Blissful Thinking: A Memoir of Overcoming the Wellness Revolution

by L.L. Kirchner

Never give up, especially on yourself.

Blissful Thinking is the sweeping story of L.L. Kirchner’s search for nirvana that took her from university halls in the Persian Gulf to the streets of Manhattan to a sex cult in India.

Between her family’s gym and the years she’d spent in substance abuse recovery, Kirchner felt versed in physical and spiritual wellness. But when her husband demanded a divorce over the phone, she feared a return to her addictions.

Forced to confront the fact that her painful family dynamics remained unresolved, the author embarked on a spiritual journey to regain her trust in the universe. She tried yoga, meditation, chanting — all the things meant to cultivate bliss. Each brought some relief, but it wasn’t until she visited a psychic that she knew her life had changed.

In a memoir that’s both rapturous and page-turning, Kirchner captures the terrors and joys of searching for radical honesty — and a second date.

Unknown Binding

About the author

L.L. Kirchner is an award-winning screenwriter and Pushcart-nominated author whose life and work as an expat in Asia became the basis of two memoirs that combine humor with “her discerning eye” (Foreword Reviews)—or, as an NPR interviewer said, her memoir is “like Eat, Pray, Love, but funny.” She lives in Florida with her favorite husband. Drawing on her eclectic background as a religion editor, dating columnist, and bridal editor, Kirchner’s work explores feminist narratives. Read more at her blog, IllBehavedWomen.com or LLKirchner.com. She lives in Florida with her favorite husband.

In 2024, Kirchner will launch her highly anticipated trilogy, the Queenpin Chronicles, with her debut novel, FLORIDA GIRLS. Set in 1940s Florida, this multi-POV suspense story follows an unconventional heroine navigating the criminal underworld and fighting for independence in a male-dominated society. Through vivid prose and richly drawn characters, Kirchner illuminates the patriarchal and self-imposed boundaries women face while celebrating the strength of those who dare to break free.

Get her latest writing as well as craft and publishing tips at https://illbehavedwomen.com.

Reviews

[Michele Dawson Haber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning to meet life from a place of worthiness

I was honored to be provided an advanced reader copy of Blissful Thinking.

This is a remarkable memoir full of razor sharp observations, funny and racy encounters, and a helpful introduction to some of the spiritual experiences on offer for those seeking inner peace and understanding. I especially enjoyed Lisa's hilariously uncensored and at times needy, internal monologue. Lisa is a searcher, covering miles of actual ground as well as her internal, complex landscape in search for the answer to, "what's wrong with me?" -- and isn't this question one we all ask ourselves?

In searching for the definitive answer, Lisa leaves few spiritual thresholds uncrossed. Ultimately, she arrives at a place that requires no travel at all. As she says near the end of the book, "Finding my flaws was my quest, yet achieving my goal made me anything but happy--each discovery was a new reason for lament. When I could see my imperfections with compassion, I found more to let go of. The ongoing task has been, with each new discovery, to start again without judgment."

Readers will, at a minimum, enjoy the combination of raw honesty, humor, and deep observations in Blissful Thinking. By sharing her insights, Lisa may also persuade fellow seekers from turning down the same difficult and unconventional roads that she did. Regardless, there is something for all readers in this memoir. I recommend it without reservation.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I first heard about this book--described more or less as "40-something woman in recovery tries a bunch of wacko woo woo stuff and finds some of it helpful, most of it laughable"--I thought, "Let me grab a paddle, cuz I'm in the same boat!" Instead, I was very disappointed to find that this book was a lame retread of Eat, Pray, Love, but without that book's humor and decent mastery of the English language. Somehow, what could have been a fascinating globe-trotting tale was a rote listing of all of the author's cringing reasons for self-hatred, bad roommates, annoying one-night stands, and past jobs. I'm certainly glad she eventually found peace and stayed sober. But I wish I had my $9 back.

[Casey Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Kirchner knows what she’s talking about. Her journey has taken her from Qatar to India, from Pittsburgh to NYC’s Alphabet City to Florida, from addiction to years of searching to embracing release. In Blissful Thinking, she employs humor, wry wisdom, and vulnerability to bring readers straight into the heart of her story.

