Book description
A Spirited Leap from Mumbai to the Stage - A Memoir That Keeps You Laughing and Thinking
Zarna Garg's This American Woman is a riotous, heart-warmingly honest chronicle that feels like a late-night chat with an old friend who just happened to be a stand-up comic. From the moment she drops the "arranged marriage" bombshell-escaped at fourteen, survived the streets of Mumbai, and finally landed in Akron, Ohio-Garg keeps you hooked with her razor-sharp wit and unfiltered honesty.
What makes this book shine is how it blends the rawness of survival with the lightness of comedy. Garg's early chapters read like a diary full of "so-American" moments: reading the New York Times under a Mumbai streetlamp, debating with a 30-year-old neighbor about politics, and dreaming of a life where she could talk back without fear. Those scenes are both funny and deeply moving.
Her journey into America is no fairy tale either. She takes on roles that feel like a comic's sketch-dog-bite lawyer, over-the-top mom, Indian matchmaker-each one delivered with a punchline that exposes the absurdity of cultural expectations. The turning point arrives when she steps onto an open mic and discovers her true calling: making people laugh while being unapologetically herself.
Garg's narrative is peppered with practical life lessons wrapped in humor. Amy Poehler's praise-"A deeply honest and hilarious book about how you always win if you bet on yourself"-captures the essence of Garg's mantra: it's never too late to rewrite your story. Her journey proves that resilience, coupled with a willingness to laugh at yourself, can break even the most entrenched barriers.
In short, This American Woman is not just a memoir; it's an invitation. It encourages you to bet on yourself, embrace the chaos of new beginnings, and remember that every setback can become a setup for a better punchline. If you're looking for a book that will leave you laughing, crying, and feeling empowered, Zarna Garg delivers with style, substance, and a whole lot of chai-spilled truth.
All Natural
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app – it's revitalizing. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app.
Rusty Vortex
This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Swedish Pixie
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. I'm amazed at how this app has made my workouts more motivating and my audiobooks more accessible. 🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier – this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. 🎧🏞️ The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Kevlar Wanted
🔥 Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine – this app is my secret weapon! ✨📖 ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Jetta Talent
This app has made me realize that there's always time for a good book. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Midnight Bat
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser – a time-saver! This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! I appreciate the dark mode option. It’s easy on the eyes during nighttime listening.
Sky Bully
Navigating audiobooks seamlessly – this app's design is top-notch. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a winner. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Flotsams54
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. 📱 Carrying my library in my pocket – this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! 📚👜 Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time. ListenBook is packed with useful features. It’s the best audiobook app I’ve used. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
East Army
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Undergrad
💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Whistler
Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. 🚗 Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! 🚗📚 ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Twisty Dew
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and user-friendly.
Thunder Tank
With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. 🚶♀️🎧 Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks – pure bliss! 🏞️📚 Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
Metal Aphrodite
With a vast genre selection, I've broadened my horizons and explored new topics. 🏝️ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side – beach days just got better! 🏖️📖 🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚
Wheels
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity.
InsightfulInk
ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Alias Stick
Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a true triumph. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Digital Moonshine
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. Drag and drop downloads are genius. It simplifies the entire process. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice!
SpellTansy
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life.
Ship Whip
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. 💼 Balancing responsibilities with relaxation – audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. 💻📖 Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is a triumph.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience