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4 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 Building better values Sep 24, 2008
By S. Barrett
Character Connections
Based on a six-point group of character traits structured on the "Six Pillars of Character" as taught by Michael Josephson of the Josephson Institute of Ethics, author Rob Baggett, a National Board Certified School Counselor, explains in clear language how parents, teachers and students can change their personal values to ethical values where character counts.
He discusses the social disintegration so prevalent in the country today and how not taking responsibility for one's failures turns produces the victim mentality that is at the heart of many of the societal problems today.
The book is filled with meaningful quotes, some from religious leaders, many from notable people living and dead and some from pop icons. Baggett's idea was not to make this a religious book but a compendium of life lessons from which people of any faith (or no faith) could adopt. So we learn some key ideals: that democracy is an ethical value, that self-government requires self-discipline, that fairness is a basic American value, and that every civilization is but twenty years away from barbarism unless we instill ethical values and good character traits in our children.
In a series of essays, Baggett shows how to develop real self-esteem (and what can happen if one doesn't), and then goes on to discuss principles such as wise investing, the importance of learning, of caring about others and why it is important to have limits, and he does it all in a common sense manner. The book defines the Six Pillars of Character as being trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring and a good citizen, and the text is divided into sections that elaborate in a non-pedantic way with examples and relevant quotes. The book is easy reading with short essays and can be read in bits and pieces.
While Character Connections is slanted toward instructors and parents, I found many thought-provoking lessons suitable for any person at any age. A couple of favorite quotes: "Mistakes are for learning" and one from Barry LePatner: "Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment."
Recommended.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Extemely Christian viewpoint. Jul 16, 2009
By Lady Atana
"lady_atana"
When choosing this book, I did not realize the extreme Christian viewpoint. I honestly could not even finish this book. I lost interest after 2 chapters. I only give 2 stars because someone in the Christian community would probably enjoy it.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 An interesting collection Oct 12, 2008
By P. Novak
This book is an interesting collection of stories and quotes surrounding character. The stories are small, generally two pages or less each. The quotes are very well chosen and fit well with the author's writing.
This book is definitely written by a conservative for conservatives. Liberals are likely to dispute a number of the facts he presents. As someone who has traveled extensively I agree with the idea of social contracts and have found those countries that enforce them much more civil than the US.
There were two reasons I didn't give this 5 stars. The first was, as another reader pointed out, I reject the idea that people that are not religious can't be ethical or of good character. The second reason is that I had hoped it would provide more insight into how to build good character in children. The ideas were rather cliched "do your best" and such. I would have preferred to see some concrete examples, such as how to counter what the child may be learning in school, particularly the liberal views of tolerance and right and wrong.
Overall this book is well written and interesting, and is a good introduction. He mentions several other authors that may provide more details about implementing character building.
3 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Rebuilding character in America. Oct 30, 2008
By Work of Life
Character Connections isn't written specifically for parents, but I think parents (and teachers) can get a lot out of it. The author is addressing one of America's core problems of society, the erosion of our values and the consequences of that loss. His approach is reader friendly and not at all patronizing or preachy. In fact, his solutions are refreshingly simple. Without getting into a lot of psychology or religiosity, he gives thoughtful and well supported advice that folks can start using right away. Though the author's primary experience is working with children, readers will find this book useful to most anyone who is concerned about the eroding moral character of our great country.
The cover design could use some work, frankly, the dated picture and lack of design sophistication detracts from a nice little book. I also think this book could use some additional editing and organizing, but overall, a pleasant and worthwhile read!
Is this review helpful? Let me know, please vote. :-)
School counseling based on character education with a Christian flavor Apr 11, 2011
By DWD
"DWD's Reviews"
It has become the flavor of the month in many schools to teach character education. As a teacher in a school corporation that purports to teach character but does not go beyond banners and slogans in the official school letterhead in our effort, I found this book to be enlightening.
Baggett is quite open with his religious beliefs throughout the book, which is appropriate - his character is greatly shaped by it. He stresses that it cannot be overtly expressed in his role as counselor at school, but it is present.
Baggett sells the concept of the role of character education in schools quite well. He demonstrates the lack of character in schools and the larger society, identifies several areas that need to be addressed and lays out some general ways to address them along with references to how to address more specific needs.
Throughout the book he includes literally hundreds of inspirational quotes that correspond with each chapter.
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