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.
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.
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.
In 'Carry On, Warrior,' Glennon Doyle Melton shares her personal story through moving, refreshing, and laugh-out-loud essays. She reflects on her universal yet often secret experiences, inspiring a social movement by reminding women they are not alone. The book invites readers to believe in themselves, let go of the idea of perfection, and stop making motherhood, marriage, and friendship harder by pretending they are not hard. Doyle's writing gives readers permission to doubt, believe, struggle, laugh, and tell the truth imperfectly, making it a spiritual memoir that readers will want to return to again and again.
In 'Untamed', Glennon Doyle shares her personal journey of breaking free from the societal and cultural expectations that had defined her life. The book is divided into three parts: 'Caged', 'Keys', and 'Free'. Doyle discusses her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and her initial marriage, as well as her transformative experience of falling in love with Abby Wambach, a retired professional soccer player. The memoir explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the importance of trusting one's own voice and intuition. Doyle reflects on her experiences with gender roles, mental health, and cultural conditioning, encouraging readers to reject the status quo and live more authentically. The book is both an intimate memoir and a galvanizing call to action, urging readers to set boundaries, honor their emotions, and embrace their truest selves[2][4][5].
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.
Today, I have a very special BONUS episode for you all.
Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed, watched in awe as this simple phrase from Untamed – WE CAN DO HARD THINGS – the mantra that saved her life twenty years ago, became a worldwide rally cry.
Life is freaking hard. We are all doing hard things every day – we love and lose; we forge and end friendships; battle addiction, illness, and loneliness; care for children and parents; struggle in our jobs, our marriages, our divorces; we try to set and hold boundaries – and we fight for equality, purpose, joy, and peace right in the midst of all the hard.
On We Can Do Hard Things, Glennon, her wife Abby Wambach, and her sister Amanda Doyle, do the only thing that has ever made life easier: They talk honestly about the hard. They laugh and cry and help each other carry the hard so we can all live a little bit lighter and braver, free-er, less alone.
And they asked me to join them for a conversation on We Can Do Hard Things about navigating illness and other hard things that this community knows how to dig into with such courage. I can't wait for you all to listen.
CW: some spicy adult language :)
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Listen to Part 2 of my conversation with Glennon and Amanda, "Walking Our People Through Hard Things," on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify. We talk about what to do and say to people in pain and how to accept that sometimes there is nothing we can do to fix people's problems (and how to live with that helplessness).
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Everything Happens with Kate Bowler 
