Cry for Me, Argentina: My Life as a Failed Child Star

"Tamara is one of the funniest people I know and her memoir is as hilarious as she is."-Cecily Strong

"Tamara's life story is fascinating." -Taika Waititi

A hilarious, moving memoir by Argentine-American comedian Tamara Yajia about growing up between two worlds.

From the day she was born, Tamara Yajia entered the world on a wave of absurdity. She was the newest member of a family no one would call normal, from her grandfather the salami obsessed poppers salesman, to her mother, the OnlyFans model. Not only will her family try anything once, like moving to the United States and opening a food stand named Sexy Chicken; they'll try anything multiple times, like moving back to Argentina, then back to the United States, all while Tamara manages to achieve some success as a preteen child actress after a jaw-dropping performance where she strips down to a garter belt in front of a crowd of rabbis.

The road doesn't get easier for a twelve-year-old Argentinian Jew trying to make it big in Orange County. The disappointment of giving up her childhood career as a performer makes for a rather tumultuous coming of age. But through grit, hustle, and a series of creative endeavors like joining a girl band, and performing her own one-woman show, Cumming of Age, Tam has made it through, and she's ready to spill some shit-figuratively and literally.

Featuring an unlikely combination of comedy and tragedy, generational struggle, and filthy sex jokes, Tamara Yajia's debut memoir is the messy, blazing story of a young Argentine trying to survive while holding on to her confidence, ambition, and sense of humor.

Author: Tamara Yajia
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 07/01/2025
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.80w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781639733910


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 05/19/2025
Booklist 06/26/2025

About the Author
Tamara Yajia is an Argentine writer, comedian, and former child star. She has written for ClickHole, Funny Or Die, and several TV series, including Acapulco, This Fool, and the upcoming Netflix animated series Strip Law. Tamara has performed on The Moth and was featured on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and her dog, Odie.