I found Kirchner’s relentless quest to unearth meaning in struggle deeply relatable, though my own path couldn’t be more different; herein lies the universal. Regardless of the details of our lives, the desire to make sense of our experience can lead us to unexpected places and teach us things we never imagined we’d need—or even want—to learn. Throughout, Kirchner deftly weaves in the wisdom of thinkers, from Carson McCullers to Goenka (an Indian teacher of Vipassanā meditation) to Martha Graham to Ram Dass, giving us the opportunity to consider how their observations apply to our own lives.

This book will speak to those who are drawn to stories of self-discovery, those who dream of travel to Asia, and those who simply enjoy a page-turning story well-told with both irreverence and insight.

[Trish McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of LL Kirchner’s memoir. Just as Lisa describes, “I was at yet another precipice,” her readers will be on the ledge with her on this wonderful adventure. The first vespassana scene kept me rapt as I tried to guess whether she would stay or go.

“The edge was clear and I knew what I felt—grief comes when love has nowhere to land”—a powerful statement and a testament to Kirchner’s depth as a writer and vulnerable human being. You will want to be on this bittersweet journey with her.

[Megy Karydes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always admired memoirists because it's hard to weave in your own story with a smart takeaway for the reader while also keeping them entertained. L.L. does a wonderful job sharing her story in such a way that you want to keep reading and learn more. What will happen if she tries this? Will she decide to do that? How will it end for her? How does our family dynamics impact the decisions we make? And while yes, this is her story, I found myself often asking...what would I have done in her situation? Would I have made a different decision? It's a fast read but I intentionally took my time to read each chapter so I could appreciate the story as it was unfolding.

If you're looking for a smart memoir that allows the reader to go on the journey with the writer, in all its flawed and beautiful parts as a human, pick up Blissful Thinking.

[MeMe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirchner can spin a captivating story using a sarcastic and engaging tone to bring it to life. I enjoyed reading it very much. This engaging memoir that covers spirituality, addiction, cults, psychology, and relationships will entertain you. The author shares a story of wellness, adventure, recovery, and love, intertwined with her divorce and family dynamics. In her book, Lisa stood out with her special voice, storytelling abilities, honesty, wit, and relatability. You should read this memoir.

[Ann Batchelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa kindly let me read an advance copy of her memoir. I loved her explorations around the globe and around her heart. A survivor and a seeker, she learns new truths with each adventure. Along the way, she offers an honest look at her life with insight, humor, and humility .

[Jocelyn Jane Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

LL Kirchner’s Blissful Thinking: A Memoir of Overcoming the Wellness Revolution is a book about vulnerability, bravery, and a pursuit of help and answers that is relatable even if Kirchner takes it further than many of us might. She goes to great lengths to address what ails her, namely heartbreak, grief, and her addiction recovery. When one thing doesn’t work, she tries something else. While reading, we get the sense that none of her travels, new classes, or mindsets are going to provide the answers or relief she seeks. We suspect that what’s going to help Kirchner will probably be found either within, or where least expected. We turn the pages to see which it is, and when.

Kirchner travels to an ashram in India where she sits on a dirt floor for ten days. She tries Buddhist chanting, sessions with mediums and energy healers, dabbles in polyamory, and makes a brief visit to a sex cult. Along the way, Kirchner discovers that the wellness industry creates an infinite (and expensive) churn for those who are hurting. Spoiler alert: she also discovers herself. Highly recommend this insightful book: it will definitely take you to places — mentally, physically, geographically — you might not otherwise visit.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of Lisa Kirchner’s memoir. There’s much to learn from and admire in Lisa’s quest to discover how to live with heartbreak and pain in a way that moves her forward rather than stagnating or reliving the past. That’s always the goal, though one that many of us struggle with on a daily, if not lifelong, basis. Lisa’s heartache from a divorce and past addiction leads her to India—from intensive meditation retreats to sex cults—where she tries to unravel what has really transpired in her life, to root out the causes, and transform those potential flaws into a healthier, more peaceful existence. What she uncovers isn’t a fatally flawed human, but her own self-awareness. Lisa credits the teachers she found who showed her how to meet life’s challenges (and there are as many ways as challenges), though it is Kirchner who shows us that not being ourselves out of fear of “being poorly received” is the deepest and most important challenge and one that she has beautifully conquered.

[Marisa Russello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir, which I think is about a woman trying to find herself and find happiness amid all of life's pain and heartbreak, entertained me from beginning to end. The author, Lisa, is really funny, and a few parts had me literally laughing out loud. I was impressed by her brutal honesty, self-deprecation, and irreverence, even during difficult moments, which I believe made the book more compelling.

