Blissful Thinking
A Memoir of Overcoming the Wellness Revolution
by L.L. Kirchner
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Pub Date 26 Sep 2023 | Archive Date 21 Jul 2023
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Description
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 grounded in physical and spiritual wellness. Then her husband demanded a divorce. Over the telephone.
To avoid a return to her addictions, the author must confront the fact that her painful family dynamics remain unresolved. She tries yoga, meditation, chanting — all the things meant to cultivate bliss and help regain trust in the universe. Each brings some relief, but she searches for the answer outside herself until finally, she discovers the gift her mother had always given her—hope.
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.
Advance Praise
“Kirchner’s voice is self-aware and humble, making her feel like a trustworthy guide. The themes of craving love, dissecting personal flaws, and searching for peace amid chaos recur, but her stories of her troubled personal history are effectively punctuated by the wisdom of mentors. Readers will feel a tension between resistance and surrender as she describes each new experience and then, importantly, leaves it behind.” —Kirkus Reviews
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798887840154 |
| PRICE | |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Kelly P, Reviewer
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.
Sue E, Reviewer
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.
Abigail L, Librarian
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.
Kathy B, Media/Journalist
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.
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