This American Woman

A One-in-a-Billion Memoir

De: Zarna Garg

Narrado por: Zarna Garg

Award-winning comedian Zarna Garg turns her astonishing life story into a hilarious memoir, spilling all the chai on her wild ride from escaping an arranged marriage and homelessness in India to carving her own path in America and launching a dazzling second act in midlife.

“A deeply honest and hilarious book about how you always win if you bet on yourself.”—Amy Poehler

Throughout Zarna’s whole childhood in India, everyone called her “so American” just for reading the newspaper, having deep thoughts, and talking back to anyone over the age of thirty. When Zarna’s dad tried to marry her off at age fourteen, Zarna fled—first to the streets of Mumbai and ultimately to the glittering paradise of Akron, Ohio, where she got to become American for real.

On Zarna’s very American quest to find herself and her calling, she threw herself wholeheartedly into roles like dog-bite lawyer, crazy perfectionist stay-at-home mom, Indian matchmaker, prizewinning screenwriter, and more. It wasn’t until a dare led her to a stand-up comedy open mic that Zarna finally found her spiritual home: getting paid cold hard cash for her big fat mouth.

And as Zarna discovered, after surviving the brutal streets of Mumbai, the cutthroat world of stand-up comedy is nothing.

This American Woman is an exuberant 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.

Bonus content! At the end of the program, hear from Zarna's sons Brij and Veer about losing their Mom to comedy, but finding each other. Experience Shalabh's front row seat watching his wife take flight in mid-life. If you think you cried enough during the memoir, you're not done yet!

©2025 Zarna Garg (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“I knew This American Woman would be hilarious, because, well, Zarna is the funniest person I know. But I didn’t know it would also be the touching story of a brilliant and brave woman who defied all odds to make it in America. Her memoir will inspire you, make you cry, and laugh so hard it hurts.”—Mindy Kaling, award-winning actress and producer

“Zarna thinks like a lawyer, writes like a mother, and kills like a stand-up.”*—Tina Fey*If she ever gets canceled on TikTok, I rescind this endorsement.

“Zarna Garg is a force of nature. This American Woman is a deeply honest and hilarious book about how you always win if you bet on yourself.”—Amy Poehler

Listen only to Feel Good !

Listening to Zarna’s journey was the only option for me. I wanted to hear her voice and there are moments of tragedy, joy, and surprise. So many spolier alerts (her MiL was always Pro-Zarna! Her husband…why is he so chill and confident and also so supportive) her journey is so All American.

This American Woman- must read

I saw Zarna and couldn’t wait to read her book. I highly recommend this book.

Inspirational

I absolutely loved listening to this book, I finished it in just one day! This memoir is incredibly motivational, and as an immigrant myself, I found so many moments that deeply resonated with me. I was in tears when she wept for her mother, and I found myself laughing out loud at her jokes while driving. Zarna Garg is not only hilarious but also truly inspiring and hardworking. Her story is powerful, and it’s definitely worth listening to.

I binge listened in one day!

Epic story and story telling! I’m looking forward to listening again , thanks for the laughs and inspiration!

A book for everyone - parents, teen kids, adult children, grandparents!

I loved this audiobook! Zarna Garg’s The American Woman had me laughing out loud and then suddenly wiping away tears. Her delivery is pure gold—when she points out the hysterical double standards placed on women in India, I couldn’t stop laughing, not just because it was funny, but because it was so painfully true. And then, in the next moment, I was crying with her—especially when she spoke about the heartbreak of her older brother being banished from their family home. Her voice quivers with emotion in those moments, and you can feel her pain, her strength, and her hope.

Zarna doesn’t just tell her story—she lives it through the audiobook, and you feel every beat of her journey. Her voice gave me hope. I connected with her struggle on such a deep level that I know I’ll carry parts of this book with me forever. I loved the audiobook so much, I’m buying the physical book just to have it on my shelf and revisit it anytime I need a reminder of what courage and authenticity sound like. An absolute must-listen!

Inspirational but Funny and Emotional

I’ve been following Zarna for years and never knew her backstory. This is truly a great book to read. I couldn’t put it down. Either I was laughing or almost crying at times…but then inspired at her dedication and hard work.

Keep it up!

Fantastic!!

I saw an interview yesterday morning that caused me to download the book. I’ve been hooked. Here I am finishing it a little over 24 hours later. What a journey. I’m ready for her movie!!

Authentic, inspiring and most engaging

Loved it!!! Zarna”s writing is moving, witty, funny, touching, and most importantly, it’s real and pure Zarna.

You will laugh and cry, what a wonderful listen

Wow! I thought I knew so much about Zarnas story, having followed her rise to fame through her own lens. But this memoir revealed so much more than I ever expected. It was compelling, heartfelt, and gave an incredible peek into a truly unique journey. Her honesty and warmth shine through every page, making it not just a story of fame, but of resilience, identity, and growth.

A must buy!!!

This book is everything! Every person will laugh, cry and feel inspired by Zarna’s pure grit, determination, resilience and honesty. To hear it told in her voice is a special treat. Zarna truly is the epitome of the American Woman. This is an essential book for everyone person. Loved every minute. Thank you Zarna for sharing this gem with us.