In particular, I was a huge fan of the beginning chapters about her mental health journey and recovery (and would have loved to read even more!). Lisa was not only honest but discussed things about herself that could be considered taboo in our society, and I admire that. She actually wrote that way throughout the entire book about every topic and adventure she went on.

With a fresh perspective and Lisa's pleasant voice, the audiobook was a joy to listen to. I'm so glad I picked this one up!

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book was right up my alley as a yoga teacher and spiritual development junkie. I wanted to love it, and I did enjoy some chapters, but overall I felt like the story fell flat.

The timeline was confusing and hard to follow despite dates at the beginning of each chapter. I was never quite sure what was happening when. And the author’s voice seems to shine in some sections and be completely lacking in others.

Because I was interested in the topic, I was able to push through and finish the book, but at the end, I wasn’t quite sure what the author had learned, or what I was supposed to take away.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Gayle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirchner's memoir is filled with hope, determination, and transparency. As an author myself, I admire anyone who writes a memoir. Exposing yourself to the world, unpeeling the outer layers, and letting readers see your true self is beyond brave. It's courageous, and Kirchner peels back layer after layer, exposing her rawest emotions, and dealing with inner demons, all while healing her heart and mind.

On a journey to self-discovery, forgiveness, and nirvana, you will cheer Kirchner on as she embarks on a spiritual journey, discovering who she really is, clearing out the darkness that once held her prisoner, and affording her the second chance she deserves. Humor mixed with Kirchner's interiority makes for the perfect combination, making the reader turn page after page.

[Emillio Mesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the typical "new age" psycho-babble book because the "wellness" market, as we know it, is a multi-billion dollar industry. It's a brutally honest, funny, irreverent, embarrassing, dark-yet enlightening story about a woman's personal odyssey to find herself (something we can all relate to). She brings about awareness & normality to taboo questions about mental health, physical wellness, sex, our life's purpose, spirituality...while stumbling around the globe, learning every lesson the hard way. This book reminded me that we are not alone in finding/creating our safe place in life, where we can finally be comfortable in our skin (warts and all) and genuinely love others.

[Lori Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blissful Thinking is a memoir of overcoming the wellness revolution. She gets very personal and tells her history of drug and alcohol abuse, and problems within her birth family. She spent a lot of time traveling between Pittsburgh, Qatar, and India in her search for inner understanding. She took many classes and tried different types of yoga and meditation, even some that seemed cult-like. Her story starts with her childhood and many moves, and ends with her mother’s death, except for the epilogue where she shares that she married her second husband. Her writing style is very interesting and shows she did work in standup comedy.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating memoir that chronicles L.L. Kirchner's extraordinary journey in search of spiritual fulfillment and self-discovery. From the Persian Gulf to Manhattan to a sex cult in India, the author fearlessly explores different avenues in her quest for nirvana. Kirchner's writing effortlessly captures the reader's attention, and her rapturous storytelling makes this memoir a page-turner. Through the highs and lows of her experiences, she skillfully conveys the terrors and joys of searching for radical honesty, all while keeping the reader engrossed in her quest for a second chance at love.

[Joelle Tamraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is voice-driven. The narrator's inventive and humorous turns-of-phrase and her openness to what life has to offer kept me turning the pages. Like EAT, PRAY, LOVE without the 'eat' and more raw. I trusted her to be honest about her experiences and not sugar-coat them for the sake of a good story.

This book doesn't explain certain points in depth - notably her ex-husband's sudden and unexpected request for divorce - but having listened to a recent podcast with the author, I understand that she wrote about it in an earlier memoir.

In the end, although she offers no judgment on her various external searches for enlightenment, her true empowering discovery is self-love and self-acceptance - the realisation that she can trust herself to make her own decisions without spiritual intermediaries.

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

LL Kirchner’s “Blissful Thinking” reads much more like a major motion picture than a memoir. Kirchner’s riveting story is a fascinating page turner, where each scene places us right there, in the middle of it all. In turns heartrending and utterly hilarious, you’ll savor this spiritual journey and the wisdom and clarity it offers without ever being preachy or patronizing. Thoroughly relatable, Kirchner’s spiritual quest to find grounding and peace in her true self is a trip you won’t want to miss.

