The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories

Reviewers widely praise this book as a superb and extensive collection of stories, essays, poems, songs, rhymes, myths, and historical excerpts. Many find it to be a wonderful teaching tool for parents and an effective means to instill strong, healthy values and moral character in children and young adults. The book's structure, organizing diverse literary pieces around specific virtues such as loyalty, self-discipline, compassion, and honesty, is frequently highlighted as a strength. Readers appreciate the opportunity to easily dip in and out of the book, making it an ideal choice for a comforting before-bed read or a source of thought-provoking material for all ages. Specific stories and poems, including classic fables and inspiring verses, are noted for their timeless lessons and enjoyable qualities.

However, the collection also elicits several criticisms. Some reviewers were surprised by the book's content, expecting more "real, true stories" rather than a compilation of fables, nursery rhymes, and myths, which they felt sometimes aimed to "scare into obedience" rather than purely inspire. Specific selections are flagged as problematic, including those perceived to equate obedience with moral character, or containing language and themes that some found inappropriate or outdated. A significant point of contention for several readers is the editor's perceived conservative political and religious leanings, leading to concerns about the book potentially serving as "propaganda" or being "too mixed up with Christianity" for non-religious families. Additionally, the collection is criticized for its lack of cultural diversity, predominantly featuring "Western civilization" perspectives, and some question the originality of a book that primarily compiles existing works.

Despite these reservations, the general consensus is that this remains a valuable and significant resource. While its considerable length encourages a selective reading approach rather than a cover-to-cover journey, many reviewers find it an excellent collection of literature that can foster important discussions and personal reflection. This book is particularly recommended for parents and educators seeking material for character education and moral development, or for families who enjoy exploring a wide range of classic stories, fables, and poems together. Readers who are prepared to be discerning about specific selections, and who value a broad, albeit largely Western-centric, compilation of virtue-oriented narratives, are likely to find The Book of Virtues a rewarding addition to their home library.