Conversation has been called a "dying art," especially when one considers the bleak landscape of modern culture: families slumped in front of the television, or family members isolated one-by-one in front of a computer or game or video player.

Conversation with Character is a curriculum aimed at ages 9 - 15, for training in the art of conversation. From my experience, many adults can benefit from this curriculum as well!

This is no "quick-fix" but a well-thought-out plan containing 22 lessons on all aspects of conversation, from starting, through all the skills of maintaining, to gracefully concluding. In addition, Lesson 22 (which is labeled "optional" but is more a note to the parent on preparation for the future) covers the etiquette of communicating in group settings such as classes, choirs, or clubs.

Each lesson contains parents' notes, a section to read to your children with discussion questions, a suggested activity, a Bible verse or two, and quotes from famous people or proverbs to generate discussion or give food for thought. The lessons are designed to give you skills to practice for a week or two before moving on. This curriculum could easily last the entire school year.

Skills covered include starting a conversation, "passing the conversational ball," blessing others with our words, being concise, making smooth transitions from one topic to another, paying attention to body language, being agreeable and polite, giving and receiving compliments, telephone etiquette, how to handle gossip, how to be respectful, and more.

Negative habits are dealt with, too: interrupting, repetition, and annoying mannerisms being among them.

This book never lectures. Material is presented with a pleasant tone in a matter-of-fact manner. Amusing anecdotes and "stories" are sprinkled throughout to keep everyone's attention. The activities are practical and thought-provoking, and you don't have to make any special trips to the store to prepare for a lesson!

All in all, this is a great topic of study and, if you were to ask me, ought to be included in everyone's "core" curriculum. Of course, you're reading this review, so I suppose you did ask me. Well, now you have your answer!