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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
While reading this book, I found myself envisioning a more clear picture of the kind of woman I want to be as well as engaging in my work and relationships in a more meaningful way than I had been before I started it. Brooks uses each chapter to tell the story of a man or woman who “had to descend into the valley of humility to climb the heights of character”—individuals who weren’t living for self-satisfaction, but whose “ultimate joys [were] moral joys.”
While there are many lessons to learn from each of the stories themselves, the way Brooks weaves the themes of these stories together is what allows this book to really pack its punch. The Road to Character left me feeling responsible to not only personally cultivate the virtues he discusses, but also to “stand against the prevailing winds of culture” that so often place self-advancement and personal ambition above the humility, steadfastness, and others-centeredness that mark a person of character.
While there are many lessons to learn from each of the stories themselves, the way Brooks weaves the themes of these stories together is what allows this book to really pack its punch. The Road to Character left me feeling responsible to not only personally cultivate the virtues he discusses, but also to “stand against the prevailing winds of culture” that so often place self-advancement and personal ambition above the humility, steadfastness, and others-centeredness that mark a person of character.
Based on the blurb, The Road to Character presents itself as an exploration of values and virtue which commentates on the stories of several prominent or not-as-prominent figures in history. However, I did not find that description to be accurate. In reality, the book is comprised of eight short(ish) biographies sandwiched between chapters where Brooks pretends to make himself clear on which values are good.
There are sections which were interesting, but overall the book seems to ramble and not make its primary argument clear, especially through the narration of people's lives--honestly, I skipped the last four biography chapters to finish the last chapter. Combined with Brooks' confusing approach (read: avoidance) of an honest discussion of religion as it relates to character (cf. vague discussion of "sin" that is markedly secular vs. later where he praises religious virtues??), I felt lost and dreaded picking it up. This was disappointing, because I have read and learned from Brooks' shorter works in magazines and other publications. My misunderstanding of this book's content along with its surprisingly inarticulate organization made this book a negative for me.
There are sections which were interesting, but overall the book seems to ramble and not make its primary argument clear, especially through the narration of people's lives--honestly, I skipped the last four biography chapters to finish the last chapter. Combined with Brooks' confusing approach (read: avoidance) of an honest discussion of religion as it relates to character (cf. vague discussion of "sin" that is markedly secular vs. later where he praises religious virtues??), I felt lost and dreaded picking it up. This was disappointing, because I have read and learned from Brooks' shorter works in magazines and other publications. My misunderstanding of this book's content along with its surprisingly inarticulate organization made this book a negative for me.
Enjoyed the process of reading this - collection of short biographies of "people with character", defined quite diversely. Not really sure what I took out of it though, hence only 3 stars.
this wasn't for me. a lot of it could just have been summarized. some people will like reading about all the different people tho
This books presents a discussion of excellence; an important conversation we need now. I like the ideas it examines, but I would have liked stronger and shorter examples. The biographies, for the most part, bored me and added nothing. I failed to see how some of the examples exhibited the specific virtue. I think a discussion of the importance of striving for excellence in all areas and one or two short examples would have been worked better. Also, all of the examples are from the past. Does Brooks believe that no one currently living possesses these virtues? I liked the idea of this book because this is a conversation we are lacking in our current culture, but I would have liked a more compact version. Everyone could benefit from this book, but you may want to skim through certain passages.
Too many stories of people I could not relate to even if the topic is really interesting
Some of the stories were better than others, and I'm not sure how profound or insightful the collection ultimately was, but I don't regret reading it. I love Brooks.
Excellent collection of short biographies used to illustrate a general path towards building character in an age that values external shows of success over internal growth (pics or it didn't happen).
One star off for Brooks's slightly repetitive writing style. This works well on the audio, but it's a little tedious when reading the printed book. (I started with the audio and finished the hardcover.)
One star off for Brooks's slightly repetitive writing style. This works well on the audio, but it's a little tedious when reading the printed book. (I started with the audio and finished the hardcover.)
Valiant effort to revitalize traditional values. Bites off more than he can chew.