Bestselling author Kate Bowler, renowned for her memoirs exploring life's unpredictability, joins the conversation. She shares her humorous yet candid insights on the writing process, discussing how it's often easier to express truths on the page than in person. Kate delves into the emotional journey of writing about hardship and how chronic illness reshapes identity and relationships. She emphasizes the power of storytelling in navigating personal struggles and the importance of embracing uncertainty while celebrating life’s ordinary moments.
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insights INSIGHT
Ignoring Chronic Issues
Loved ones often ignore or downplay chronic issues because they find the reality unbearable.
This leads to mutual deception, preventing honest communication and acceptance of the changed situation.
insights INSIGHT
Honesty in Writing
Writing allows for greater honesty than verbal communication, especially regarding difficult topics.
This enables multiple levels of conversation: raw truth in writing, comforting support in person.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Career vs. Calling
Kate Bowler realized her career choice carried her parents' hopes and dreams.
Facing a possible job loss due to illness forced her to examine her motivations and the weight of familial expectations.
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No Cure for Being Human : (and Other Truths I Need to Hear)
Kate Bowler
In 'No Cure for Being Human', Kate Bowler reflects on her life after being diagnosed with cancer at age 35. With dry wit and unflinching honesty, she critiques the modern 'best life now' advice industry that promotes exhausting positivity and the idea that one can out-eat, out-learn, and out-perform their humanness. Bowler explores her diagnosis, ambition, and faith, emphasizing the fragility of human life and the need for truth and community in the face of adversity. The book is a heartfelt memoir that meditates on sickness, family, and recovery, offering fresh insights on life and chronic illness.
Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I've Loved
Kate Bowler
In this memoir, Kate Bowler, a historian of the American prosperity gospel, recounts her life-altering diagnosis with Stage IV colon cancer at the age of 35. Despite her previous beliefs in the prosperity gospel, which suggests that blessings are a mark of God's favor and misfortune is a sign of disfavor, Bowler's diagnosis forces her to confront the harsh realities of life and death. The book is a frank, funny, and wise account of her experiences, populated with colorful characters from her life, including friends, mega-church preachers, relatives, and doctors. Bowler rejects the idea that everything happens for a reason and instead finds beauty and meaning in the unpredictability of life.
The Preacher's Wife
The Precarious Power of Evangelical Women Celebrities
Kate Bowler
Kate Bowler's "The Preacher's Wife" explores the lives and influence of prominent women within evangelical Christianity. It examines the complexities of their roles and the challenges they face within a patriarchal religious structure. The book delves into the power dynamics at play and the ways in which these women navigate their public and private lives. It offers a nuanced perspective on the experiences of women in leadership positions within a conservative religious context. Bowler's research is insightful and her writing style is engaging, making this a compelling read for those interested in religion, gender, and power.
Under the Banner of Heaven
Jon Krakauer
Jon Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven" delves into the 1984 murder of Brenda Lafferty and her baby, exploring the fundamentalist Mormon community where the crime occurred. The book examines the history and beliefs of Mormonism, tracing its evolution from its origins to the extreme interpretations of fundamentalist groups. Krakauer investigates the complex interplay of faith, violence, and power within this community. The narrative blends true crime elements with a deep exploration of religious history and social dynamics. The book raises questions about religious extremism and its potential consequences.
Blessed
A History of the American Prosperity Gospel
Kate Bowler
Kate Bowler's "Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel" examines the cultural and religious phenomenon of the prosperity gospel. It explores the historical development of this movement and its impact on American society. The book delves into the theological underpinnings of the prosperity gospel and its implications for faith, wealth, and social justice. It offers a critical analysis of the movement's promises and its consequences. Bowler's research is thorough and her writing style is engaging, making this a valuable resource for understanding a significant aspect of American religious culture.
For the Happier Podcast Book Club we’re revisiting our conversation with our friend and bestselling author Kate Bowler about her moving, funny, thought-provoking new memoir, “No Cure for Being Human.” In this wide-ranging chat we discuss her writing process, work as a “calling” vs “career” and why we can be more honest in writing than we can out loud.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin 
