Winging It : A Memoir of My Journey to Asia, Book One

by Lia Russ

1982. No cell phones. No email. No safety net.
At nineteen, dyslexic and drowning in toxic shame from a childhood of academic failure and family trauma, Lia Russ did something she bought a one-way ticket to Tokyo, departing with $500 and a backpack.
What she found in 1980s Asia wasn't the neat spiritual awakening that some travelers anticipate. It was raw, disorienting, and brutally real.
In pre-globalized Japan, she stumbled into underground modeling and taught English despite severe dyslexia, learning to see herself through a lens that finally wasn't broken. In chaotic Calcutta, she navigated crushing poverty and overwhelming sensory assault. In Thailand and Nepal, she discovered Buddhist temples, formed deep connections with fellow travelers, and slowly began to believe she deserved more than mere survival.
But this journey of self-discovery came with an unexpected an increasingly violent relationship that followed her across Asia, forcing her to choose between the safety of what she knew and the terrifying freedom of walking away alone.
Winging It is a visceral coming-of-age memoir and time capsule of Asia before westernization, captured through Lia's own stunning photography. It's an intimate travel narrative about a neurodivergent woman learning to overcome shame, escape abuse, and trust herself in a world that told her she was broken.
Lia Russ presents a powerful story of resilience, healing, and finding strength in the most unexpected places.
Winging It is perfect for readers who loved Crying in H Mart, Educated, and Wild.

In three places in the book you will find a secret password. Use it to unlock exclusive photos and stories that do not appear in the book.

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

About the author

Lia Russ began her journey into the unseen world at nine years old when she unexpectedly healed a horse — and spent the next 50 years finding out why.

Armed with nothing but courage, $500, a tent and a sleeping bag, she left the United States at 19 for Japan — beginning a 2.5 year cross-continental journey through Asia that would shape everything that followed. Over the next five decades she searched across continents, studied ancient texts and healing traditions from multiple cultures, and dove deep into the intricacies of modern physics — not to prove what she had experienced but to understand it.

The result is Connecting the Dots: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science — a 450-page transformation manual that bridges ancient wisdom and modern science so completely that readers finish it understanding not only how the world works but how to work with it.

Lia is also the author of The Ascension Guide: Practical Advice for Lightworkers, Lightworker Archetypes: Honoring Our Sensitivities and Remembering Our Gifts, and Winging It: A Memoir of My Journey to Asia, and the founder of Lightworkers Lifeline. She writes for every reader who has felt the specific frustration of finding books that honor the ancient wisdom but dismiss the science — or honor the science but dismiss the ancient wisdom. Connecting the Dots was written to be the bridge between both worlds.

Reviews

[Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winging It: A Memoir of My Journey to Asia is more than a travel memoir it’s a story about transformation, vulnerability, and the quiet strength it takes to rebuild your identity in unfamiliar places. Lia Russ invites readers into her world with raw honesty and warmth, sharing how one journey across Asia helped her find not only adventure but also herself.

As a young dyslexic woman searching for meaning and belonging, Lia’s voice is both vulnerable and empowering. Her reflections feel deeply personal yet universally relatable whether she’s facing challenges on the road, confronting self doubt, or discovering beauty in unexpected places. The writing is vivid and full of heart, and her own photographs add authenticity and intimacy, capturing the spirit of moments that words alone could never hold.

What stands out most is Lia’s bravery not just in traveling across Asia, but in exposing the emotional layers of that experience. It’s a memoir that reminds us that “winging it” isn’t about being unprepared it’s about trusting life enough to keep going when the path isn’t clear.

This book is:
A beautifully written travel memoir filled with heart and humor
A story of resilience and self-acceptance
Enhanced by real photos that capture the essence of each moment
Perfect for readers who loved Eat, Pray, Love or Wild

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating and deeply personal narrative that traces one woman’s transformative passage through the landscapes and cultures of Asia. What begins as a search for meaning and belonging gradually evolves into a profound exploration of identity, confidence, and the quiet power of self-acceptance. Through evocative descriptions and heartfelt introspection, the story captures both the beauty and chaos of travel the unpredictable moments that test, teach, and ultimately liberate. The author’s openness about her struggles and triumphs makes the journey feel remarkably relatable, reminding readers that true growth often comes not from perfect plans, but from embracing uncertainty with courage and grace. Enriched by striking photographs that mirror the emotional tone of each experience, this memoir offers a vivid, sensory connection to places and moments that linger long after the last page.

[Evelyn Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winging It: A Memoir of My Journey to Asia, Book One by Lia Russ is a reflective and adventurous travel memoir about self-discovery, resilience, and growth. Following a young, dyslexic woman’s journey across Asia, the book blends personal insight with cultural exploration as Lia searches for purpose, love, and self-acceptance. Illustrated with the author’s own photographs, the memoir captures both the physical landscapes and the inner transformation sparked by travel. Honest, uplifting, and thoughtful, it’s a story about finding confidence by stepping far outside one’s comfort zone.