[Jenna Godwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Interesting and relatable story of the author’s life long quest for self fulfillment. I loved the sections set in India. The only reason I went down half a star is that some of the “self-help” techniques like vipassana meditation and yoga are truly helpful, and have been for me. In this book, she seems to claim that they are not useful tools, but I could also be misunderstanding the point. I went to her memoir workshop and learned a lot about this writing style. I would definitely read her other works.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Kirchner is one of my favorite writers. I am so glad I was able to receive an advance copy of this book. Kirchner has a sarcastic and engaging voice and a hell of a story to tell. I enjoyed reading this so much that I sprung out of bed extra early three days in a row (like 4am ish) so I could read it before going to work. If you like humorous tales of spirituality seeking, addiction, cults, psychology, and relationship drama of all kinds, you'll love this witty, engaging memoir.

[Heather Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Blissful Thinking, L.L. Kirchner takes readers on her journey of wellness, adventure, recovery and love as she travels around the world navigating the end of her marriage, her family dynamics and all the people she meets along the way. I loved Lisa’s voice, her storytelling skills, her brutal honesty, her wittiness and her relatable insights. I highly recommend this memoir!

[Krista Hajjar-Nejad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Kirchner's memoir to be relatable, engaging, and vulnerable. I enjoyed her style of writing, which was from her own honest and heartfelt experience. How does one heal, grieve, and find their true selves after addiction, divorce, and toxic family dynamics?

Read Blissful Thinking if you're looking for a journey of self-reflection, inspiration, and recovery.

[Kelly Pramberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting memoir dealing with the wellness industry. I enjoyed Kirchner's stories and how she was influenced by wellness culture throughout her life. Her book is brave and witty! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars.

[Jenn McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fellow "searcher," I found it comforting (and often hilarious) to read an honest account of a woman pursuing different, off-kilter healing paths in a time of grief, when you don't quite know what to do with yourself. Enjoyed this quite a bit!

[Karen Simonian]

L.L. Kirchner’s voice comes through clear as a bell in this lively, globe-spanning memoir. While rooted in trauma, the book is full of the author’s signature wry humor (with many laugh-out-loud lines!).

[enjoyingbooksagain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts:
I would like to say Thank you to L.L. Kirchner for letting me read about your journey of wellness and healing.The is a raw emotional, and very interesting memoir your honestly was raw and refreshening.

[Stephanie Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging look at the search for self and healing. This raw, honest, funny account took me to the outposts of India where I will never be able to travel myself, and her insights hit home.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unforgettable journey of self-discovery and radical honesty in Blissful Thinking, a memoir that will leave you questioning your own beliefs and searching for answers.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book with a great main character. I loved the story and how it was laid out for the reader to enjoy.

[Alex Frnka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharp, self-aware, and refreshingly irreverent!

LL Kirchner’s "Blissful Thinking" dives into the glossy, often absurd world of the wellness industry with wit and a healthy dose of skepticism. Her story, which winds through yoga retreats, mental health struggles, spiritual experiments, and real-world consequences, is told with clarity and dark humor. What sets this apart is her refusal to tie it all up with a self-help bow. She doesn’t present herself as a guru or a cautionary tale — just a smart, curious woman trying to make sense of her life.

This book pairs well with any conversation about the commodification of wellness, the pressure to "fix" yourself, and how women are often sold a very narrow vision of peace. It’s a memoir that makes you laugh, cringe, and reflect... and sometimes all on the same page!

Listen to my episode on "Blissful Thinking" on Spotify!
Listen to my episode on "Blissful Thinking" on Apple Podcasts!

[Alexandra Villapiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands-down one of my favorite books. It’s deeply insightful and written with humor and charm. It takes you on a unique and entertaining journey through the ups and downs of the self-help movement, self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of inner peace. The author, LL Kirchner’s, storytelling ability is exceptional, weaving together, anecdotes from her own experiences with 12 step recovery, yoga, travel adventures from India to New York, and the desperate need to fill an inner loneliness through a variety of accidentally hilarious relationships. Her writing style is engaging, laced with self deprecating wit, making it easy to connect with her journey on a personal level.
She has the ability to find humor, even in the most challenging and vulnerable moments. However, the book does not shy away from addressing serious topics, and getting serious answers; but it does so in a way that manages to strike a balance between levity and introspection.
If you are looking for a book that combines humor, personal growth, and hope, “Blissful Thinking” is the right choice. It will make you laugh, reflect, and perhaps inspire you to embark on your own journey of self discovery. Whether you’re familiar with the self-help industry or not, this book offers refreshing perspective that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. I honestly could not put this phone down and cannot recommend it highly enough.