If you’ve ever been skeptical about “thinking good thoughts” or “keeping a positive attitude” in the face of strife, you might want to check out Joyful, Anyway, a new book by Canadian author Kate Bowler. Dr. Bowler, a religious historian at Duke University Divinity School, writes about the unresolved restlessness she felt after surviving a serious cancer diagnosis. She didn’t feel endlessly grateful or even particularly joyful, and wondered what was amiss. Half rant, half reconciliation, Dr. Bowler offers a timely rebuttal to those feel-good expectations, especially as society’s most lofty values are being eroded by reckless acts and vicious rhetoric. Read more.

Also this week: Tips for effectively managing osteoarthritis; and Leslie Beck on a new study that suggests three keys to heart health.

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