The Power of Character: Prominent Americans Talk About Life, Family, Work, Values, And More (Abridged) Audiobook

" This is a great one! Lots of food for thought. "

" Well written. Provocative topic. Interesting factoids. But not as well-researched as I would have liked. Profiles of character-education initiatives at the exclusive Riverdale Country School and the KIPP charter schools seemed high on anecdote and low on actual data. And why so much focus on school reform programs like KIPP, OneGoal and the Gates Foundation-backed High School Turnaround that seem to be run by young, white do gooders? I would have liked to hear from seasoned educators who are currently working successfully (or not) in the current system. Nonetheless, enlighting to read about the role that non-cognitive qualities such as grit, self control and social intelligence play in our ability to learn and succeed in life. "

" Attention and nurturing provide a better basis for building character and adult success than high IQ. "

" This book is a must read for today's parents. The growing evidence, that a child's attitude is the chief determinate in child becoming a successful adult. Though illustrates this point beautifully though stories about the importance of attitude. "

" Good book, although I don't think the book ever posed or answered in questions. Like what causes grit? Or how do some humans have grit and others don't. I didn't really expect the book to be able to answer these questions. We just don't currently understand motivation that great. But that is the point. The book is fun read but nothing past that. "

" Enjoyed this book. Not many tips overall, but comforting. Along the lines of if you are active and involved with your kids, they will likely be fine. Don't do everything for your kids and they will be a bit better. "

" Changed how I thought about character vs intelligence and made me appreciate poverty issues and the effects they have on children and later as adults. Problems in education have as much to do with having good teachers and funding as it does with having good parents and a good community. "

" Makes a good case for early attachment theory and character building. Want to read this again. "

" It was not what I had expected - I am pleased that I did complete reading it. There is an incredible amount of research, studies, etc.... I commend Mr. Tough on his thoroughness of the subject. "

" Tough blends a survey of social science research with compelling stories of individual achievement. The result is a tight, satisfying book that leaves the reader with plenty of fodder for interesting cocktail chatter and questions about how best to raise children. "

" It's a little academic, but it's good to see he's done the research to back the claims of what characteristics help just about anyone, in my estimation, to succeed. "

" Very similar in style to "The Outliers". "

" Some pointers on early parenting coupled with how to bridge the education gap between impoverished children and well-off children. "

" There were some interesting stories and idea in this book, but overall it was disjointed. I am not sure I really learned anything or have a clear idea what the author's point was. "

" I agree with this book's main argument, but like most journalists who write about education, he embraces the "great man theory" of educational reform and writes a love-letter to certain reformers, principals, teachers, etc., not an actual summary or review of the research. "

" Excellent! Read this book if you care about eduction and poverty or if you have children. "

" If you want in-depth look at the attempts to change the landscape of low income education, this is a great book. If you're looking for the information promised in the title, you will be disappointed. "

" See my comment for my review. "

" I read this book at the suggestion of a girlfriend and really enjoyed the first half. The book fell apart during the second half when the author got bogged down in a technical discussion of chess and his own life. "