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

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.

I regret to say that I got halfway through and just had to give up. I wasn’t looking forward to picking it up. The writing was clunky, segues jarring. Flashbacks to the past felt occasionally forced and not always congruent with the story, and other times were not adequately indicated as flashbacks leading to a confusing read. Way too many secondary characters. I wanted to get to the meat of the story. The critique of the wellness industry is of huge interest to me. But I wanted to look after my own wellness, and read a book I was going to enjoy.

Uncommon details; universal issues: Blissful Thinking is a gripping, raw and moving account of one woman’s journey to self-acceptance. While yoga and retreats in India are outside the experience of many readers, much of the author’s plight is widely relatable, especially when so openly and unapologetically shared: an outlier upbringing; addiction and recovery; a failed marriage; job insecurity; the rejection-laden minefield of dating. Kirchner exposes the challenge and anguish of extricating herself from the hold of self-blame and seductive wellness programs.

Started off so well, it had me from the first page.

However, after the first and second chapters and anything with 12 steps, it feels like the author lost their voice. It felt as though the main premise of "help yourself while being grateful for what you have" got lost along the way.

By the middle of the book, I had to really force myself to continue reading.

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.

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.

I'm fascinated by books dealing with the wellness industry/toxic positivity, so this seemed like a great find. And while I did enjoy parts of this book and the author's humor, it came across a little Eat, Pray, Love to me. I was wanting to know more about the author's growing up years (with her parents in the health industry), and then at the end, I really wanted to know more about her relationship (which is just kind of thrown in there with no background). Perhaps these are explained more in her other books?

Something about the author's tone rubbed me the wrong way at times, perhaps too much navel-gazing. I'm struggling to pinpoint exactly what didn't work for me in this book, and while the topics were very interesting, I just felt like the author was too general or too specific, and not at the times I wanted her to be.

Still, this was a solid, interesting read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will post on Goodreads closer to publication date.

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.