[Visionary Impart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winging It: A Memoir of My Journey to Asia, Book One by Lia Russ sounds like an inspiring and beautifully personal coming-of-age story. Framed through the lens of a “dyslexic Cinderella,” Lia’s search for meaning, love, and self-acceptance promises both vulnerability and courage. Her travels across Asia not only reshape her understanding of the world, but also of her own potential and identity. The inclusion of her personal photographs adds authenticity and depth, making this memoir feel intimate, reflective, and truly empowering.

[Mary Dill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt journey of courage and self-discovery, Winging It sweeps readers across Asia with honesty, warmth, and resilience. Lia Russ transforms personal challenges into moments of triumph, blending vivid storytelling with intimate photographs. Inspiring, empowering, and unforgettable, this memoir is a true gem.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our organizer, Skye Bennett, selected Winging It for our book club, and it was a beautiful choice. Lia Russ’s journey through Asia is heartfelt, inspiring, and honest. Her struggles, growth, and stunning personal photos made the memoir feel intimate and authentic. Our whole club connected with her story of self-acceptance and courage. A truly uplifting read.

[Nettie Harris]

Lia’s story pulled me in from the very first page. Her honesty, humor, and vulnerability make this memoir unforgettable. I loved following her through Asia as she pushed past her fears and learned to see herself in a new light. Her reflections felt real and relatable, and the photos added such a personal touch. An inspiring read for anyone who’s ever wondered who they are or where they’re going.

[Daniel Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating journey of courage and self-discovery, Lia Russ invites readers into a heartfelt adventure across Asia. With honesty, warmth, and vivid photos, she transforms struggle into strength and reminds us that the greatest destination is self-acceptance.

[Angela Sanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader, I felt inspired by Lia’s courage to face the world despite her challenges. Her journey across Asia was more than travel it was transformation. The love she had for her father and his guiding presence were deeply moving. This is a five-star read in every sense.

[Jose Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heart. Lia’s story as a dyslexic young woman finding her voice and strength while traveling through Asia is inspiring beyond words. Her photos made me feel like I was right there beside her. She writes with warmth and vulnerability and I can’t wait for Book Two.

[Tom Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Big thanks to our organizer, Skye Bennett, for bringing Winging It to our Silent Book Club Melbourne reading list. Lia’s journey through Asia was inspiring, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. A beautiful memoir that stayed with me long after I finished it.

[Jaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a major letdown. The concept sounds unique, but the story never develops into anything meaningful. It’s disorganized, shallow, and reads more like someone’s scattered vacation notes than an inspiring journey. I kept waiting for it to improve, but it never did.

[Joel · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you take Cinderella, sprinkle in dyslexia, toss her into Asia, and remove all sense of plot or emotional depth well, here’s your answer. The synopsis is far more exciting than anything that actually happens in the book. Even the photos feel like filler.

[willams · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story is an unfocused mess. The themes of identity and acceptance are barely explored, and the narrative jumps around with no direction. The photos feel like a distraction rather than an enhancement. Nothing about this book held my interest.

[Anita F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully inspiring journey, Lia Russ turns travel, struggle, and self-discovery into a heartfelt memoir that uplifts and lingers long after the last page.

[Terry Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. Lia’s bravery and resilience are so inspiring, especially given the challenges she faced.

[Alexandra Benette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written journey of courage and self-acceptance. Lia Russ invites you into her world with honesty and warmth a memoir that lingers long after the last page.

[Thomas Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and deeply personal travel memoir that takes readers on an emotional and spiritual journey across Asia. Through rich storytelling and candid reflections, the author explores themes of identity, courage, and self-acceptance. The vivid imagery and real-life photos make the experience feel immersive and genuine, offering a touching reminder that sometimes, getting lost is the only way to truly find yourself.

[Jerry Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving account of personal growth and discovery set against the vibrant backdrop of Asia. The author shares her experiences with sincerity and warmth, revealing how travel reshaped her understanding of herself and the world. Honest, reflective, and beautifully detailed, it’s a story that reminds readers of the power of stepping beyond comfort zones to find clarity, confidence, and meaning.

[Daniel Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told journey of transformation, filled with insight, emotion, and courage. The narrative draws readers into a world of new cultures and self-realization, where each experience becomes a lesson in resilience and self-worth. Poignant and uplifting, it captures the essence of what it means to rediscover oneself while exploring the world beyond familiar horizons.

[Barnes Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An evocative and honest reflection on finding oneself through travel and challenge. The author’s journey unfolds with a blend of humor, humility, and wonder, revealing how every encounter and setback shaped a stronger sense of purpose. It’s an inspiring reminder that growth often comes not from reaching a destination, but from the courage to keep moving forward.