Mind, Body & Life

Smile or Die: How Positive Thinking Fooled America and the World by Barbara Ehrenreich

Keith Kahn-Harris enjoys Barbara Ehrenreich's antidote to positive thinking

Louise Foxcroft finds a portrait of famous hypochondriacs really hits a nerve

Brenda Maddox celebrates the distinguished life of her husband in a tent in Wales, with Richard Dawkins and Dylan Thomas

Sally Feldman finally discovers what lies beneath the kilt

America’s Religious Right has devised a seductive new recruitment strategy, reveals Dagmar Herzog

Politics, religion and money may be wrestling to control the Olympics. But, argues Paul Sims, they’ll never be a match for the sheer drama

Helene Joffe prepares for the worst

Peyvand Khorsandi pays a visit to Amma – India's hugging saint

Richard Sennett tells Laurie Taylor why he believes in patience, practicality and a job well done

Forget about the stars, the Wise Men and the Baby Jesus. Christmas is all about family, says Carrie Quinlan