. I simply read the synopsis and was already hooked (I have since watched her comedy and am now a big fan). Throughout the book, I continuously got the feeling that Zarna Garg never thought her story was interesting, and I can only assume it took many people telling her over and over that it IS interesting for her to start writing it down.
Not only is Zarna Garg's story fascinating, but she expertly peppers comedy throughout. There was perfectly timed comedy even during the darkest points.
By the end I had laughed and cried and felt like I had gone on such a wild, heartfelt journey. This is such an excellent memoir that I think anyone could enjoy.

Thank you to Random House, Ballantine Books, and Netgalley for the ARC.

I received an advanced copy of This American Woman, the memoir of comedian Zarna Garg, which will be published and officially released on April 29, 2025. I first heard of Garg while listening to an episode of This American Life a couple years ago and immediately started following her on social media. I found the over the top comedian from India hilarious and could not stop laughing when I heard her tell Ira Glass that she did not think it was too late for him to go to medical school and make something of his life. So when the advanced copy of this book was sent my way I was excited to read and review it for the publisher Ballantine Books. In true Garg fashion, the storytelling was crisp and I was immediately drawn into her life story and was fascinated by everything she has had to overcome. At age 14 Zarna’s mother passed away and in an attempt to be rid of his daughter, her father arranged a marriage to a local boy. Garg had no interest in an arranged marriage and after living on the streets of Mumbai for over a year, she immigrated to the United States. The story of how she married for love, raised a family in New York City, and her transition to stand up comedian was fascinating and told with Garg’s unapologetic sense of humor. I highly recommend This American Woman to anyone that is a fan of Zarna Garg.

I received a free copy of, This American Woman, by Zarna Garg, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. When Zarna was a teenager her father tried to arrange a marriage for her, she fled to America instead. I have never heard of Zarna before reading this book, she has had an interesting life. This was an interesting read.

The American Woman is an amazing, hilarious, inspiring and thought provoking memoir of a wonderful comedian from India. I had never heard of Zarna and found myself checking her videos on tik tok and watching her prime video special. Her story of leaving India and her intended arranged marriage as a 15 year homeless child is both inspiring and deeply moving. I am definitely a fan and have recommended reading this book and getting to know Zarna. To many people.

This American Woman was great. I was mildly skeptical when I was offered this advanced reader’s copy; sometimes, books by comedians are too funny for me. I hadn’t heard of Zarna Garg. But the rave reviews helped convince me to give This American Woman a chance and I’m so glad I did.

Zarna Garg has a unique story and, yes,, she’s hilarious. I loved reading about Zarna’s Indian upbringing, her family, and the way her brain worked. And in equal part, I loved hearing about Zarna’s immigration experience. Meeting her husband, Salabh, who seems to be a delightful human, raising her kids and being a self-admitted tiger mom. And then, almost unbelievably, deciding as a middle-aged woman, Zarna deciding to become a famous comedian and MAKING IT HAPPEN. Zarna is evidence that working hard and chasing dreams can yield the desired outcome. Zarna is incredible.

I think most readers will enjoy this memoir. It’s funny and light, despite addressing some serious topics. There’s a ton of inspiration, too. I highlighted a lot of quotes. There are some non-PC jokes, mostly about being Indian, that Zarna makes at her own expense—but that is what I expect from someone who has made their career as a comedian based on their identity. This is so good. Could not put it down. I expect this to be a contender for a top book in 2025 book lists. Highly recommended. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Running from guaranteed security in a developing country is like pulling the plug on your own life support just to see what happens.”

“ One terror that I had lived with for almost two years slowly subsided: the grueling, daily effort to escape the gravitational pull of a life of security without freedom.”

“… after many years, I have arrived at the conclusion that most women are just culturally brainwashed to accept that you have to sacrifice who you are to get what you want. Even if that means setting yourself on fire.”

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Wow! Zarna has lived so many lives! I was shocked to learn about all that she experienced, her continuous learning and degrees, businesses she has started and now her booming career in comedy. She shares her childhood about growing up in India, the relationships with her siblings who took her under her wing and showed her support even in the difficult times where a parent was not present. I found this book so motivational in pursing you dreams and trying new things as you never know where it may lead.

How do you review someone’s memoir? Their life story?

Having seen Zarna all over social media, I was interested in her story and what a story it is! Running from an arranged marriage at 14! She ran to Ohio and became an American.

Her struggles and her journey were both inspiring and sad.

After all she had already been through, the comedy scene wasn’t that scary.


Never give up on your dreams is what this inspiring book said to me.


NetGalley/ Random House/Ballantine April 29, 2025

When I started reading, I was not expecting this funny, honest and powerful memoir. Zarna shares everything about her background, including being kicked out of her father's house and spending time homeless as a teenager, and how all of that helped shape her into the very funny woman that she is today. At times the story does feel a bit scattered, just like Zarna's struggle to find herself, but overall I enjoyed the book.
If you enjoy a good biography you will like this story of persistence and determination.

Garg has a really strong voice and is immediately someone you want to root for. Interesting story and thoughtful perspectives on America.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.