This book expounds on Dr. Laura's philosophy and what she sees as a major tear in our country's moral fabric: the forgoing of rectitude to ease one's own feelings. Each chapter deals with a different virtuous theme: self-respect, morals, integrity, and principles. Throughout the book, Dr. Laura stresses the title's "three Cs". Character is defined as discerning an obligation towards others over self. It is "what you are when no one else is looking". Another "C" which many of us lack is courage, the risking taking and standing up for ideals. And the last C, conscience, is how we judge ourselves in moral terms and how we conform to those values.
Peppered throughout the book are case studies of how these ideals affect our life choices. Most of the examples border on the extreme edges of volatile relationships. (This reviewer has led a sheltered life and has never heard Dr. Laura's radio show, but imagines it must be fairly entertaining.) However, after the first few cases of accidental pregnancies and unfaithful spouses, Dr. Laura's response becomes predictable.
Of particular note to our working moms was Dr. Laura's stand on child care. Her view of an ideal situation for a child is "a two-parent family with no full-time day care and no part-time day care till the child is at least two and a half to three years old." (And thus Dr. Laura lost a star with our group.)
Yet the book club members agreed heartily with the primary theme of the book - taking responsibility for one's actions. Current societal trends encourage putting blame on others for any unhappiness in our lives. If any misfortune comes our way, there must be someone we can sue. But it is our ability to make choices, to react like human beings, that gives us meaning to our lives. If you've ever encountered any moral dilemmas (and who hasn't), you might want to read this book.