Kate Bowler

After surviving a stage-four cancer diagnosis, Duke University professor Kate Bowler knew she was supposed to feel grateful. Blessed, even. But she ached for more connection and surprise, and less resentment on an ordinary day. So she went looking for joy. Not the toxic-positivity kind, but the type that sneaks in unexpectedly—a lemur sunbathing or a belly laugh at a funeral.

In Joyful, Anyway, Bowler shows how joy can surprise us—even in the middle of pain, boredom, and longing—and how we can access it even when happiness feels out of reach. This is not a book about fixing your life. It’s about how we can all find and feel more by making room for small, extraordinary moments.

Events at Sixth & I

• Seating is primarily general admission; first-come, first-served. There are some partial view seats on the balcony level. Display screens supplement sightlines.
• There are a limited number of premium reserved seats on the main level and balcony. Reserved seating is also available to Sixth & I donors at select giving levels.
• Click here for directions to our historic building.
• For details about accessible seating and entry, click here.
• Click here to review our event policies, security procedures, and food and beverage policies.
• Click here for step-by-step instructions to transfer your ticket to someone else.
• Click here for step-by-step instructions to transfer your in-person ticket to a virtual ticket.